Tying down the motorcycle on a trailer is a risky situation as the motorcycle might wobble or fall off while transporting.
Many riders face their bikes wobbling or slipping from the trailer resulting in damage. Other motorcyclists do not strap down the bike tightly.
To save from this dangerous scenario, there is a guide on how to tie down a motorcycle.
Different Kinds of Tie down Security
Every rider needs to know different kinds of tie-down styles to transport the motorcycle safely. When it comes to tying down a motorcycle, there are two styles to secure the motorcycle, one is ratchet tie down and the other is cam buckle style. Each explains below:
Ratchet tie down
Ratchet tie down is the most common way to secure the motorcycle safely. This style of tie down security involves using friction that helps to pass through the buckle to hold the strap in place. Ratchet style straps operate like cam buckle tie down straps but have a ratchet buckle rather than a cam style. This style of tie down security is easy to find and simple to work.
Cam buckle style
Cam buckle style uses friction that the strap creates which works by passing through the spring-loaded bike. This kind of security is strong and reliable.This makes great use to opt for cam buckle style when strapping the bike. Cam buckle tie down security allows the rider to strap down the motorcycle and bump up the tension to reduce shock loading.
How to Tie Down a Motorcycle
Regardless of the brand and model of the motorcycle, every rider must know how to tie down a motorcycle to avoid vibration and transport the bike safely. To know how to strap down a motorcycle on a trailer, you need to acquire certain equipment for safe transportation.
Things you need:
- Tie-down straps (4-10 straps)
- A wheel chock
- A loading ramp
- A motorcycle hitch carrier
- A trailer
- A motorcycle (obviously)
- A rope
Method:
- To begin how to trailer a motorcycle is to position your motorcycle by using a wheel chock to attach at the back of the trailer bed. This helps to keep the tire straight while the motorcycle is in a static position. To get the motorcycle into position is to attach the chock to the trailer and position it at the back of the bed and center it.
2. Then load the motorcycle into the trailer by opening the loading ramp. Use the motorcycle hitch carrier and attach the ramp to the trailer bed. Then attach the hitch mount to the trailer bed and roll the motorcycle up in the middle of the bed.
Note: Do not let the motorcycle go away otherwise the vehicle will tip over. To handle this step properly is to take two people.
3. Position the front wheel into the wheel chock. Then roll your bike to the back of the trailer and rest the front wheel in the chock. In most wheel chocks, the mechanism clicks when the front wheel fully enters it. If you hear the click sound, this means the bike is in the right position.
Note: Do not lower the kickstand. You can put it out temporarily while you gather the equipment but raise it before tying down the bike.
4. Secure the front wheel by holding the bike upright. If you have another person, this would make the job easier. Be sure you hold the bike upright without leaning to one side.
Note: If you are on your own, you can secure the bike by using a kickstand. But you have to raise it before you tie down the bike.
5. Next, use a strap and tie one end of the strap to the side of the trailer in line with the front tire. To tie down without any vibration is to move up so you are even with the front tire. It does not make a difference which side you want to strap. Then tie the end of one strap to the trailer body and pull on the strap to ensure a secure hold.
6. Loop around the strap around one of the front suspension tubes. To begin motorcycle trailer tie-down is to start on suspension tube on the same side you have strapped and loop around the tube. Just the rubber parts of the shock absorber.
7. Then secure the other end of the strap to a ratchet strap and tighten it. This works by tying the rope with a ratchet strap attached to the trailer in front of the front tire. Then loop the first strap through the ratchet strap and crank the ratchet to tie down the strap.
Note: If you have a partner, allow the person to sit on the bike as it helps to avoid pulling from one side of the motorcycle.
8. Repeat the same process by following steps 5 to 7 by using the other strap and tie on the opposite side of the front wheel. With one side secure, the bike will add more security once tied at the other side.
9. For a tie-down motorcycle on the trailer, tie the strap that is parallel to the rear tire and line up the strap with the rear tire. Then tie it to the trailer at this point.
10. Wrap the strap around the rear tire by pulling the strap towards the rear tire and loop it through. Wrap the tire in one complete rotation and pull the strap towards the other side of the trailer.
Note: Be sure you only strap around the tire, not on any spokes.
11. Attach the strap to the ratchet strap on the opposite side of the trailer, loop through the ratchet, and crank it to tighten the strap.
12. Tie-down the loose strap ends so they do not fall off while driving at high speeds. To ensure tighter security is to secure all of the ends by tying them to the trailer or loop around the tightened strap.
13. Your motorcycle is safe on the trailer!
Tips and Guides for a Safe Tie-down for Trailer
Every rider should know how to tie down a motorcycle and should know some tips and guides to avoid their bikes from wobbling or falling. To ensure safe transportation, there are certain tips and guides when knowing how to trailer a motorcycle.
– When planning to tie down on your trailer, be sure you choose the right size of the motorcycle hitch carrier. This will make it easier to load your bike onto the trailer with the right weight.
– Do check the dimensions of your motorcycle when strapping down on the trailer. This including the weight and the height.
– If you are unable to tie down your motorcycle, have a trusted person to do the job together.
– Be sure the length of the straps are stretchable and easy to reach. This will make it easier to attach to the trailer.
– If you feel any vibration during the ride, just stop the trailer and add extra straps or tighten the straps further.
– In case you feel the bike will slip or fall off, be sure you take extra straps with you during the ride.
– If your trailer has hooks, this will benefit to tie down the straps easier rather than spending endless hours on looping the straps around.
– When it comes to buying straps, look for those straps that have durable materials that do not tear off when tying down on the trailer.
Wrap Up
Here is the guide on how to tie down a motorcycle. This guide requires care and attention to avoid the valuable motorcycle to wobble or slipping off from the trailer. Every rider should follow the tips and guides when it comes to strapping down the bike for safe and secure transport. If you are unsure of how to strap your motorcycle, just refer to the instruction above.
So tie down your motorcycle and ride safely!
You can also read how to transport a motorcycle in a pickup truck and motorcycle hitch carrier.