Tie downs for son's dirtbike

Just picked up a '17 Sport, needed a truck for firewood and running my son and his dirtbike around to his buddies trails. I'm guessing the sliding bed rail tie downs aren't ideal for bikes and I've heard the front cleats (on the side of the bed) tend to flex a lot. Are you guys mostly adding D-rings to the front bed mounting bolts? Do they sell D-rings that fit in the bed rails?

He has a Honda 70 so it's not ridiculously heavy but just curious what you guys do.

 

I do this

 

I do the same and never had an issue (Honda CR250). I've since added additional D rings to the bed bolts. I used ones intended for the Dodge sprinter (p/n 05170492AA) and they've worked great.

 

And they don't flex while driving?

 

You can put these in the bed bolts, you’ll have to take out the bolts and grind off the ridges and reinstall, there’s an install thread here somewhere.

There’s six bed bolts, three on each side of bed.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/TEN-Replac...o-Tie-Downs-PF26-D-Ring-/264334274552?vxp=mtr

 

I also just use the silver tie downs above the wheel wells with my ktm 300, weighs about 230 pounds. Never had a problem and have done some pretty rough offroad with it in there too. I would not trust the bed rails though, they are definitely weaker.

 

How bout something like this?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-rail-tie-down-wheel-chock-system.483012/

 

You don't (didn't) have to grind off the ridges. An appropriately sized socket and a small sledge popped off the washers. I did make the mistake of not wearing gloves, so wear gloves.


Edit to add that the bed bolt torque is not easily found. I checked mine before removing them and found that 60ft-lb is about right. I've seen this number posted in other threads.

 

Don't just hear, but see!

 

I haul my 250 around off the front side cleats and rear d-rings with no issues. I don’t use the bed cleats at all.

 

SWEET bike man!! My son is 11, he started with a Honda 50 about 5 years ago then moved on to a Honda CRF70 and now wants a KTM 65 to learn how to use a clutch. Man those bikes are expensive but all the kids want KTM these days!!

Edit: Also could you link me to those tie down straps you are using, been looking for that style

 

I hang mine on the hitch.

 

I actually have one of those, got it a few years ago when I didn't have a truck

 

Ohuhu 8 Pack Orange Ratchet Strap, Ratchet Tie Downs Logistic Straps - 15 Ft - 500 lbs Loatd Cap with 1500lb Breaking Limit - Cargo Straps for Lawn Equipment, Moving Appliances, Motorcycle

$38 Ratchet Tie Down Strap 8-Pack 15 Ft - 500 lbs Load Cap with 1500 lbs Breaking Limit, Ohuhu Ratchet Tie Downs Logistic Cargo Straps for Moving Appliances, Motorcycle, Orange

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DYPKZ8X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_T6WuDbNE4RVTS

Yeah KTM’s are expensive but the best bike I’ve ever owned and I’ve had many.

 

Thanks, is it true that with 2 stroke bikes like these you have to redo the top end every 150 hours or so?

 

I have d-rings at the four corners from factory that I use. I would not trust the little hooks on the side of the plastic bed.

 

Yes that’s true...but parts are not expensive and they are so easy to work on really not much to them. I run 100 low lead aviation fuel and a high quality two stoke oil. 2 strokes love leaded high octane gas! Any local airport with an FBO will sell you the fuel just bring a DOT approved container for transport or run just run pump gas but bike won’t rip as well.

 

I have corner brackets I added in the front. See http://www.bayareametalfab.com/Bed-Tie-Downs_p_21.html