Simple hack for a bike load or long or short move, rent a small U-Haul with a pull out loading ramp for around $30 to $50, there's a set of rails on both sides for tie down.
I’ve been hauling bikes for almost 20 years now and through my own trial and error, I agree with everything you’ve mentioned except for the straps. I’ve found the power tye brand are the best (for me). They’re similar to the pro tapers but the hooks have a spring gate on them which gives extra peace of mind and prevents them from falling out of the hooks in the bed when loading. Keep up the great vids!
A very Good Video .... only a couple of comments Comment #1.... Cam straps are certainly not the only method for securing loads, as a mater of fact, some states still require loads to be secured by chain and bucking dog, or turn buckle. In the old days we didn't have ratchet or cam straps, so we usually used rope and chain and or a come along to secure loads. Make sure to check with your respective state concerning the securing of loads. Folks tend to take securing loads for granted, until the point where they are engaged by the DOT......... I do agree that a front tire securing device, makes hauling a motorcycle a much better experience. Pay attention to state regulations relative to securing loads. Comment #2 If a pickup truck is the only method you have for hauling your motorcycle, be aware that the tail gate cannot be locked into place, therefore, always expect the the motorcycle to jounce about, as you engage undulating terrain...... Personally..... I would opt for a trailer if it were available. simply because most today, have a rear gate which pins in place... Secondly because most allow for the load to be secured to a solid surface which does not flex like a tail gate.
At 68 yo I’ve loaded dirt and street bikes hundreds of times. I’ve seen your strap type come loose even after being tied as you did. For many years it was the only strap sold. Ratchet straps work very well. If rear wheel moves left or right the front strap is now loose on one side. Even you said if bike comes loose stop and retighten. Rear not tied? You can drive as easy as you want but in a accident your bike easily comes out of truck bed as bike is not tied to truck at any point. Your front wheel chalk did not appear to be tied or bolted to truck. Haven’t lost a bike yet? Hard maneuver and you will. I have professional load tie down training on many things that a vehicle could ever move. I thank the US Army. Ride safe.
The straps are pulling the bike forward and down into the chock, where could it possibly go? All the force is pushing it into the lower front corner of the bed. If you really want to have a loading system that can handle a major crash, you're not going to be using straps anymore but a hard bracket that attaches to the trailer floor or truck bed. PitBull stands makes one that I've seen hold a bike in place with a flipped trailer - of course this means drilling holes in your truck and mounting the receiver plate, which is probably more than most people are willing to do for the occasional transport needs.
I would agree with you on using ratchet straps as they will never slip. All straps will stretch after a few miles of driving and need to be tightened. I use a front wheel chock bolted to the floor of my enclosed trailer but it does nothing to keep the rear wheel from hopping around so I also strap the rear wheel from both sides or the rear frame. I also see no reason not to use two parallel ramps to load and unload as you can walk on the other ramp, keeping you at the same level as your bike.
My sales guy delivered my motorcycle in the exact same strap down method you use... He's been transporting bikes for 30 years. Really great video, happy 4th my friend
Thanks for the mention of keeping tied down bike in neutral. Makes sense to save possible impacts to gears. Also love the suggestion to put front tires up on curb to lower tailgate height! Big fan of all your instructional vids, thanks again!!!!
I attended ChampSchool with my ZX14R last year and transported it on a U-Haul bike trailer and used a Baxley Sport Chock. I knew NOTHING about tying the bike down at all so even though I used straps, I didn't cinch them down (will not make that mistake again, thanks for the tips here!). On the way home after day 2, I hit a massive pothole while going 70+ on the highway...despite a seat belt, I was violently thrown up in the seat. In the rearview mirror, I saw the massive bike jump in place too but stay vertical. Got home and saw that the straps were completely loose with 1 ft+ of slack, but the bike was sitting SOLID in the Baxley. That chock saved my bike. If it can hang on to a 570+ lb bike after the kind of hit the truck took on the road, it will hang on to any bike through anything. I still can't believe it.
You are not wrong. Those Baxleys aren't cheap, but I've seen them do amazing things! Compared to your bike falling over, that Baxley was exactly cheap!
@@CanyonChasers Indeed! I accidentally tipped that bike over in the garage 2 years ago while it was on the side stand. It was new. All fairings on one side, a new gas tank, one mirror and one blinker housing were ~$3K in parts. I bought the Baxley after fixing the bike so it can be locked in when I slip the paddock stand in. Not having that chock that day in the trailer would've damaged the bike all over again. So knowing what I know now about Baxley, I would've gladly paid 5x the MSRP for it. It is dirt cheap for what it prevents. That's the lesson I hope viewers get from your video....basic precautions and quality products are worth more than the time it takes to deploy them and their $ cost.
Great video. I've just purchased a new motorcycle and was tossing up whether or not to have it professionally transported. You've convinced me I can load it into my ute and save 300 bucks - good one!
I use two ramps spaced a couple feet apart because I often can not reduce the bed height and it's a pretty big two steps to get to the bed of my full sized truck, walking a ramp feels less risky to me and I can stay at the same level as the bars so I don't need to adjust reach to keep the bars level. Having space between the ramps gives me more leverage if the bike starts leaning (I walk up one ramp as the bike walks up the other). Other than that I follow the same procedure pretty much exactly and I'd double emphasize that smooth power input is very important. Make sure you have practiced managing the clutch for super controlled low power input. I use a Black Widow Pro Chock because it is probably as strong a chock you're going to find that doesn't need to be bolted into the bed. Only use as much throttle as needed to prevent stalling... I do strap the back wheel as an emergency strap in case something unforeseen happens in the front. All this stuff is really pretty easy on my relatively light 701... but with the over 500lb Multistrada it's really important to get it right.
Two ramps, walk it up in first gear is how I’ve been loading motocross bikes into pickups since I was 13 years old. 11 years later and not one issue loading bikes solo.
