How to Tie Down a Motorcycle in a Trailer
Before you take off down the highway with your prize motorcycle in tow, be sure you know how to secure a motorcycle in a trailer so it isn't damaged and doesn't come loose while you are transporting it. If you are transporting a large touring motorcycle, make sure the front tie downs are not attached to the handlebars but closer to the top of the fork. Other than that, the process and safety measures you follow will be the same for any type of motorcycle you are going to tie down to a trailer.
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Instructions
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Level the trailer. On some models you can do this by dropping down the front tongue leveler near the hitch and adjusting it until the trailer is level. On other models, it is simply a matter of making sure you have the trailer parked on an even surface. Once the trailer is level, drop the loading ramp into position.
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Push or ride your motorcycle onto the trailer. Go as far forward as you can in the trailer.
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Hold the motorcycle in the upright position; do not let it lean or rest on the kickstand and do not engage the center stand if so equipped. Using ratchet tie downs, wrap one end of the web several times around one side of the handlebar and attach the other end of the tie down to the front corner of the trailer, making sure the ratchet hangs free and is accessible. Attach another tie down to the opposite side of the handlebar and front corner of the trailer. When you are done, the tie downs should form a "V" shape from the handlebars to the front corners of the trailer. Tighten the ratchets, alternating from tie down to tie down to keep the straps even, until the straps are completely tight.
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Attach a tie-down strap at the end of the frame of your motorcycle on each side of the bike. Run these straps to the rear corners of the trailer, again so the straps form a "V" shape to the bike. Alternate tightening the ratchets until the straps are completely tight.
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Place a wheel chock in front of and behind the rear tire of your motorcycle. Make sure you push the chock toward the tire so the tire catches the narrow edge of the chock and will hold it in place.
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Check your tie downs by trying to rock the motorcycle forward and backward and from side to side. If you can move your motorcycle, retighten the ratchets. You should not be able to move your motorcycle at all while it is on the trailer.
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Tips & Warnings
Have someone help you by remaining seated on the motorcycle and holding it upright while you attach the tie downs. If there is no one around, attach the tie downs to the corners of the trailer first and then load the motorcycle; this way, all you have to do is lean down and pick up the straps to attach them and then ratchet them in place.
Make sure the rear tie-downs are attached to the frame of the motorcycle and not to the tail-light assembly. Tail-light supports and assemblies cannot bear the weight of the motorcycle and could bend or break under stress.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit SportUtilityTrailers.com
