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bike hauling and tie down question
Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 5:37 pm
by Mike Frey
I've been hauling bikes in pickup trucks and trailers since the early
'70s. In recent years, I've seen recommendations to NOT compress the
suspension much when tying it down. Why not? Is this a new "legend"?
My standard procedure is to compress the forks to almost bottomed out.
On longer trips, I'll tie down the rear end of the bike as well.
I've seen a dozen or more bikes fly off the back of trucks or trailers
when the truck went over a bump - especially on the last half mile or
so, when taking off-road bikes to or from the parking areas. In each
case it was obvious what happened - the truck hit a dip, the forks
compressed, a tie-down came off, and the bike flops over.
I've never lost a bike that way, but have had people tell me "You are
tying it down too tight!" Apparently, the concern is damaging the
suspension by having it compressed for long drives. If that's the case,
aren't we "damaging" the forks and shocks every time we hit a bump while
riding, or just sitting on the bike (which of course compresses the
suspension)?
Mike
bike hauling and tie down question
Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 5:41 pm
by David Bowden
I've always read and always followed the same rule. Ratchet the forks down
all the way so the bike is solid and doesnt move. Ive actually seen people
use the side stand instead of straps driving down the freeway!
On Thu, Feb 24, 2011 at 3:37 PM, Mike Frey wrote:
>
>
>
> I've been hauling bikes in pickup trucks and trailers since the early
> '70s. In recent years, I've seen recommendations to NOT compress the
> suspension much when tying it down. Why not? Is this a new "legend"?
>
> My standard procedure is to compress the forks to almost bottomed out.
> On longer trips, I'll tie down the rear end of the bike as well.
>
> I've seen a dozen or more bikes fly off the back of trucks or trailers
> when the truck went over a bump - especially on the last half mile or
> so, when taking off-road bikes to or from the parking areas. In each
> case it was obvious what happened - the truck hit a dip, the forks
> compressed, a tie-down came off, and the bike flops over.
>
> I've never lost a bike that way, but have had people tell me "You are
> tying it down too tight!" Apparently, the concern is damaging the
> suspension by having it compressed for long drives. If that's the case,
> aren't we "damaging" the forks and shocks every time we hit a bump while
> riding, or just sitting on the bike (which of course compresses the
> suspension)?
>
> Mike
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
bike hauling and tie down question
Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:01 pm
by roncriswell@sbcglobal.net
My old Yamaha IT fell out once giving it some nasty scratches and my old Hodaka's back tire fell out of a bumper rack I was using. Neither bikes was hurt much as they were both indestructible. I saw a Harley guy once out in Big Bend Natl. Park loading his big bike up onto a trailer waaaay too big and putting the bike right in the center with nothing to block the front tire or keep the bike from moving around. The guy and his wife were so nice and you know how people often don't like know it all advice, I didn't say anything. I think the first bump or railroad crossing would have done it in. But like all of us, he will learn.
Criswell
On Feb 24, 2011, at 5:37 PM, Mike Frey wrote:
>
> I've been hauling bikes in pickup trucks and trailers since the early
> '70s. In recent years, I've seen recommendations to NOT compress the
> suspension much when tying it down. Why not? Is this a new "legend"?
>
> My standard procedure is to compress the forks to almost bottomed out.
> On longer trips, I'll tie down the rear end of the bike as well.
>
> I've seen a dozen or more bikes fly off the back of trucks or trailers
> when the truck went over a bump - especially on the last half mile or
> so, when taking off-road bikes to or from the parking areas. In each
> case it was obvious what happened - the truck hit a dip, the forks
> compressed, a tie-down came off, and the bike flops over.
>
> I've never lost a bike that way, but have had people tell me "You are
> tying it down too tight!" Apparently, the concern is damaging the
> suspension by having it compressed for long drives. If that's the case,
> aren't we "damaging" the forks and shocks every time we hit a bump while
> riding, or just sitting on the bike (which of course compresses the
> suspension)?
