Tips for Safely Transporting your Motorcycle

So you've rented one of my single or double rail motorcycle trailer. Maybe your heading off to Sturgis or Daytona Beach for a bike rally? Where ever your going I have some tips to help you load and tie-down your motorcycle. Reading these tips will not make you an expert but they might save you some grief.
  1. The first thing you will need, other than just a bike trailer, are tie-down straps. I prefer tie downs that are made from 1 inch aircraft nylon webbing. Most are rated at 400 pounds each using a straight pull and 800 pounds when looped. At 66 inches in length, they will take care of most all cycles. I like tie down straps with "thumb release" action rather than the ratcheting type.


    2. Tie-Down Straps


  2. You may also want to look into soft-straps. These will get you around painted areas of your bike that you don't want to get scratched up by hooks. Also make sure the S-hooks on the straps are rubber coated to prevent scratching the bars. The soft-straps are about 12 inches to 18 inches long.


    3. Soft-Straps (top pair) and Tie-Down Extension Straps (bottom pair)


  3. When loading your bike on a multi bike trailer, always load the heaviest bike first. This allows you plenty of room to put the kickstand down. Always put the heaviest bike on the "RIGHT SIDE" of the trailer. This puts the heaviest bike toward the "crown" of the road. For a one man operation, being able to put the kickstand down, for a minute gives you time to get the tie downs ready and lessens the possibility of trouble for the person loading.
  4. A wheel chock or wheel stop of some type should always be used. These will prevent the front wheel from moving while being tied down or from rolling forward. I always keep my bike in 1st or 2nd gear when tied down on a trailer.
  5. Get the tie down straps TIGHT. As the straps get tighter, the forks will get compressed and the bike will become more secure. Make sure you have your suspension as compressed as possible. Always tie the bike down in the straight upright position. Never tie a bike down on it's kick stand. The stand can snap when you hit a pot hole or large bump! Not that we have any pot holes here in Florida!
  6. Most people say, "the lighter the bike, the fewer straps you need." This is bull! I recommend always using at least four (4) straps. Two in the front and two on the rear. If you would feel safer, use three pairs, it's always better to be safer than sorry. For bikes over 500 pounds four straps up front and two at the back is a good idea just for safety sake Always hook the straps to parts of the bike that aren't going to move. Never hook the straps to the rear view mirrors like I had one guy do. The top triple tree or the handle bars right next to the riser are good places that I use for the front straps. The rear straps should go to the frame or something like the sissy bar. If there is no place to hook the rear tie downs, you can hook the upper two hooks together over the seat. Just be sure to wrap the hooks with a heavy towel or rag so the hooks don't damage your seat.
  7. Any bike over about 400 pounds can be difficult to load alone if not impossible. Don't be to shy to ask a friend for some help loading your ride!
  8. Do not let the bike get off center while loading. Just a few degrees off center will send you and the bike to the ground and that will screw up your trip for sure!
  9. Always keep control of the front brake! This may be the only way to control your bike and keep it from getting away from you.
  10. Always tie off the loose ends of the tie down straps. At highway speeds these loose ends will beat the hell out of a nice paint job. Tying them off will also help stop them from loosening up.
  11. The tie down straps should be at an angle of approximately 45 degrees off the front forks and 30 degrees off the rear.
  12. When on long hauls, be sure to check your tie downs periodically for tension. Tie downs can and will loosen up from wind and stretching and load shifting.
  13. Always be sure the tie down straps and their hooks haven't been looped or hooked over any wires, hydraulic lines or cables like the throttle or clutch.
These "TIPS" are meant as just that that "TIPS." I assume no responsibility for using or not using these "TIPS" when loading or unloading your bike on a trailer. Every bike is different, so be careful when putting your bike on a trailer. Remember, you are the only one who can be sure your bike is secure when on a trailer.
WARNING: CANADA REQUIRES BRAKES ON TRAILERS
Motorcycle Trailer Rentals and Sales Information
727-321-5676
While our rental trailers go all over the USA, Canada and Mexico,
all trailers must be picked up and returned to the Tampa Bay area of Florida only.
We have no outlets in any other state at this time.


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