Another excellent video w/some solid tips! One thing, ratchet straps can indeed be released gradually once you learn how. First open the top lever about 3/4 of the way, then release it's "clutch" and put a bit tension into the mechanism with the top / outer lever. With tension now in the top lever you can release the lower/inner ratchet and slowly back the strap out. Repeat until there is slack in the strap. It's a little hard to explain but if you play with it, it'll become clear. I've been in situations where all I had was ratchets and this technique makes all the difference. And agreed you have to be careful about over tightening and blowing for seals etc.
I love the fact that you used metric to lead off the truck bed height and included the infographic for imperial. It is the better system by far and I've been ditching freedom units over the last few years. Just thought that was a nice touch lol.
My wife drives a Tacoma, it’s def a great truck for a girl. 😊. Thanks for the helpful video, I have a street glide and want to be able to haul it in my Silverado, this helps. Esp didn’t appreciate that ratchet straps weren’t best option.
I hope so too! The way we see bikes tied down at track day is always a bit alarming! And there was that one guy that almost launched himself into low orbit riding his GS into the back of his RAM 2500.
Good to know! I’m attending the Champs class in SC in a little over a week and I’m super nervous about hauling my Strom again. When I brought it home, I had it loaded on a hitch carrier rated @500lbs tied down with… ratchet straps… (please don’t yell at me) Hitch carrier is currently for sale with a *slightly* buckled ramp (only used once!). U-Haul motorcycle trailer is reserved and the Pro Tapers should arrive tomorrow. Thank you!
@@CanyonChasers Champ Street was INCREDIBLE!! Some seriously life saving education! I've never had my bike leaned over that far and felt so in control. I'm practicing what I was taught and I feel so in tune with my bike now, its just mind-blowing! I plan to take the two day class next year, those two-up rides look absolutely terrifying and I can't wait to give it a go. Also, I LOVE those Pro-Taper straps. They'll be staying in my panniers from now on.
Your videos are full of technical content, the major reason I watch your channel, (subscribed too). If it’s not too much beneath you, how about a video on loading a trailer? I’d like to hear / see your observations.
only time i would use ratcheting straps is if I didnt have a chock at the front. my experience with straps that hold onto the grips...dont use them. had a rear tire blow out (in a parking lot thank goodness) and the tow guy used straps on the grips and it ruined the throttle tube by digging a notch into it by pressing it into the metal bar downward. Ended up having to replace the tube and housing. consider using ratcheting straps if your bike weighs over 5-600lbs as those other designs may come loose while transporting..having to slam on your brakes in a emergency or swerve may cause the bike to fall. love the video!!
I agree with you, I have a couple of Canyon Dancers that tie down from the grips and the only times I've used them caused damage to either the grip, throttle tube, or control clusters. I use the same ProTaper straps as in the video and will never go back to tie downs on the bars.
Great video. +1 on Ready Ramps. And good tip on tying down the ramp, my first time transporting a bike, the rear tire kicked out the ramp when it was still half off the tailgate. Luckily, the guy I was buying the FZ1 from and I were able to he-man it the rest of the way.
When I’m backing my bike out of the cabin (which is uphill) I put the bike in first gear and use the clutch to control the descent. That way if you let go, the default is to stop rather than the default being to keep going.
Interesting on the cinch straps and the knot to keep them from moving. I've always used rachet straps and cinch straps. The cinch to get it stable and the rachet to lock it down Take the racket strap off first and it doesn't pop too crazy because the cinch is holding the bike.
I use two Big Boy folding ramps to walk the bike up/down in/out of the bed of my F150. I also use two metal bars that lock into the tailgate latches to support the weight of the bike as I load/unload.
Will be trailering my Panigale to the track for the first time in November. Thanks for this- gives me a bit more confidence. What are your thoughts on strapping the tyre to take most of the load, then using the straps on the triple clamp more as stabilizers?
It’s probably not necessary but do what you feel is best so you’re comfortable. Personally I’ll just drive slower and then not have to worry about the strap scratching up my wheel.
Interesting. I would probably have to modify some of this if I were to try and transport my Goldwing, I would be concerned about the weight on the tailgate. I probably would always think a tow truck would be better for a heavy touring style bike. This would probably work okay for my Africa Twin.
Great video Dave. A related tip is that if your bike is huge and you are small, there's nothing wrong with backing down the ramp using the clutch friction zone as a brake (engine off). My Victory Vision is too big for me to balance and reach across to the front brake. 👍
Quite timely! Just bought my Z400 200 miles away, and will be hauling it home in 2 weeks. Going to pick up a wheel chalk tomorrow. Not using a pickup, but rented a trailer for it, and installing a hitch on a buddy's Honda Pilot. Good info on not using the stand. I had initially considered just leaving it on the stand, and strapping it down. Glad to know that my intuition was correct that it would just be safer to spend the money now on a chalk.
Dude, you and Ryan F9 are the only two channels I subscribe to, first and foremost because of the content, but a nice bonus is that you actually use metric, which is a pleasant surprise. How so?
Well first, thank you! Second, when we look at our analytics, the vast majority of our users are on the metric system, so it makes sense to communicate on terms with most of our viewers. Thirdly, in the military (the american military) we used the metric system, so I learned at an early age that its nothing to be afraid of and it makes way more sense than measurments based on the physical dimensions of kings.
Is it just me, or has F9's content gone down hill recently? He used to do some pretty good stuff, but the last several months he seems to be phoning it in.
Interesting and valuable topic to discuss. My pick up has a canopy/cap and the bed is full of tools etc so it is always a trailer. But apparently my strapping technique is a fail. The roads and highways in Canada are always bumpy and rough with dips and rises so I have to strap all 4 corners or even at "mellow" speeds the bike will move all over the place. My street bikes have fairings so no triple clamp access so for front handle bar it is. Because of the bumpy roads if bike not cinched down tight bike suspension will compress so straps go slack and bike flops around. So I use ratchet straps. No blown fork seals yet but I will give that some thought. I trailer cross country and never need to redo my straps. Good chocks make all the difference for sure.
I can access the lower triples on both my sport bikes, but for sure that may not work on all sport bike. We adore Canada, but yeah, the frost swells up there can get really exciting.