>
> Mike
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
bike hauling and tie down question
Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:42 pm
by Charlie Y
cut a piece of 2x4 that you can stick in there so the suspension is only
half compressed, but you can still get the straps real tight.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Frey"
To: "List KLR" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:37 PM
Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Bike hauling and tie down question
>
> I've been hauling bikes in pickup trucks and trailers since the early
> '70s. In recent years, I've seen recommendations to NOT compress the
> suspension much when tying it down. Why not? Is this a new "legend"?
>
> My standard procedure is to compress the forks to almost bottomed out.
> On longer trips, I'll tie down the rear end of the bike as well.
>
> I've seen a dozen or more bikes fly off the back of trucks or trailers
> when the truck went over a bump - especially on the last half mile or
> so, when taking off-road bikes to or from the parking areas. In each
> case it was obvious what happened - the truck hit a dip, the forks
> compressed, a tie-down came off, and the bike flops over.
>
> I've never lost a bike that way, but have had people tell me "You are
> tying it down too tight!" Apparently, the concern is damaging the
> suspension by having it compressed for long drives. If that's the case,
> aren't we "damaging" the forks and shocks every time we hit a bump while
> riding, or just sitting on the bike (which of course compresses the
> suspension)?
>
> Mike
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
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> Member Map:
>
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> Group Apps:
>
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DSN_KLR650/grouplets/subscriptionsYahoo!
> Groups Links
>
>
>
bike hauling and tie down question
Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:58 pm
by dooden
Yup Yup what Charlie said..
Cept.. I notched the 2x4 on top so that it makes contact with the bolts that hold the fender on.
OR
Go ahead, ratchet them forks down as tight as you want.
Fred no doubt has fork seals waiting to be shipped out quickly, and ATF is fairly inexpensive.
Also a 1 1/4 4-Way PVC connector works perfect for putting in that new fork seal.. OH how would I know that ? Something I learned after not using the block to tighten down the suspension. Even took out a set of brake pads (from the fish oil leak) exactly ONCE...
Oh as for riding the bike, yes I has completely bottomed out the suspension lets just say more than once. ( Seals held fine )
Dooden
A15 Green Ape
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Charlie Y" wrote:
>
> cut a piece of 2x4 that you can stick in there so the suspension is only
> half compressed, but you can still get the straps real tight.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mike Frey"
> To: "List KLR" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:37 PM
> Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Bike hauling and tie down question
>
>
> >
> > I've been hauling bikes in pickup trucks and trailers since the early
> > '70s. In recent years, I've seen recommendations to NOT compress the
> > suspension much when tying it down. Why not? Is this a new "legend"?
> >
> > My standard procedure is to compress the forks to almost bottomed out.
> > On longer trips, I'll tie down the rear end of the bike as well.
> >
> > I've seen a dozen or more bikes fly off the back of trucks or trailers
> > when the truck went over a bump - especially on the last half mile or
> > so, when taking off-road bikes to or from the parking areas. In each
> > case it was obvious what happened - the truck hit a dip, the forks
> > compressed, a tie-down came off, and the bike flops over.
> >
> > I've never lost a bike that way, but have had people tell me "You are
> > tying it down too tight!" Apparently, the concern is damaging the
> > suspension by having it compressed for long drives. If that's the case,
> > aren't we "damaging" the forks and shocks every time we hit a bump while
> > riding, or just sitting on the bike (which of course compresses the
> > suspension)?
> >
> > Mike
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > List Sponsors - Dual Sport News:
http://www.dualsportnews.com
> > Arrowhead Motorsports:
http://www.arrowheadmotorsports.com
> > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok:
http://www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html
> > Member Map:
> >
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DSN_KLR650/app/peoplemap/view/map
> > Group Apps:
> >
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DSN_KLR650/grouplets/subscriptionsYahoo!
> > Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>
bike hauling and tie down question
Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 9:57 pm
by fasteddiecopeman
Mike,
Suggest you put something non-compressible between your front tire and the fender (I made up a piece from 2x4, about 7 or 8" long, and I know some places make them out of plastic for around $10 apiece), then when the tie-downs are SNUG, add a bungee cord between the upper and lower 'eyes' on your tie-downs, so that they will keep the tie-downs from being able to 'jump off' the tie down points over bumps.
Years ago I totally "sacked" a set of front fork springs when I tied down as your standard method does, when I towed from Quebec to Alberta and back.
Now, I only snug the bike down and use bungees for insurance. I like to tie the front wheel into the wheel chock, too.
Cheers,
Ed
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Mike Frey wrote:
>
>
> I've been hauling bikes in pickup trucks and trailers since the early
> '70s. In recent years, I've seen recommendations to NOT compress the
> suspension much when tying it down. Why not? Is this a new "legend"?
>
> My standard procedure is to compress the forks to almost bottomed out.
> On longer trips, I'll tie down the rear end of the bike as well.
>
> I've seen a dozen or more bikes fly off the back of trucks or trailers
> when the truck went over a bump - especially on the last half mile or
> so, when taking off-road bikes to or from the parking areas. In each
> case it was obvious what happened - the truck hit a dip, the forks
> compressed, a tie-down came off, and the bike flops over.
>
> I've never lost a bike that way, but have had people tell me "You are
> tying it down too tight!" Apparently, the concern is damaging the
> suspension by having it compressed for long drives. If that's the case,
> aren't we "damaging" the forks and shocks every time we hit a bump while
> riding, or just sitting on the bike (which of course compresses the
> suspension)?
>
> Mike
>
bike hauling and tie down question
Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 10:06 pm
by Gary Thacker
Bin there done that. I find the only way to insure you bike stays put is to use D rings. I use soft ties around the bars then run a D ring through the loops then run the hole of the hook of the tie down into the D ring also. Now do the same with the bottom and your set. It can bounce as much as it wants anytime it wants and won't come loose. If you are using a carrier that fits into a 2" hitch make sure you tie the rear tire to the carrier. Not with a bungee or heavy rubber strap but with a strap that can not move. There are a couple of other things but that will keep the bike where you want it. Never trust an open hook under any conditions. They will come loose and you will loose your bike. Maybe not this time but it will happen. Use D rings top and bottom.
Gary
Souderton, Pa.
"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
~~ Abraham Lincoln ~~
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."
~~Thomas Jefferson~~
We have to pass the bill first to see what's in it.
~~Nancy Pleosi~~ What??????????????????????
Today if your a democrat your a Socialist
When seconds count a cop is only minutes away
To:
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com
From: fasteddiecopeman@...
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2011 03:57:42 +0000
Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Bike hauling and tie down question
Mike,
Suggest you put something non-compressible between your front tire and the fender (I made up a piece from 2x4, about 7 or 8" long, and I know some places make them out of plastic for around $10 apiece), then when the tie-downs are SNUG, add a bungee cord between the upper and lower 'eyes' on your tie-downs, so that they will keep the tie-downs from being able to 'jump off' the tie down points over bumps.
Years ago I totally "sacked" a set of front fork springs when I tied down as your standard method does, when I towed from Quebec to Alberta and back.
Now, I only snug the bike down and use bungees for insurance. I like to tie the front wheel into the wheel chock, too.
Cheers,
Ed
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Mike Frey wrote:
>
>
> I've been hauling bikes in pickup trucks and trailers since the early
> '70s. In recent years, I've seen recommendations to NOT compress the
> suspension much when tying it down. Why not? Is this a new "legend"?
>
> My standard procedure is to compress the forks to almost bottomed out.
> On longer trips, I'll tie down the rear end of the bike as well.
