How to trailer a motorcycle ??

[monkey]

We (I) am thinking of putting my Harley Sportster on a little 8' trailer for our trip out west...(behind the RV) How do you tie it down ?? Do you leave it on the side kick stand ? I see bunches trailered that seem upright,, I have plenty of straps,,, just wondered if I should strap it down on the kick stand, or try to strap it vertical,, without the kick stand... Then where do you run the straps, so it doesn't ruin the paint ?? I'd rather tow her car,, but the little 350 would never make it up some of those BIG mountians.... Thanks bunches,,, Monkey

[Ranger Smith]

I have a front wheel motorcycle chock that holds the front tire in place and I tie it down straight up and not on the side stand. Two straps in front and 2 in back nice and tight and all set.

[Mrjim]

Put a wheel chock on the trailer to help keep the bike stable and centered. You should be able tp run ratcheting straps on front handle bars, and on rear suspension somewhere (sorry, only have trailered my Heritage and Ultra).

[wonderer1]

you should look at trailers built for towing motorcycles to get ideas. easer to see than explain. but no not on the side stand. front tire in a rail with an upright front with sides, back tire in same rail. 4 corner pull down. once you see the pictures you'll under stand how simple it is. the rail stops the tires from sliding side ways. and the rail bolted to your trailer.

[Ranger Smith]

Originally Posted by Ranger Smith

I have a front wheel motorcycle chock that holds the front tire in place and I tie it down straight up and not on the side stand. Two straps in front and 2 in back nice and tight and all set.

I put one strap on each handle bar and one on each rear fender strut on my softail. never had a problem. Just shut off the alarm if you have one cause the lights will keep flashing.

[Sargee]

Do not put straps on handle bars some are rubber mounted go through fork on front end. Use chock in front make sure straps pull forward to pull into chock. Make sure center bike on trailer axle keep weight on trailer tongue.

[WeatherTodd]

use a Baxley chock. Also do not tie the handle bars... use the triple trees or something solid like a frame rail.

[winniman]

Make sure you use the good quality tie downs that are about 1 1/2 inches wide. Those cheap 3/4 inch ones wont do. We towed 5 bikes on a trailer 2000 miles each way and everyone who put on those thin ones had bought new ones within 2 hours of leaving.

[JohnFreyja]

I agree with WeatherTodd. Triple tree is substanial for use with racheting straps to compress the front forks part way. If no chock use the front corner of the trailer and strap the bike down diagonally.

[Sargee]

Thank you that is what I was trying yo say use triple tree. Using handle bars will come loose. Also don't go cheap good straps 4 not 2 tie into chock tie down like going 5000 miles even if going 50. It's easy once done couple times. Chock is cheap plus can get removable so doesn't mess up other uses for trailer.

[KIX]

You could use an enclosed trailer. That way you won't know the bike fell over until you get where you're going. But, it will be much cleaner.

[Harlee79]

Ratchet straps from trees holding bike vertical. Pulled forward to a chock or front of trailer, then just secure rear from each side of swing arm to keep it from hopping around, not a lot of tension just secure on the rear.

[SNAPPY]

We race sportbikes and trailer at least three bikes in our enclosed trailer everywhere we go. We travel thousands of miles and unload/load dozens of times a year. We are at some track somewhere almost every weekend. There are many ways to do it but if you want the easiest most secure way PitBull is the ONLY way to go.

Pit Bull : Trailer Restraints

[monkey]

Thankyou so much for the info... I know now Not to tie it down on the kick stand... I have heavy duty straps,, so will try to figure out how to strap it down upright without hurting anything... Thanks again everybody !!!!
Monkey