We have four faired motorcycles and can get straps on the lower triple on all of them - this includes a Multistrada, R3, R6, and an old VFR800 with very chunky fairings. It can be a pain to get a hand in there, but I've never seen a faired bike you can't get straps on. If you are worried about the hook touching the fender, you can always add a soft-tie-down to the triple first and then loop the strap through that to move the hook a little farther down.
I have a Ford Maverick and a Ducati Panigale. Im trying to make these two work. Whats the best way to go about this?? When i measured the bike vs the bed length the tire would be hanging out the bed of the truck with the bed door down if i try to fit the bike in straight. I have a wheel choke and a bed extender.. I could put the bike in at an angle but i wouldnt be able to use the front tire wheel choke. any suggestions???
Does the hf chock need to be mounted to the truck bed or thick plywood? Or is that un necessary? Just bought one and about to haul it 200 miles. Great video though.
unecessary. All the thing is doing is holding the bike upright until you tie it down. The straps will hold the bike in place until it's time to unload the bike.
The bike is tied to the truck, not the wheel chalk. The chalk is effectively locked to the bike, and served just to hold the bike upright before the straps are attached to the bike/truck.
Good video, valuable information for lighter bikes. For the larger cruiser types that weigh 800 + pounds, there are ways to load them into the rear of a full size pickup, but this is not one of them! This is far too risky. One slip and you are likely going to be seriously injured or worse.
@@CanyonChasers nice man, been looking for a solid budget all terrain for my 4Runner. Been looking at these and the Kenda Klevers. Are these passenger tires? Standard load ?
These are SL - but another option to look at is the Nitto Nomad Grappler - a little less aggressive - we put them on the Subaru and I've been happy with them so far.
Because they release instantaneously, and people tend to crank them down way tighter than they should. The primary cause of motorcycycle damage during transport is ratchet straps.
Great video. But one thing I was always worried about is that the whole rear wheel is sitting on the tailgate due to our Tacoma only has 5ft bed. How's your tailgate holding up?
The third gen tailgate is way better than the second gen. My buddy has hauled his multistrada a bunch of times in his 3rd gen without any problems. I’m more like you, so with my second gen and my third gen I ordered an aluminum tailgate reinforcement plate from Relentless Fabrication. No affiliation even though I would work with them. They’ve been great. And I think piece of mind is valuable. And the reinforcement plate is a lot cheaper than a new tailgate.
I don't know the road rules where you are but in my town both parking with your rear wheels in the gutter and parking with your front end up on the pavement are likely to see the vehicle pick up a parking notice if spotted. In my previous job most of my colleagues road and loaded their farm bikes into the bed of their utes to get them to the destination, they built a mound in the yard, reversed the ute to the mound, dropped the tail gate and simply rolled the bike from the mound into the ute. They did need to take a ramp with them to their destination.
@@peterbergeris6510 You may have missed the part about that causing damage to the bike and the truck. Many bikes have the side stand mounted directly to the aluminum engine case, hit a bump wrong and you are shopping for a new motor - and the bike has tipped over, damaging both it and your expensive truck.
Don’t leave the straps loose enough for suspension movement. Get a suspension stopper and cinch it tight. When the suspensions compresses the straps become loose and that’s when your bike will come loose. Also, just strap the rear wheel down, it helps
It's not as easy, but it can be done. Getting the load height as low as possible helps the most, but at 1,000# you may be exceeding the load limits of many midsize trucks. A $20 bike trailer rental from UHaul would probably be a better bet - built in wheel chock, super low deck height, and a full width ramp. I'd pay the small price for the convenience.
I've always been too nervous of the tailgate load rating for this so it goes in on an angle. On a big bump, the weight can triple or more and those tailgate straps are not failproof - but that's me. +1 on Pro Taper.
I've never seen a tailgate bend from transport. I've seen them bend during loading (some modern tailgates are crazy flimsy). I've also seen more bikes tip over from being loaded on an angle than I've seen bent tailgates.
What truck do you have? Most full size trucks and even midsize have tailgates strong enough to carry load. Others that have known flimsy tailgates can be reinforced with aftermarket kits.
@@BlindIo42 It's a 2017 Nissan Frontier - suggested is 300lbs I believe - that's enough but if you hit a big bump, the shock load can exceed that. They can bend at the hinges as well as fail at the straps. It's not super common but it can happen and I live in a world of big-ass potholes. I'm probably overthinking it.
I don't know if are overthinking it as much as striving to be informed. GenII Tacoma tailgates would bend when people sat on them. The new tailgates with that wing-thing are going to be quite a bit stronger just with those extra bends. Of course there are always companies making tailgate reinforcement plates for trucks with known weak gates.
@@tinymotogarage I have the SUV equivalent of the Xterra and have been pretty plugged into the Nissan community - I've never seen a broken tailgate that wasn't severely overloaded - like "someone dropped a pallet onto the edge" level of overloaded. Generally the Nissan tailgates are pretty strong, but you can always add a stiffening plate to better distribute the load if you're worried about it.
Gen 1 Tacoma’s had notoriously weak tailgates. The Gen2s are better. Several companies make aluminum plates to reinforce it. Because, yeah, if you have a heavy bike, that is something to be concerned with.
Okay thanks! By heavy do you mean like gold wing heavy? I just want to be able to transport an r6, seems like it shouldn’t be a problem but want to be careful.
When I load my bike in the back of the truck or trailer I always use ratchet straps some times doubled up.... and i compress the forks completely YOU WILL NOT dammage the fork shocks ! that is a myth ! my 1977 Triumph Bonneville 750 came home through 75 miles of twisty bumpy back roads this way and the forks are still good.... no leaks or anything if you do Not compress the forks all the way the bike can come loose ...I have seen this too many times.... think about it..... if you could damage your shocks by bottoming them out they would already be damaged ! strapping them down all the way to where the front tire is flexing is great.... it will stay there !.... yes the triple trees is the best place to pull from but I frequently use the handle bar's at the base.... Just get GOOD ratchet straps not the 800lb ones their not strong enough !
it's crazy to me that you dislike ratchet straps. Literally the strongest and most reliable straps one can buy. You see how you do an extra knot so they don't come loose? You know what never comes loose? Ratchet straps. Ratchet straps can also be released slowly as you are doing with those inferior style straps.
