Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => General Monster Forum => Topic started by: Veloce-Fino on April 12, 2010, 12:10:58 PM



Title: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: Veloce-Fino on April 12, 2010, 12:10:58 PM
I purchased my 09 696 this past weekend and had to leave it at home when I went back to college :'( This coming weekend I will be driving all the way home to bring it back up. My father is bringing his jeep to help move some crap and he has a 6' flat trailer (for the dirtbikes/quad). I really do not know how to properly tie down a street bike. We don't really worry about the dirtbikes because they get dropped all the time :) However it would make me sick if my new bike fell over on the trailer or OMG [puke]  fell out of the trailer (its only 5' wide) and exploded onto the highway at 80mph.

So how can I properly tie this sucker down? I have plenty of straps with the little winch buggers on em.

Thanks.


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: WetDuc on April 12, 2010, 12:20:55 PM
Run tie down straps from the handlebars, clamp, triple and/or fork area, exactly where you use on the 696 is dependent a bit on where you are tying down, so use a low, strong place(one trailer base point on each of the handlebar sides) and make sure you are not pinching anything on the bike when you ratchet down on both sides.  I used the handle bars once and then used the triple clamp another time since it's kind of open on the 696.  With the bike straight upright, ratchet and compress the forks about 1"-2" with the front wheel pushed up at the front of the trailer or into a wheel chock.  You should feel the bike really lock in at this point.  Run similar tie downs from the subframe to the sides of the trailer to support the back of the bike.  Put the bike in gear and you should be good to go.  Use more support ratchet straps if you want to lock it in more (I usually use 6 straps on a bike for a long trip).
Finally, give it the shove test and see how stable she is.  Drive easy on the trip, and reverse the steps when you get home.


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: Veloce-Fino on April 12, 2010, 12:32:23 PM
thanks! about the same as we do the offroad bikes.. just a lot more stressful because there is love involved. LOVE!


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: DCXCV on April 12, 2010, 01:11:23 PM
I always run them through the fork right above the bottom triple.  One on each side and you're golden. 


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: pennyrobber on April 12, 2010, 02:01:56 PM
Damn, I thought there was going to be funny video content based on the title.


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: Two dogs on April 12, 2010, 02:13:39 PM
And be very very careful when un doing the straps!!!!!

I had a near disaster when undoing the straps after a long  track day
tired and using borrowed ratchet straps which were not very good
instead of easing off both at the same time one let go all the way sending the bike over nearly onto the road [bang]
Lucky it landed on my friend instead [laugh] saved the bike
oh [thumbsup] then bought him a beer [drink] to repay his bruises.


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: zooom on April 13, 2010, 04:38:37 AM
I actually have a different POV on how the strap the front end...from my many runnings around back and forth to the track...it sounds like you are not using a chock of any sort, so this may be somewhat subjective but here's where I'd start...

if you have a strap with heavy D-ring on either side, then start with this ( pictured example )

(http://www.mad-ducati.com/tiedown/DSCN10503s.JPG)

if not then you might have to go from one point, around the wheel and then to the other point in a fashion similar to this...

(http://www.mad-ducati.com/tiedown/dscn1039s.jpg)

put the bike in gear or a bungee around the front brake (or both) to engage it to eliminate a degree of the bike rolling...then go to the front and instead of running through the triples in any way, shape, or form....run around the axle at the bottom of the fork leg like this...

(http://www.mad-ducati.com/tiedown/dscn1037s.jpg)
(http://www.mad-ducati.com/tiedown/dscn1036s.jpg)

you then go around and make sure everything is resnugged after you do this...and for left and right stabilization only at this point( since you aren't using a chock like a Baxley), I would use a single strap from the top triple to a small variance of angle ( think trianglular) for left and right to help negate swaying...then you are done...the bike will ride comfortably and the bike will use it's suspension to absorb bumps as it is designed without being compressed or compromised...


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: mitt on April 13, 2010, 04:56:44 AM
There is no 1 proper way to tie a bike down.  Each person has their preferences.  I like the straps around the fork just above the lower triple method. 


