Question for those who carry motorcycles...

I'll be doing some modeling and analysis on it to make sure it fits and functions like I plan. I'm intending it to be a one-off custom part, but if there is interest, I'll supply the demand

I'm in the process of closing on house and work has been crazy....sooo, not sure how long this will take but this project is near the top of my list since my trackdays are getting closer.

 

I know I'd be interested! Never hurts to be prepared--this is something I've been thinking about since weather almost interfered with picking up the bike from the dealership (which is kinda far away and out in BFE) and we spent some time trying to figure out how to secure it in the bed so that it would stand up to some serious hills, etc. Luckily, the weather cooperated and Hubby just road it home, but it got me thinking about possible future need...

 

Here in Louisiana if your 4 wheeler isn't straped down in atleast 3 points your insurance won't cover it or the damage it would cause.

 

reviving this ancient thread to get some input about this issue.

What are you guys using for ramps?

What are you using for tie downs?

how much damage are you doing to your tailgates?

Don't you love it when a newb uses the search function?

 

Answers in red.

 

Thanks Pugga. I'm not quite a full dresser, but it's a small cruiser. 550#

editing one of my questions...

regarding tie downs, I'm curious about both the straps and the tie-down points. Using the Stock rails? added D-rings? an add on bar or corner mount behind the cab?

Truck is new to me, and I intend to set myself up correctly, right out o' the gate. There's a lot of great stuff out there, but it seems most "bikes" onboard are dirt bikes.

 

I've been using 8x10 planks with the ramp end kit.

Highland (0700500 Ramparts 8" Aluminum Ramp Top and Bottom Kit - 4 Piece

http://www.amazon.com/Highland-0700...8&qid=1428594218&sr=8-1&keywords=ramp+end+kit

If I had to do it over again, I'd get some decent quality bi-fold aluminum ramps or perhaps a single tri-fold ramp. Whatever you do, make sure the ramps are long enough so the pitch is at a minimum.

Love my tie downs. Ratchet straps with snap hooks so no chance of slipping off.

Keeper 05723 1 1/2" by 8' Heavy-Duty Motorcycle and ATV Tie Down, Pack of 2

http://www.amazon.com/Keeper-05723-...2787&sr=8-2&keywords=motorcycle+ratchet+strap

No damage to tailgate yet but always made me nervous.

Having said that, I got tired of filling my truck bed and went with a homemade utility trailer using a PWC trailer.

 

I use 2 regular ratchet type straps and the Moto Chock from Baxley. This thing is invaluable. No need to strap to the handlebars. Just two straps on the frame pulling down and slightly forward. The chock can be bolted to the bed of your trailer for added security.

http://www.baxleycompanies.com/Chocks.html

 

There are those who will disagree with me but I absolutely would NOT use the bed rails to secure a motorcycle. I do not believe they are strong enough. Here's a thread I made on how I load and haul my motorcycle when I still had the Tacoma:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/motorcycles/120955-loading-motorcycle-dcsb-pics.html

I'm certainly not going to tell you it's the only way to do it, just the best way I saw to go about doing it.

 

One of my friends has an 05 or 06 and did warp his tail gate pretty good by loading in a Honda shadow 750. I'm not sure when they beefed up the tail gates so you might wanna check on that before hauling

 

There are those who will disagree with me but I absolutely would NOT use the bed rails to secure a motorcycle. I do not believe they are strong enough.

+1

 

I have a Box Bar secured to the bed with a backing plate for added support, the front tires cinch up to the wheel slots, no movement.
Ready Ramp that doubles as a bed extender (no longer available).
I use a fork support so I don't compress the suspension in all the way in.
By the way truck is for sale.

 

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A member here makes these tie down bars. I have one and it's perfect for having 1-2 bikes in the bed. Def an investment in properly securing your expensive motorcycle while transporting. As far a ramp get a folding aluminum ramp, lightweight and strong.

Tacomatruckparts.com

 

Ccr sport bed buddy. Have had it for almost 8 years hauling bikes. Great for tying down stuff too. Also keeps the bed from flexing into the cab.