It's not just me. Most everyone in the industry uses the Pro-Taper Cam Locks, even Ari Henning. You can see the boys at Revzilla using them in a lot of their videos. Except Lemmy. He used those ultra-cheap florescent orange ratchet straps, which I think you and I would be in agreement about how bad those are. 😎
@@CanyonChasers Actually, I would say I prefer to not get the cheapest ratchet straps, however, I've had them before and have never had one of them fail either. I'd say even the worst ratchet straps I would trust over the style you prefer as shown in your video. Doesn't mean the ones you use aren't sufficient, but I put my faith in ratchet straps over any other style to not fail 10/10 times.
No good way to release a ratchet strap? It is easy - hold the loose side with tension and release the lever - been using them for a decade and never had issues. Also those cheap ratchet use the same webbing as the more expensive ones and the clamping straps - they won't snap holding a motorbike. If you are paranoid you can get thicker, wider webbing but it is not really needed unless you are hauling cars or very heavy loads.
Right, but once it's released. It's all the way released. A cam-lock, I can release it a little bit and still maintain tension. But if you are comfortable using ratchets, there's nothing wrong with that.
The BB method works well with heavy cruisers, but my experience has been that not so much with sportbikes. I have seen bent forks, damaged fork tubes and broken fenders. Sportbikes are just far more delicate. And forks are made to be compressed, but he was right in that a lot of folks way overcrank things down.
Actually the Hilux is physically smaller. But the Hilux uses effectively a 1-ton chassis as well as more desirable turbo diesel motor that produces much more torque.
Whilst your method can work.... I take my bikes in a van. Using a front wheel chock, I use the "canyon" straps to pull the front down. However I do use straps on the back HORIZONTAL to the rear pulling outward. Then 2 straps pullng the bike back and down, from the rear lower D rings - tie the back end down. Nothing moves. We all have our ways. The most important/critical issue is gettig the bike on and off - tie-down is chapter 2.
Always drive super mellow when your loaded...words to live by.
I guess that works on two levels
Simple hack for a bike load or long or short move, rent a small U-Haul with a pull out loading ramp for around $30 to $50, there's a set of rails on both sides for tie down.
I’ve been hauling bikes for almost 20 years now and through my own trial and error, I agree with everything you’ve mentioned except for the straps. I’ve found the power tye brand are the best (for me). They’re similar to the pro tapers but the hooks have a spring gate on them which gives extra peace of mind and prevents them from falling out of the hooks in the bed when loading. Keep up the great vids!
The pro-tapers have that too on one end, not both. I just didn't show them in the video.
A very Good Video .... only a couple of comments
Comment #1....
Cam straps are certainly not the only method for securing loads, as a mater of fact, some states still require loads to be secured by chain and bucking dog, or turn buckle. In the old days we didn't have ratchet or cam straps, so we usually used rope and chain and or a come along to secure loads. Make sure to check with your respective state concerning the securing of loads. Folks tend to take securing loads for granted, until the point where they are engaged by the DOT......... I do agree that a front tire securing device, makes hauling a motorcycle a much better experience. Pay attention to state regulations relative to securing loads.
Comment #2
If a pickup truck is the only method you have for hauling your motorcycle, be aware that the tail gate cannot be locked into place, therefore, always expect the the motorcycle to jounce about, as you engage undulating terrain...... Personally..... I would opt for a trailer if it were available. simply because most today, have a rear gate which pins in place... Secondly because most allow for the load to be secured to a solid surface which does not flex like a tail gate.
Excellent points!! Thanks for bringing them up!!
At 68 yo I’ve loaded dirt and street bikes hundreds of times. I’ve seen your strap type come loose even after being tied as you did. For many years it was the only strap sold. Ratchet straps work very well. If rear wheel moves left or right the front strap is now loose on one side. Even you said if bike comes loose stop and retighten. Rear not tied? You can drive as easy as you want but in a accident your bike easily comes out of truck bed as bike is not tied to truck at any point. Your front wheel chalk did not appear to be tied or bolted to truck. Haven’t lost a bike yet? Hard maneuver and you will. I have professional load tie down training on many things that a vehicle could ever move. I thank the US Army. Ride safe.
The straps are pulling the bike forward and down into the chock, where could it possibly go? All the force is pushing it into the lower front corner of the bed. If you really want to have a loading system that can handle a major crash, you're not going to be using straps anymore but a hard bracket that attaches to the trailer floor or truck bed. PitBull stands makes one that I've seen hold a bike in place with a flipped trailer - of course this means drilling holes in your truck and mounting the receiver plate, which is probably more than most people are willing to do for the occasional transport needs.
I would agree with you on using ratchet straps as they will never slip. All straps will stretch after a few miles of driving and need to be tightened. I use a front wheel chock bolted to the floor of my enclosed trailer but it does nothing to keep the rear wheel from hopping around so I also strap the rear wheel from both sides or the rear frame. I also see no reason not to use two parallel ramps to load and unload as you can walk on the other ramp, keeping you at the same level as your bike.
Pro tip, when unloading put kickstand down first release the strap opposite the kickstand first.
My sales guy delivered my motorcycle in the exact same strap down method you use...
He's been transporting bikes for 30 years.
Really great video, happy 4th my friend
Happy 4th!!
Thanks for the mention of keeping tied down bike in neutral. Makes sense to save possible impacts to gears. Also love the suggestion to put front tires up on curb to lower tailgate height! Big fan of all your instructional vids, thanks again!!!!
I attended ChampSchool with my ZX14R last year and transported it on a U-Haul bike trailer and used a Baxley Sport Chock. I knew NOTHING about tying the bike down at all so even though I used straps, I didn't cinch them down (will not make that mistake again, thanks for the tips here!). On the way home after day 2, I hit a massive pothole while going 70+ on the highway...despite a seat belt, I was violently thrown up in the seat. In the rearview mirror, I saw the massive bike jump in place too but stay vertical. Got home and saw that the straps were completely loose with 1 ft+ of slack, but the bike was sitting SOLID in the Baxley. That chock saved my bike. If it can hang on to a 570+ lb bike after the kind of hit the truck took on the road, it will hang on to any bike through anything. I still can't believe it.
