Tech Tip - Trailer Tips

No one likes to admit it.  After all we 're all riders.  But occasionally the time comes when we need to trailer our bike to an event, the dealer or even during a move.  It's not difficult task, but the downside to incorrectly strapping down your bike can be significant.  It's also one of those jobs where everyone has an opinion on the correct way it should be done.  All your buddies are experts!

Here are a couple tips to successfully securing your bike–during those few times when you can't ride it!
Whether you haul with an enclosed or open trailer, ride a Big Twin or Sportster the principles to secure your bike are the same.

Loading can be the first tricky part. Lowered suspension will often cause the frame to drag on many trailers during loading.  Consider backing up to curb and loading the bike from a higher point to minimize the chances frame drag, or damaging your kickstand spring.

Invest in a good set of tie-downs–Ancra is one of the better brands and are readily available, including at any of our stores.  You will need 4 to completely secure your bike.  In addition, “Soft Hook” loops will make your job a lot easier.  These short, nylon looping straps will make securing around the fairing or close to the frame in the rear much easier and keep the tie-downs from scratching anything.

It is very important to have a solid brace for the front wheel.  The job of the tie-downs will be to pull forward on the bike, holding it tight against the brace.  The brace can be as simple as up against the back of a pick up bed, or a wood “wheel chock” mounted solidly to the floor of the trailer.   There are also many very good production wheel chocks available ranging from $30 - $300.  If you use the trailer more than 3 times a year consider investing in a quality wheel chock.

 

As a rule of thumb, the angle of the front straps should be parallel to the front forks and outward about 18 inches.  This will give the most stable pull when tightening the tie-downs.  Use solid anchors in the floor like long eye bolts.  Mounts held down with dry wall screws will not work.  When securing the handlebars BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO loop around any cables.  The tie-down or Soft Hook should be weaved around the cables to simply grab the handlebar.

In the rear, again the straps should pull forward and out, pulling the bike tight against the solid brace in the front.  Use solid mounts like the passenger footrests on Baggers or the swingarm on Softtails.  Don't  use the saddlebags guards on Bagger models.  They will bend.  On Dyna or Sportster models the lower shock mount is a good securing point. In all cases, use of the Soft Hooks will make it much easier to attach the tie-downs.

For bikes with a security system, be sure to leave a set of keys (and FOB) with the bike during transport to prevent the alarm from triggering.  Also when transporting a bike with a fuel valve, be sure to turn the gas off or all the movement will cause the carb overflow to leak.

Never use a cover when hauling a bike on an open trailer.  The wind, grit and buffeting will severely damage your paint and chrome. 

 

Also be sure to rinse your bike down after hauling on an open trailer. Especially when returning from Daytona.  The salt and debris from the road with corrode cad plated hardware.

Follow these tips,  use good common sense and those few times when you have to trailer will be as painless as possible.  Enjoy the Ride.

Tony D. & the Service Team at Wild Fire H-D