>
> I've seen a dozen or more bikes fly off the back of trucks or trailers
> when the truck went over a bump - especially on the last half mile or
> so, when taking off-road bikes to or from the parking areas. In each
> case it was obvious what happened - the truck hit a dip, the forks
> compressed, a tie-down came off, and the bike flops over.
>
> I've never lost a bike that way, but have had people tell me "You are
> tying it down too tight!" Apparently, the concern is damaging the
> suspension by having it compressed for long drives. If that's the case,
> aren't we "damaging" the forks and shocks every time we hit a bump while
> riding, or just sitting on the bike (which of course compresses the
> suspension)?
>
> Mike
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
bike hauling and tie down question
Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 7:26 am
by mark ward
I see a lot of advise saying, use more, then the factory manual says to use.
I AGREE! INSURANCE.
My friends call me paranod because I use a few extra straps to hold the bike in place.
How many times in Your travels have You seen, straps, and bungies along the side of road, or try to warn others, there straps are loose.
Them: "well I've been doing it with just the 2 straps on the handle bars for years, with no trouble."
Me: NOT once?
Them: wellllll a couple of times, BUT that was BECAUSE........
I would rather avoid...a even once if posible.
I have had GOOD straps loosen a bit, causing more bounce a OPEN hooks come loose, so I take 2-3 extra minutes and add extra straps, and the bungies to the open hooks as described before. My main straps hooks all have clips.
ANYONE that has hauled anything a number of times has learned to stop after a half hr or so to recheck every thing and also at every stop.
For they, HAVE HAD TO retighten or readjust things more then once.
How many times to you want to have an OOOP$$$. 1 was to many for me.
Travel Safe! Travel Well!
--- On Fri, 2/25/11, Gary Thacker wrote:
From: Gary Thacker
Subject: RE: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Bike hauling and tie down question
To: "Dual Sport list
dsn_klr650@yahoogroups.com" dsn_klr650@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Friday, February 25, 2011, 4:06 AM
Bin there done that. I find the only way to insure you bike stays put is to use D rings. I use soft ties around the bars then run a D ring through the loops then run the hole of the hook of the tie down into the D ring also. Now do the same with the bottom and your set. It can bounce as much as it wants anytime it wants and won't come loose. If you are using a carrier that fits into a 2" hitch make sure you tie the rear tire to the carrier. Not with a bungee or heavy rubber strap but with a strap that can not move. There are a couple of other things but that will keep the bike where you want it. Never trust an open hook under any conditions. They will come loose and you will loose your bike. Maybe not this time but it will happen. Use D rings top and bottom.
Gary
Souderton, Pa.
"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
~~ Abraham Lincoln ~~
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."
~~Thomas Jefferson~~
We have to pass the bill first to see what's in it.
~~Nancy Pleosi~~ What??????????????????????
Today if your a democrat your a Socialist
When seconds count a cop is only minutes away
To:
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com
From: fasteddiecopeman@...
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2011 03:57:42 +0000
Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Bike hauling and tie down question
Mike,
Suggest you put something non-compressible between your front tire and the fender (I made up a piece from 2x4, about 7 or 8" long, and I know some places make them out of plastic for around $10 apiece), then when the tie-downs are SNUG, add a bungee cord between the upper and lower 'eyes' on your tie-downs, so that they will keep the tie-downs from being able to 'jump off' the tie down points over bumps.
Years ago I totally "sacked" a set of front fork springs when I tied down as your standard method does, when I towed from Quebec to Alberta and back.
Now, I only snug the bike down and use bungees for insurance. I like to tie the front wheel into the wheel chock, too.
Cheers,
Ed
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Mike Frey wrote:
>
>
> I've been hauling bikes in pickup trucks and trailers since the early
> '70s. In recent years, I've seen recommendations to NOT compress the
> suspension much when tying it down. Why not? Is this a new "legend"?
>
> My standard procedure is to compress the forks to almost bottomed out.