You are not wrong. Those Baxleys aren't cheap, but I've seen them do amazing things! Compared to your bike falling over, that Baxley was exactly cheap!
@@CanyonChasers Indeed! I accidentally tipped that bike over in the garage 2 years ago while it was on the side stand. It was new. All fairings on one side, a new gas tank, one mirror and one blinker housing were ~$3K in parts. I bought the Baxley after fixing the bike so it can be locked in when I slip the paddock stand in. Not having that chock that day in the trailer would've damaged the bike all over again. So knowing what I know now about Baxley, I would've gladly paid 5x the MSRP for it. It is dirt cheap for what it prevents. That's the lesson I hope viewers get from your video....basic precautions and quality products are worth more than the time it takes to deploy them and their $ cost.
Great video. I've just purchased a new motorcycle and was tossing up whether or not to have it professionally transported. You've convinced me I can load it into my ute and save 300 bucks - good one!
I use two ramps spaced a couple feet apart because I often can not reduce the bed height and it's a pretty big two steps to get to the bed of my full sized truck, walking a ramp feels less risky to me and I can stay at the same level as the bars so I don't need to adjust reach to keep the bars level. Having space between the ramps gives me more leverage if the bike starts leaning (I walk up one ramp as the bike walks up the other). Other than that I follow the same procedure pretty much exactly and I'd double emphasize that smooth power input is very important. Make sure you have practiced managing the clutch for super controlled low power input. I use a Black Widow Pro Chock because it is probably as strong a chock you're going to find that doesn't need to be bolted into the bed.
Only use as much throttle as needed to prevent stalling...
I do strap the back wheel as an emergency strap in case something unforeseen happens in the front.
All this stuff is really pretty easy on my relatively light 701... but with the over 500lb Multistrada it's really important to get it right.
Two ramps, walk it up in first gear is how I’ve been loading motocross bikes into pickups since I was 13 years old. 11 years later and not one issue loading bikes solo.
Totally agree with walking up a ramp!!!👊
I don't normally leave comments. I'm from Australia and found this really helpful. Thank you for your time putting it together. Tim
Hello Australia! Glad it was helpful. I wish we could get some of your badass Toyota trucks up here. I’d love a Hulu or a 70 series.
Damn, I wish I grew up in the Rockies and learned all this kind of stuff when I was younger. Great video!
Another excellent video w/some solid tips! One thing, ratchet straps can indeed be released gradually once you learn how. First open the top lever about 3/4 of the way, then release it's "clutch" and put a bit tension into the mechanism with the top / outer lever. With tension now in the top lever you can release the lower/inner ratchet and slowly back the strap out. Repeat until there is slack in the strap. It's a little hard to explain but if you play with it, it'll become clear. I've been in situations where all I had was ratchets and this technique makes all the difference.
And agreed you have to be careful about over tightening and blowing for seals etc.
Yes and if you are using a front stand, like a Baxley, it’s all less of an issue.
I love the fact that you used metric to lead off the truck bed height and included the infographic for imperial. It is the better system by far and I've been ditching freedom units over the last few years. Just thought that was a nice touch lol.
I agree. But the hard one is temperature. Two years and I’m still struggling converting C to F in my head.
Freedom units? I call them horse-and-buggy units. For my own projects, I always use metric.
When unloading It's possible to put the bike in gear and use the clutch as a rear wheel brake (engine not running)
Thank you. I hate ratchet straps. They are great for securing loads like lumber or cement bags but are crap for bikes.
'My pickup truck of choice:' *music intensifies* 🤣
Check out that 4x4!
It's a fine choice... but I HAVE noticed that when Tacoma owners talk about their trucks any music playing in the vicinity gets louder.
@@kuhndj67 it's little truck syndrome. 🤣
My wife drives a Tacoma, it’s def a great truck for a girl. 😊. Thanks for the helpful video, I have a street glide and want to be able to haul it in my Silverado, this helps. Esp didn’t appreciate that ratchet straps weren’t best option.
Excellent and concise video! Easy to follow intrusions. Hopefully this helps a lot of riders.
I hope so too! The way we see bikes tied down at track day is always a bit alarming! And there was that one guy that almost launched himself into low orbit riding his GS into the back of his RAM 2500.
Good to know! I’m attending the Champs class in SC in a little over a week and I’m super nervous about hauling my Strom again. When I brought it home, I had it loaded on a hitch carrier rated @500lbs tied down with… ratchet straps… (please don’t yell at me)
Hitch carrier is currently for sale with a *slightly* buckled ramp (only used once!). U-Haul motorcycle trailer is reserved and the Pro Tapers should arrive tomorrow. Thank you!
How did it go?
@@CanyonChasers Champ Street was INCREDIBLE!! Some seriously life saving education! I've never had my bike leaned over that far and felt so in control. I'm practicing what I was taught and I feel so in tune with my bike now, its just mind-blowing! I plan to take the two day class next year, those two-up rides look absolutely terrifying and I can't wait to give it a go.
Also, I LOVE those Pro-Taper straps. They'll be staying in my panniers from now on.
Loved the BTF clips in regards to the Toyota! 🤣 Learned some great tips from the video. You're always pumping out wonderful content.
Ride safe!
That movie may have inspired my love of compact pickups.
Your videos are full of technical content, the major reason I watch your channel, (subscribed too). If it’s not too much beneath you, how about a video on loading a trailer? I’d like to hear / see your observations.
only time i would use ratcheting straps is if I didnt have a chock at the front. my experience with straps that hold onto the grips...dont use them.
had a rear tire blow out (in a parking lot thank goodness) and the tow guy used straps on the grips and it ruined the throttle tube by digging a notch into it by pressing it into the metal bar downward. Ended up having to replace the tube and housing.
consider using ratcheting straps if your bike weighs over 5-600lbs as those other designs may come loose while transporting..having to slam on your brakes in a emergency or swerve may cause the bike to fall.
love the video!!
Yes! Well said.
I agree with you, I have a couple of Canyon Dancers that tie down from the grips and the only times I've used them caused damage to either the grip, throttle tube, or control clusters. I use the same ProTaper straps as in the video and will never go back to tie downs on the bars.