(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/2491032662_b4bd938c5b_o.jpg)

I also like to double up on straps, just in case 1 would break or come loose.

mitt


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: mitt on April 13, 2010, 05:01:19 AM
A couple other pointers -

Don't go crazy tight with the ratchet straps - you don't want to bottom the fork tubes out.  I usually take up about 1/2 the travel.

A bungy cord from your frame up and over your seat to the frame is not a bad idea.  The seat latches on monsters are not the most robust design, and I like having a little reassurance the seat is not going to pop off and get lost 1/2 way to my destination.


mitt


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: Adamm0621 on April 13, 2010, 06:00:57 AM
I'm looking at getting one of these...

http://www.discountramps.com/smc-600-motorcycle-hauler.htm (http://www.discountramps.com/smc-600-motorcycle-hauler.htm)


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: Veloce-Fino on April 13, 2010, 08:08:29 AM
I'm looking at getting one of these...

http://www.discountramps.com/smc-600-motorcycle-hauler.htm (http://www.discountramps.com/smc-600-motorcycle-hauler.htm)


That is so cool. If I had more time I would certainly get one of those. My only concern would be about twisting on the hitch. Only one attachment point with that much weight hanging over it could make for some real twisting on the hitch. <-- hope that makes sense.


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: JustDucky on April 13, 2010, 03:42:19 PM
Sounds like I'm in the minority, but I use a pair of soft-ties around the forks above the triple clamps, set the bike on the kickstand tie down the left strap just less than snug, stand the bike up and pull the right one tight so the bike is straight up and down.  I don't use a chock in the truck either. It helps if you have the catch at the bottom tie down point and can sit on the bike and pull up on the strap to tighten.  Raise the kickstand. Give it a test wiggle. Done. The above works great for me towing the bike 500 plus miles and briskly through all the twisties to my typical camping/ridng spot.

To untie just lower the kickstand, release the right tie down so the bike sets down on the stand, then the other tie.

But I'll freely admit using more is better for tie downs.  Using a chock is better then not.  I've had good luck with canyon dancers on sportbikes  but the soft ties work well on the monster as there is no bodywork covering the lower triple. I also admit to using 4-6 tie downs the first few years hauling bikes around. Some would argue tieing a bike down this tight is bad for the fork seals.  I've never had a problem.   To each his own.  And better safe than sorry as you get comfortable securing your bike for towing.

And invest in quality tie downs - such as Ancra.  The cheapies suck.  Good luck with your trip. And congrats on the new ride.



Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: Popeye the Sailor on April 13, 2010, 06:13:34 PM
I just lay it down in the bed.


Should I not do that?  :P


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: Veloce-Fino on April 13, 2010, 06:47:50 PM
I just lay it down in the bed.


Should I not do that?  :P

Nah, your good. Drive it up the ramp and drop it on its side. Apply tie-downs as needed over the plastic and torque til you hear cracking. No way that sucker will move then  [thumbsup]


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: Popeye the Sailor on April 13, 2010, 06:50:06 PM
Nah, your good. Drive it up the ramp and drop it on its side. Apply tie-downs as needed over the plastic and torque til you hear cracking. No way that sucker will move then  [thumbsup]

Tie downs? I guess the wifes clothesline is not good enough?


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: DCXCV on April 14, 2010, 07:51:44 AM
Tie downs? I guess the wifes clothesline is not good enough?

Clothes line across the back of the bed in lieu of a tailgate?  Should work.  One of the rear sets should snag it before it falls out.


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: Scotzman on April 14, 2010, 09:39:34 PM
I just lay it down in the bed.


Should I not do that?  :P
I know it's 1230 in the am, but that's pretty funny.


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: RetroSBK on April 15, 2010, 10:34:30 AM
Get a Van... lol

We haul a LOT of bikes.. Like 50k miles a year with a bike in the back of the van.

Baxley sport chock - Expensive but worth it. Harbor freight has one thats cheap for the occasional use.

