Question for those who carry motorcycles...

What are you using for tie down points? I have those sliding tie downs in the rails, but they certainly don't seem strong enough. I'm sure I can check the manual to see what the load capacity is, but I'm lazy. The two at the rear of the bed look good, but since there are none in the front, I guess I'll have to add. Anyone have any insight. Oh, and the bike in question is a Buell, so it's not very long and shouldn't put much weight (if any) on the tailgate.

Also, my truck is a 4x4...what kind of ramps are you using? I'm deliberating between buying and making. My interests go in the order of 1) easy to load/unload by myself, 2) small enough to fit in the bed with the bike and 3) something that won't break the bank.

Thoughts?

 

not sure about the motorcycles and carrying them/ and ramps, but check this out......cheap/free mods thread........adding extra d-rings is second on the list. good read there. hope this helps you some.

 

Yes definately put some drings up front thats what i did and believe me they have come in handy.

 

The tie down cleats for the bed rail says 220lb max pull load capacity, since they install 2 on each rail im guessing the max for each rail is 440lbs, 880lb for the whole thing.... maybe...

 

I have had my GSXR 750 in the bed with it tied down to the bed rails and the d-rings. I have heard others say things about the load on the rails, but I have never had a problem, maybe I am just lucky. If you are going to have it back there much I would definitely get some more d-rings. As far as loading, I have a 2x8 that is about 4 feet long. I usually find a ditch or a hill and load and unload that way.

 

Do not use the bed cleats to hold a Motorcycle/Dirtbike/ATV/Quad!!!

Buy some extra D Rings from trdparts4u and install them. Those are the only things to support your motorcycle safely.

 

Where do you install them on the front of the bed? Under that bolts that hold the bed down? I've been wanting to get some for the front, since I carry a KTM 300xcw in the back of my Taco. Thanks!

 

Hey bro check my pics. I have loaded my R1 quite a few times now. Two times for extended trips. I load it straight in using foldable 4 wheeler ramps that are 6ft long. I just walk the bike right up. The movable cleat things are used to tie down the front from the handle bars. I push the front suspension of the bike as far down as I can and tighten the tie downs. The movable points kind of bend upward but they hold the bike fine. Then I put two more tie downs from the passenger pegs to the rings on the bed.

 

Directions on how and where to install the D rings with PICS

There ya go.

 

Thank you!

 

i loaded my 450 lb v-star a few times and my 750 lb harley a couple times.... used the rear tie downs and the adjustables up front and in the middle, and never had any problems......

i also threw an extra strap around the rear tire.....

as far as the ramp goes.... DON'T use one like in the pic haha... i bought ruined my pants half way up

 

Thanks guys. I think I'll be ordering some more D-rings. I suppose I can risk the rails, but I'd rather not. At the cost and planning required for my track days, I can't afford any accidents.

I've only loaded one motorcycle into a pickup in my life, and we used three of us. Here is to hoping I can do it on my own

 

with a wide enough ramp, you can do it yourself....

to get the right length, so you don't bottome out (like i did!!!! not fun) use this ramp calculator. it's in the middle of the page, half way down.

http://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle_ramps.htm

 

Cool calculator. I like it when the math gets done for me. Does anyone know the height to the top of the tailgate for a 4x4 with a stock suspension? I can measure when I get home, but since you guys might know...

 

I've put my bike in the bed a few times front first against the cab. Had to use real small tie downs for the bars and used the d rings in the back for the rear. I've never had a problem using the cleats up front, knock on wood, but then I wasn't going very far. Recently, I've started loading it rear first, I made a tire jig to sit in the gap between the bed and tailgate, it's strapped to the d rings and then I use straps on the bars to the d rings.

I always have atleast 4 straps on the bike when I transport it somewhere.

 

The D-Rings are the way to go. I bought 2 pairs; one pair up front next to the drainage holes and the other pair back by the rear under the bed bolts for a total of 6. They have come in handy, best mimi-mod to date.

 

I mounted a Box Bar to the front of the bed for tying down the front end and supporting the front wheel(s). I strapped down the rear ties using the factory D rings. I also bought a ReadyRamp (600lb) and it doubles as a bed extender. I don't have any photos, but this system works well, it's safe and secure. By the way I did add 4 extra D rings where the bed bolts to the frame but I do not need them with the Box Bar. http://www.cambridgemetalsandplastics.com/box_bar.html

 

dont need tie downs....when you have a quad!

 

Yeah, well, I need to make due with only two wheels:



I'm in the process of designing/building an attachment bar/wheel chock for the front wheel...I think I'm just going to integrate the front tie downs into this part. I may get D-rings for the front as well, but my part would make the process of tying it down easier.

 

Sounds like a great idea! It would probably be marketable as well--think of all the ppl who transport bikes--you could really have something here!