Great video. +1 on Ready Ramps. And good tip on tying down the ramp, my first time transporting a bike, the rear tire kicked out the ramp when it was still half off the tailgate. Luckily, the guy I was buying the FZ1 from and I were able to he-man it the rest of the way.
I may (or may not) have done the exact same thing at one point in time. Only without any help to he-man the bike back up.
When I’m backing my bike out of the cabin (which is uphill) I put the bike in first gear and use the clutch to control the descent. That way if you let go, the default is to stop rather than the default being to keep going.
Great tip!
Interesting on the cinch straps and the knot to keep them from moving. I've always used rachet straps and cinch straps. The cinch to get it stable and the rachet to lock it down Take the racket strap off first and it doesn't pop too crazy because the cinch is holding the bike.
Thank you! I've always trailered with the bike in 1st gear. Will quit that practice.
I use two Big Boy folding ramps to walk the bike up/down in/out of the bed of my F150.
I also use two metal bars that lock into the tailgate latches to support the weight of the bike as I load/unload.
Will be trailering my Panigale to the track for the first time in November. Thanks for this- gives me a bit more confidence. What are your thoughts on strapping the tyre to take most of the load, then using the straps on the triple clamp more as stabilizers?
It’s probably not necessary but do what you feel is best so you’re comfortable.
Personally I’ll just drive slower and then not have to worry about the strap scratching up my wheel.
Interesting. I would probably have to modify some of this if I were to try and transport my Goldwing, I would be concerned about the weight on the tailgate. I probably would always think a tow truck would be better for a heavy touring style bike. This would probably work okay for my Africa Twin.
Haha! Yeah. A Goldwing is entirely a different considration and I probably should have mentioned tailgate strength for heavier touring machines.
That's a lot of bike for a ramp load... as much as I like the convenience of just having the bike in the bed I'd be using our trailer for a wing...
Quality, as always.
Many thanks.
Great video Dave. A related tip is that if your bike is huge and you are small, there's nothing wrong with backing down the ramp using the clutch friction zone as a brake (engine off). My Victory Vision is too big for me to balance and reach across to the front brake. 👍
You are 100% correct! The clutch is an excellent way to control speed on the way back down. I should have mentioned that in the video .
Please what is this ramp that cam be used also to limit the car? Thanks
Quite timely! Just bought my Z400 200 miles away, and will be hauling it home in 2 weeks. Going to pick up a wheel chalk tomorrow. Not using a pickup, but rented a trailer for it, and installing a hitch on a buddy's Honda Pilot. Good info on not using the stand. I had initially considered just leaving it on the stand, and strapping it down. Glad to know that my intuition was correct that it would just be safer to spend the money now on a chalk.
Interesting comments about the pro-taper straps. I’ve been using ANCRA for about 30 yrs (same pair). You like the pro=tapers better than ANCRA?
I’ve been wanting to put my Tiger1200 in the bed of my Colorado but haven’t seen an ramp I liked. Gonna have to try that set up. Thanks!
Dude, you and Ryan F9 are the only two channels I subscribe to, first and foremost because of the content, but a nice bonus is that you actually use metric, which is a pleasant surprise. How so?
Well first, thank you! Second, when we look at our analytics, the vast majority of our users are on the metric system, so it makes sense to communicate on terms with most of our viewers. Thirdly, in the military (the american military) we used the metric system, so I learned at an early age that its nothing to be afraid of and it makes way more sense than measurments based on the physical dimensions of kings.
Is it just me, or has F9's content gone down hill recently? He used to do some pretty good stuff, but the last several months he seems to be phoning it in.
Interesting and valuable topic to discuss. My pick up has a canopy/cap and the bed is full of tools etc so it is always a trailer. But apparently my strapping technique is a fail. The roads and highways in Canada are always bumpy and rough with dips and rises so I have to strap all 4 corners or even at "mellow" speeds the bike will move all over the place. My street bikes have fairings so no triple clamp access so for front handle bar it is. Because of the bumpy roads if bike not cinched down tight bike suspension will compress so straps go slack and bike flops around. So I use ratchet straps. No blown fork seals yet but I will give that some thought. I trailer cross country and never need to redo my straps. Good chocks make all the difference for sure.
I can access the lower triples on both my sport bikes, but for sure that may not work on all sport bike.
We adore Canada, but yeah, the frost swells up there can get really exciting.
We have four faired motorcycles and can get straps on the lower triple on all of them - this includes a Multistrada, R3, R6, and an old VFR800 with very chunky fairings. It can be a pain to get a hand in there, but I've never seen a faired bike you can't get straps on. If you are worried about the hook touching the fender, you can always add a soft-tie-down to the triple first and then loop the strap through that to move the hook a little farther down.
What's that metal ladder-like thingy u put on the rear wheel of your motorcycle? 🤔
Nice color on that Tacoma. Lunar Rock for the win!
Indeed!
Such a needed video CC, thnx😎🙏
i would NEVER use open hooks. hit bump, hook falls off, bike falls over. I like closing lock hooks.. they don't cand cost that much more
Good information! Thanks for the Pro Taper cams, I will be ordering a few sets for my and my wife's bikes!
wondering how strong are tailgate support cables- with 480# bike & I, on an old ford ranger gate,, is that all okay?
I have a Ford Maverick and a Ducati Panigale. Im trying to make these two work. Whats the best way to go about this?? When i measured the bike vs the bed length the tire would be hanging out the bed of the truck with the bed door down if i try to fit the bike in straight. I have a wheel choke and a bed extender.. I could put the bike in at an angle but i wouldnt be able to use the front tire wheel choke. any suggestions???
Great tips as usual. Thanks 👍
Does the hf chock need to be mounted to the truck bed or thick plywood? Or is that un necessary? Just bought one and about to haul it 200 miles. Great video though.
unecessary. All the thing is doing is holding the bike upright until you tie it down. The straps will hold the bike in place until it's time to unload the bike.
Is there no need to secure the wheel chock? And did you tie it down to the wheel chock? Wouldn't it be better to tie it down to the truck itself?
