What straps and tie down method?
Discussion
olly22n said:
black-k1 said:
I would suggest checking out a set of handlebar straps as they make attaching to the front of faired bikes very easy (and secure). Google handlebar tie down straps if you're not sure.
Thank you, would you suppliment the handlebar straps with one at the rear too?olly22n said:
Any more help on the straps?
In all seriousness I have used standard tie-down ratchets and just made sure the rear suspension was compressed.With a handle bar strap, some wheel chocks and the bike in gear it will no nowhere.
If you are very worried I used an arrangement in Austria where the front wheel dropped half the tyre depth into a gully and was then clamped in place.
I use a four ton ratchet for the front which pulls the front of the bike into the chock. I thread this through the fairing and over the Yoke. I know a four ton is over the top but hear me out. The larger straps are so much easier to use than the smaller and more fiddly 1.5 ton straps that I use for the back of the bike. The 1.5 ton ones go through and over one of the wheel spokes. The smaller straps get tangled occasionally and once I had to hacksaw it off.
The 4 tons are excellent. So the large strap pulls the bike forward into the chock and the rear strap pulls it back which overall keeps it stable. I have used this method about ten times now to various tracks and bike has been fine. I also have a tyre down but unfortunately the trailer I use needs to be modified before this can be used.
This isn't necessarily the best method but it's one that worked for me after trying various ways of strapping it down. Tyre down will make it easier but only if it fits your trailer. My bike is a fireblade btw. HTH
The 4 tons are excellent. So the large strap pulls the bike forward into the chock and the rear strap pulls it back which overall keeps it stable. I have used this method about ten times now to various tracks and bike has been fine. I also have a tyre down but unfortunately the trailer I use needs to be modified before this can be used.
This isn't necessarily the best method but it's one that worked for me after trying various ways of strapping it down. Tyre down will make it easier but only if it fits your trailer. My bike is a fireblade btw. HTH
As K1 says, it's important to try and make sure you're pulling the bike forwards into whatever is holding the front wheel.
There's also several types of straps available. If you're loading the bike on your own, you may find that ratchet straps are easier to use than the pull type. The latter can be hard as you have to try and hang off of them (a two handed job!) whilst trying to lean on the bike to compress the suspension.
Just be aware though that some of the ratchet straps can be pretty heavy duty things, so will/can bend things if over-tightened!
I know that lots of people say that you can get away with just two straps, but I personally think that four is the best bet. Two pulling the forks down, somewhere on or around the handlebars ideally. Dive the forks, then tighten. Again be careful you don't over-do it if using ratchet straps. These straps should be pulling the bike forwards, so aim to have them as high on the bike as practical and as low and far forwards - and wide apart - as possible on the trailer, with the trailer ends further forwards than the bike mounted ends. The two at the rear should be as high as possible, to as low and wide on the trailer, again pulling the bike forwards. Lean on the seat and pull down on straps. Stand well back and check it's upright! Probably not such a problem on new bikes, but we try not to have too much fuel in the bikes when trailering. They get bounced about quite a bit!
There's also several types of straps available. If you're loading the bike on your own, you may find that ratchet straps are easier to use than the pull type. The latter can be hard as you have to try and hang off of them (a two handed job!) whilst trying to lean on the bike to compress the suspension.
Just be aware though that some of the ratchet straps can be pretty heavy duty things, so will/can bend things if over-tightened!
I know that lots of people say that you can get away with just two straps, but I personally think that four is the best bet. Two pulling the forks down, somewhere on or around the handlebars ideally. Dive the forks, then tighten. Again be careful you don't over-do it if using ratchet straps. These straps should be pulling the bike forwards, so aim to have them as high on the bike as practical and as low and far forwards - and wide apart - as possible on the trailer, with the trailer ends further forwards than the bike mounted ends. The two at the rear should be as high as possible, to as low and wide on the trailer, again pulling the bike forwards. Lean on the seat and pull down on straps. Stand well back and check it's upright! Probably not such a problem on new bikes, but we try not to have too much fuel in the bikes when trailering. They get bounced about quite a bit!
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