How to Secure a Motorcycle on a Pick Up Truck

Transporting a motorcycle with a pick up truck is a very common sight, as riders load up their steeds and head off to the track for competition or to the dealership for maintenance and repairs. Getting the bike into the truck can be made easier with the use of proper ramps. However, properly securing it to the bed of the truck is critical. Luckily, with a little preparation even the biggest bike can be loaded and secured safely with ease.

Things You'll Need

• Motorcycle ramp
• Ratcheting tie-down straps, minimum of two
• Handlebar harness

Instructions

1. Load the motorcycle onto the pick up truck using a solid, motorcycle-specific ramp. Wider ramps are best-suited for one-person loading since the motorcycle can be ridden up the ramp safely. If you have a narrower ramp, enlist the aid of a friend to help you push the vehicle up the ramp.

2. Push the motorcycle directly into the center of the truck bed to evenly distribute the weight of the bike, stopping as the front tire contacts the edge of the bed. Lower the kickstand and lean the bike against it.

3. Slide the handlebar harness over both hand grips and pull the loops tight.

4. Select two points on the forward portion of the truck bed to anchor the motorcycle to. Attach the tie-down hook that is closest to the strap's ratchet, or release button, to your selected anchor point, then attach the other hook to the left handlebar harness' loop. Pull the tie-down strap to remove some of the excess slack. Repeat on the right side of the motorcycle.

5. Straddle the motorcycle and stand it upright. Grip the tie down straps and pull to tighten. The straps should have enough tension to keep the motorcycle upright without wiggling. Be sure that the forks are not compressed.

6. Shake the motorcycle slightly to test the straps. If the motorcycle moves at all, or begins to lean to one side, tighten the straps again.

7. Remove the key from the ignition switch and raise the tailgate. Secure the loose tie-down straps by tying the excess lightly around itself.

Tips & Warnings

• For additional security, you may lock the motorcycle into first gear to prevent it from rolling backwards.

• You may choose to secure the rear of the motorcycle with additional tie-down straps. If you choose to do so, select points on the motorcycle that will provide enough strength to support the weight of the bike, such as the frame.

• If you feel uncomfortable performing this task alone, enlist the help of a friend or assistant.

• Do not compress the forks excessively, which can cause damage to the fork seals and other internal parts.

• Be sure that the tie-down straps are evenly tightened to prevent a tip-over.

• Do not ride your motorcycle up a narrow ramp when loading; instead enlist the help of a friend and push the bike up the ramp.

References

• The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program; Professional Career Development Institute; 1995