The bike is tied to the truck, not the wheel chalk. The chalk is effectively locked to the bike, and served just to hold the bike upright before the straps are attached to the bike/truck.
Super video Dave. Great to be self sufficient. 🤓 💖🏍️🏍️
Right!?! Having someone to help is awesome, but what if nobody is around?
Great content bro ✊
Good video, valuable information for lighter bikes. For the larger cruiser types that weigh 800 + pounds, there are ways to load them into the rear of a full size pickup, but this is not one of them! This is far too risky. One slip and you are likely going to be seriously injured or worse.
How long is that ramp? BTW - in BC Canada you must use four straps if your want your insurance to be valid. Cheers
That’s a great piece of information about four straps and insurance. They come in two sizes 228 cm and 255 cm.
Is the wheel chock needed? Or can i just put the motorcycle on the truck without the wheel chock?
It totally is not. But it makes is crazy easy beause you roll the bike in and it stays upright without having to hold it.
@@CanyonChasers thank you.
Awesome vid ! How are the Maxxis Razr’s holding up ??
Great! They are seriously my favorite AT tire - I'll buy them again.
@@CanyonChasers nice man, been looking for a solid budget all terrain for my 4Runner. Been looking at these and the Kenda Klevers.
Are these passenger tires? Standard load ?
These are SL - but another option to look at is the Nitto Nomad Grappler - a little less aggressive - we put them on the Subaru and I've been happy with them so far.
Good video, would you mind elaborating a little on why ratchet straps are bad?
Because they release instantaneously, and people tend to crank them down way tighter than they should. The primary cause of motorcycycle damage during transport is ratchet straps.
Good Stuff Man,,!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video. But one thing I was always worried about is that the whole rear wheel is sitting on the tailgate due to our Tacoma only has 5ft bed. How's your tailgate holding up?
The third gen tailgate is way better than the second gen. My buddy has hauled his multistrada a bunch of times in his 3rd gen without any problems. I’m more like you, so with my second gen and my third gen I ordered an aluminum tailgate reinforcement plate from Relentless Fabrication. No affiliation even though I would work with them. They’ve been great. And I think piece of mind is valuable. And the reinforcement plate is a lot cheaper than a new tailgate.
Try a Harley back there with a gmc flex gate?
The cycle cinch is another great, and I'd argue superior, grip stap product.
The Cycle Cinch is indeed an excellent option.
I don't know the road rules where you are but in my town both parking with your rear wheels in the gutter and parking with your front end up on the pavement are likely to see the vehicle pick up a parking notice if spotted.
In my previous job most of my colleagues road and loaded their farm bikes into the bed of their utes to get them to the destination, they built a mound in the yard, reversed the ute to the mound, dropped the tail gate and simply rolled the bike from the mound into the ute. They did need to take a ramp with them to their destination.
Well. I'm not parking. I'm loading. :) But a mound might be even better if one has the space.
@@CanyonChasers you wouldn't believe how often I hear that defence lol, it may even have worked on one occasion.
I rather doubt the meter maid is waiting around the corner in a suburban neighborhood to swoop in with a parking ticket.
@@BlindIo42 I write between 30 and 50 tickets most days and I'm in the suburbs 3 days out of 5.
Also the rear brake (clutch control in gear) is better to control the descent off the truck. The front brake will just slide the front tire.
Clutch is a great option, but its hard to walk and control the rear brake at the same time.
"Drive super mellow when you're loaded." chuckles.
Thanks again good video. From Tampa Florida. 👍🙋🇵🇷🇺🇸🐘🐘🐘🐘
Hello Florida. Glad you enjoyed it
Great video 👍🏽
The dog very attentive :)
Thanks !
Always, always, always tie the back. You've clearly never hit a deer with your bike in tow! Simple to do for major risk reduction. Last 5%...
Obviously he's a city Boy look at his driveway lol probably more likely to hit a squirrel
Your video is just a commercial for the straps and ramp. You repeated the strap name 5 times but not selling the straps ??
It's ProTaper man that's like gold standard
Great video! Thank you!
Ratchet straps don't release all at once, if you know how to use them
Wide n thick ratchet straps are always used to tie down race cars. Did it, no problem.
Cars don't tip over when you release the straps. :)
@@CanyonChasers Keep kickstand down
@@peterbergeris6510 You may have missed the part about that causing damage to the bike and the truck. Many bikes have the side stand mounted directly to the aluminum engine case, hit a bump wrong and you are shopping for a new motor - and the bike has tipped over, damaging both it and your expensive truck.
Great video but…. I bought these straps and this style just does not hold. Nothing replaces a ratchet strap. I returned them.
Don’t leave the straps loose enough for suspension movement. Get a suspension stopper and cinch it tight. When the suspensions compresses the straps become loose and that’s when your bike will come loose. Also, just strap the rear wheel down, it helps
That’s the best possible advice for a long travel bike. But short travel bikes, suspension stoppers aren’t really a thing.
Any point in ever putting the rear wheel on a pit bull stand? Great clip as usual.
Pit bull makes these awesome transport rear stands. They are fantastic. A normal, traditional rearstand would not work very well.
Great video! Except my bike is almost 1000 lbs lol, maybe have someone support it on the other side?
Yeah. For sure. That falls under knowing your limits and what you are comfortable with. Loading super heavy or super tall bikes is an extra challenge.
It's not as easy, but it can be done. Getting the load height as low as possible helps the most, but at 1,000# you may be exceeding the load limits of many midsize trucks. A $20 bike trailer rental from UHaul would probably be a better bet - built in wheel chock, super low deck height, and a full width ramp. I'd pay the small price for the convenience.
@@BlindIo42 Great advice! Ty!
Great video thanks
Nice video sir
Great tips! Ride on!
I've always been too nervous of the tailgate load rating for this so it goes in on an angle. On a big bump, the weight can triple or more and those tailgate straps are not failproof - but that's me. +1 on Pro Taper.
I've never seen a tailgate bend from transport. I've seen them bend during loading (some modern tailgates are crazy flimsy). I've also seen more bikes tip over from being loaded on an angle than I've seen bent tailgates.