> On longer trips, I'll tie down the rear end of the bike as well.
>
> I've seen a dozen or more bikes fly off the back of trucks or trailers
> when the truck went over a bump - especially on the last half mile or
> so, when taking off-road bikes to or from the parking areas. In each
> case it was obvious what happened - the truck hit a dip, the forks
> compressed, a tie-down came off, and the bike flops over.
>
> I've never lost a bike that way, but have had people tell me "You are
> tying it down too tight!" Apparently, the concern is damaging the
> suspension by having it compressed for long drives. If that's the case,
> aren't we "damaging" the forks and shocks every time we hit a bump while
> riding, or just sitting on the bike (which of course compresses the
> suspension)?
>
> Mike
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------------------
List Sponsors - Dual Sport News:
http://www.dualsportnews.com
Arrowhead Motorsports:
http://www.arrowheadmotorsports.com
List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok:
http://www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html
Member Map:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DSN_KLR650/app/peoplemap/view/map
Group Apps:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DSN_KLR650/grouplets/subscriptionsYahoo! Groups Links
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
bike hauling and tie down question
Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 7:31 am
by mark ward
I've Seen, a guy that used a 4x4 and cut a curve in one end for the tire, and a notch for in the top and a cross bracing piece so NO slipping out of place .
when I looked at the pricey ones that had something similar.
--- On Fri, 2/25/11, fasteddiecopeman wrote:
From: fasteddiecopeman
Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Bike hauling and tie down question
To:
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, February 25, 2011, 3:57 AM
Mike,
Suggest you put something non-compressible between your front tire and the fender (I made up a piece from 2x4, about 7 or 8" long, and I know some places make them out of plastic for around $10 apiece), then when the tie-downs are SNUG, add a bungee cord between the upper and lower 'eyes' on your tie-downs, so that they will keep the tie-downs from being able to 'jump off' the tie down points over bumps.
Years ago I totally "sacked" a set of front fork springs when I tied down as your standard method does, when I towed from Quebec to Alberta and back.
Now, I only snug the bike down and use bungees for insurance. I like to tie the front wheel into the wheel chock, too.
Cheers,
Ed
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Mike Frey wrote:
>
>
> I've been hauling bikes in pickup trucks and trailers since the early
> '70s. In recent years, I've seen recommendations to NOT compress the
> suspension much when tying it down. Why not? Is this a new "legend"?
>
> My standard procedure is to compress the forks to almost bottomed out.
> On longer trips, I'll tie down the rear end of the bike as well.
>
> I've seen a dozen or more bikes fly off the back of trucks or trailers
> when the truck went over a bump - especially on the last half mile or
> so, when taking off-road bikes to or from the parking areas. In each
> case it was obvious what happened - the truck hit a dip, the forks
> compressed, a tie-down came off, and the bike flops over.
>
> I've never lost a bike that way, but have had people tell me "You are
> tying it down too tight!" Apparently, the concern is damaging the
> suspension by having it compressed for long drives. If that's the case,
> aren't we "damaging" the forks and shocks every time we hit a bump while
> riding, or just sitting on the bike (which of course compresses the
> suspension)?
>
> Mike
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
bike hauling and tie down question
Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 3:37 pm
by David Critchley
That idea of stopping after a short while to really check everything is
called a "Hudsons' Bay Start", by many ancient Canadians. It works for a
lot of things.
DC
D Critchley
On 25/02/2011 06:26, mark ward wrote:
>
> I see a lot of advise saying, use more, then the factory manual says
> to use.
>
> I AGREE! INSURANCE.
>
> My friends call me paranod because I use a few extra straps to hold
> the bike in place.
>
> How many times in Your travels have You seen, straps, and bungies
> along the side of road, or try
> > I've never lost a bike that way, but have had people tell me "You are
> > tying it down too tight!" Apparently, the concern is damaging the
> > suspension by having it compressed for long drives. If that's the case,
>
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]