Tie Downs - We only tie down the front - One regular and one ratcheting tie down per side, as far apart as we can put them.

The other big one is the folding ramp - 8 footer, arched, aluminum, and 12 inches wide. Worth every penny of your $200. It will last you forever.

We never tie the back down... lets the bike move around a bit, don't compress the forks too much, be sure to tie off the loose ends of the tie downs, as they can come loose, and the half loop will catch the bike before it falls.

Another good one from the pickup days is to lay the ramp and gear in the back of the truck, and use a tie down to go from the passenger footrest to the tailgate latch to hold the tailgate up. That works great!

Will




Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: Dave R on April 15, 2010, 10:49:03 AM
We designed these to be used when you tie down your bike in order to keep from compressing the springs for any length of time when transporting.   Only one is needed for each bike and the ones we made are designed for 43mm SBK forks.  We can also shorten them for use on Monsters.  We have only made a small 10 unit production run so the cost for each at this time is $70 each.  If there is interested we can get it down to around $50 for 100+ order.  It is made from Delrin plastic so it is super strong and won't flex or damage the seals.. Delrin is often used for frame sliders and knee pucks
8 left in stock....give us a call or feel free to comment


(http://ducatiseattle.smugmug.com/Other/New-Arrivals/DSCN2782/837850256_nL5M9-L.jpg)
(http://ducatiseattle.smugmug.com/Other/New-Arrivals/DSCN2783/837850250_LyLs6-L.jpg)
(http://ducatiseattle.smugmug.com/Other/New-Arrivals/DSCN2777/837850342_TYEni-L.jpg)
(http://ducatiseattle.smugmug.com/Other/New-Arrivals/DSCN2762/826833247_kV5Z7-L-1.jpg)


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: mitt on April 15, 2010, 01:27:12 PM
We designed these to be used when you tie down your bike in order to keep from compressing the springs for any length of time when transporting.   Only one is needed for each bike and the ones we made are designed for 43mm SBK forks.  We can also shorten them for use on Monsters.  We have only made a small 10 unit production run so the cost for each at this time is $70 each.  If there is interested we can get it down to around $50 for 100+ order.  It is made from Delrin plastic so it is super strong and won't flex or damage the seals.. Delrin is often used for frame sliders and knee pucks
8 left in stock....give us a call or feel free to comment


(http://ducatiseattle.smugmug.com/Other/New-Arrivals/DSCN2782/837850256_nL5M9-L.jpg)


I am not an expert, just a mechanical engineer, but it seems a little suspension travel allowed would be better than totally rigid as you are cruising down the road the trailer is bouncing.  

How are the bikes crated and shipped to you from IT?

mitt


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: Dave R on April 15, 2010, 01:59:58 PM
when bikes are tied down you typically cinch the forks down most of the way, you don't want the bike floating while on the straps.  This is to help keep the springs from being collapsed for extended periods of time..


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: myssrhl on April 15, 2010, 04:27:08 PM
one word ........ canyon dancer 

http://www.canyondancer.com/products.aspx (http://www.canyondancer.com/products.aspx)


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: Veloce-Fino on April 15, 2010, 04:34:13 PM
one word ........ canyon dancer 

http://www.canyondancer.com/products.aspx (http://www.canyondancer.com/products.aspx)

That would definitely be a good investment.

I decided to lay her down on the trailer and surround her with pillows. Then I'll use the clothes line to keep the pillows from flying out of the trailer.

What could go wrong??  [thumbsup]


Title: Re: How to properly tie down/trailer a motorcycle
Post by: vwboomer on April 15, 2010, 07:26:21 PM
For MX bikes and the like they have spacers that go between the fender and the tire. Similar idea to the fork braces above. The problem is that they don't allow any give when going over bumps or around corners. The shock is transferred to the rest of the bike. After watching 5 bikes on a trailer for 7 hours of travel last weekend, I know that some travel is good. I wouldn't use a brace on my GasGas much less my Ducati.

Even if it DID work well, I couldn't justify the price for something that isn't really needed. Just my opinion.


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