What truck do you have? Most full size trucks and even midsize have tailgates strong enough to carry load. Others that have known flimsy tailgates can be reinforced with aftermarket kits.
@@BlindIo42 It's a 2017 Nissan Frontier - suggested is 300lbs I believe - that's enough but if you hit a big bump, the shock load can exceed that. They can bend at the hinges as well as fail at the straps. It's not super common but it can happen and I live in a world of big-ass potholes. I'm probably overthinking it.
I don't know if are overthinking it as much as striving to be informed. GenII Tacoma tailgates would bend when people sat on them. The new tailgates with that wing-thing are going to be quite a bit stronger just with those extra bends.
Of course there are always companies making tailgate reinforcement plates for trucks with known weak gates.
@@tinymotogarage I have the SUV equivalent of the Xterra and have been pretty plugged into the Nissan community - I've never seen a broken tailgate that wasn't severely overloaded - like "someone dropped a pallet onto the edge" level of overloaded. Generally the Nissan tailgates are pretty strong, but you can always add a stiffening plate to better distribute the load if you're worried about it.
What of the bike doesn't run?
Get a buddy to help you push. This video was focused on a solo approach.
There's a possibility of the bike tipping over on you as you're moving in off the truck bed. Would having another person around help?
Yes, another person is always super helpful. But there are times when help may not be available.
Do you have to worry about the weight that the tailgate can handle? I’ve seen some horror stories of Tacoma tailgates buckling in on forums.
Gen 1 Tacoma’s had notoriously weak tailgates. The Gen2s are better. Several companies make aluminum plates to reinforce it. Because, yeah, if you have a heavy bike, that is something to be concerned with.
Okay thanks! By heavy do you mean like gold wing heavy? I just want to be able to transport an r6, seems like it shouldn’t be a problem but want to be careful.
I have a 2023 Tacoma by the way.
Can you do that by yourself with a cruiser?
Depends on the cruiser, the height of the truck and your physical strength. I've done it several times myself with Suzuki 1400 cruisers.
Need a gift for hubby. Can you tell me about the stool? 😂
When I load my bike in the back of the truck or trailer I always use ratchet straps some times doubled up.... and i compress the forks completely YOU WILL NOT dammage the fork shocks ! that is a myth ! my 1977 Triumph Bonneville 750 came home through 75 miles of twisty bumpy back roads this way and the forks are still good.... no leaks or anything
if you do Not compress the forks all the way the bike can come loose ...I have seen this too many times.... think about it..... if you could damage your shocks by bottoming them out
they would already be damaged ! strapping them down all the way to where the front tire is flexing is great.... it will stay there !.... yes the triple trees is the best place to pull from
but I frequently use the handle bar's at the base.... Just get GOOD ratchet straps not the 800lb ones their not strong enough !
This dude sounds exactly like Jeff Nippard
I use a tire harnas for the back tire, that way the motor will never bounce the rear wheel and no additional load on the rear shock. Great vid!
it's crazy to me that you dislike ratchet straps. Literally the strongest and most reliable straps one can buy. You see how you do an extra knot so they don't come loose? You know what never comes loose? Ratchet straps. Ratchet straps can also be released slowly as you are doing with those inferior style straps.
It's not just me. Most everyone in the industry uses the Pro-Taper Cam Locks, even Ari Henning. You can see the boys at Revzilla using them in a lot of their videos. Except Lemmy. He used those ultra-cheap florescent orange ratchet straps, which I think you and I would be in agreement about how bad those are. 😎
@@CanyonChasers Actually, I would say I prefer to not get the cheapest ratchet straps, however, I've had them before and have never had one of them fail either. I'd say even the worst ratchet straps I would trust over the style you prefer as shown in your video. Doesn't mean the ones you use aren't sufficient, but I put my faith in ratchet straps over any other style to not fail 10/10 times.
PUPPY!!!
Nice video! But you didn’t load the bike alone….Chase the moto-dog’s contribution was invaluable.
Fair point!
Until the tailgate turns into a taco!
I have seen it happen.
The ramp should have a leg support.
You can get reinforced tailgate plates, but yes, you are correct some tailgates bend way too easily. GenII Tacoma's have notoriously flimsy tailgates.
No good way to release a ratchet strap? It is easy - hold the loose side with tension and release the lever - been using them for a decade and never had issues. Also those cheap ratchet use the same webbing as the more expensive ones and the clamping straps - they won't snap holding a motorbike. If you are paranoid you can get thicker, wider webbing but it is not really needed unless you are hauling cars or very heavy loads.
Right, but once it's released. It's all the way released. A cam-lock, I can release it a little bit and still maintain tension. But if you are comfortable using ratchets, there's nothing wrong with that.
Kinda regretting that lift kit and big wheels on my truck now…
Right!?! That makes it so much harder.
Sorry, but I never compress my suspension when transporting my bikes. Bikes & Beards do a video showing how to tie down a bike correctly.
The BB method works well with heavy cruisers, but my experience has been that not so much with sportbikes. I have seen bent forks, damaged fork tubes and broken fenders. Sportbikes are just far more delicate. And forks are made to be compressed, but he was right in that a lot of folks way overcrank things down.
@@CanyonChasers A fair reply.
The Toyata Hilux is not the same. It's a larger truck.
Actually the Hilux is physically smaller. But the Hilux uses effectively a 1-ton chassis as well as more desirable turbo diesel motor that produces much more torque.
Whilst your method can work.... I take my bikes in a van. Using a front wheel chock, I use the "canyon" straps to pull the front down. However I do use straps on the back HORIZONTAL to the rear pulling outward. Then 2 straps pullng the bike back and down, from the rear lower D rings - tie the back end down. Nothing moves. We all have our ways. The most important/critical issue is gettig the bike on and off - tie-down is chapter 2.
I am a strong, independent motorcyclist
Self sufficient... You lied! I clearly saw a very furry assistant.
Haha! Yes, you do have a very valid point!
Haha what are Scottish king thumbs?
Happy pooper
I had to cringe, saw a guy with a brand new bike in the back, kickstand down, out of province plates… an eventful trip I bet!