I’ve watched 6 how to load videos and your the first one to mention keeping the bike in gear while removing the bike. That’s going to help me out a ton since the last time I had the front sliding while braking
Much easier way to control the bike coming down is using that clutch which is closer to you. Seems like a no brainer. Glad it helped you stay upright bud.
I used to put my atv in the bed of my truck, riding it up ramps. I’ve done my CBR1000f Hurricane a time and thought, never again. I bought a small utility trailer, set up a single wheel lock down chock that I can remove for my atv. Easily ride or walk up the 18” rise. The chock is just a fail safe if one of the tie down straps fails for side to side and front to rear. Peace of mind, for me at least, and simplicity for loading, unloading.
Yep been hauling bikes for 50 years and have never blown a fork seal because of tie downs. Don't you think bumps, jumps and dips don't do the same and even worse?
I bought a nice aluminum ramp that is made for quads with a 1500 lb rating . It can be a "dual" purpose unit for whatever including a motorcycle . Since I don't own a quad , yet , I just removed the center part that keeps the 2 ramp sections stable and is the hinge when you fold the thing for storage . With that part taken off I then joined the 2 20" or so sides together . Using strong zip ties and Gorilla tape I now have a 44" ramp that plenty sturdy . I use tie downs on the hitch reciever and the outside edge on my trucks bumper , solid . Worked easy with the DR650 but now I need to try it with the Tenere 700 . I think for that I will need to decrease the angle of the ramp and practice maybe using the bikes own power , just have to be super careful and have a buddy with with me . Stuffing the back and sides of the truck bed with cushions might be a good idea . I have a bunch of old Coleman air mattresses that this would be perfect for .
Another great and informative video! What are your thoughts on riding the motorcycle up the ramp or powering the motorcycle up the ramp while walking on the side?
Yep, the GMC in the video is the 6.5 foot bed as well, and we can see the rear wheel fits just into the bed, not even really on the crease between the bed and the gate. We've had issues with folding/bending tailgates on 5.5 foot beds in the past.
Bob, good question, and honestly, we don't have enough experience with them to say how it would work. After 4+ years of operating a rental fleet with Africa Twins, only twice has there been a request for a DCT model. Hence we only buy manual transmissions. Heard DCT is pretty great....but it seems the majority of folks still like manual.
DCT has hand brakes on both sides. Left is the parking brake. Similiar to how it's explained in this video by using the clutch lever as a 'brake'. Same idea... Ride safe!
What is the length of the bed of that truck in the video? I”m considering getting a truck with a 5’ bed, but want to make sure it’s long enough to be able to load my 2020 Africa Twin. Thanks!
Glad you checked, that GMC has the 6.5 foot bed, and as shown, it's just barely enough to get the bulk/weight of that Africa Twin over the hinge of the gate. Such a heavy bike, typically shouldn't be out in the middle of the gate.....as I have seen them "taco'd" :)
Thanks man! So simple tips when you are watching a video but it was always a pain in the @ss when I had to load my VTX 1800 at Dodge Ram without this tips!
Good idea, and yea, ratchet-types can be great. But in after all these years, hundreds of loadings/unloadings, and thousands of miles of bikes being hauled, these cam-straps have never once failed or loosened-up. Only failure ever was when we didn't have a closed-hook/loop, didn't zip-tie it, and a hook did come off the rack the bike was loaded on due to shaking. Fortunately, the bike just leaned up against the rear tailgate of the truck.
If someone is learning how to tie down their bike we have to teach it this way. Once someone gains more experience they can make their own decision on what works for them and the extent of risk they are willing to take.
Most practical bike channel on the internet, hands down. Well done!
Love it, thanks for saying so! More ahead. So glad if it helps anyone get out there and explore.
I’ve watched 6 how to load videos and your the first one to mention keeping the bike in gear while removing the bike. That’s going to help me out a ton since the last time I had the front sliding while braking
Much easier way to control the bike coming down is using that clutch which is closer to you. Seems like a no brainer. Glad it helped you stay upright bud.
I used to put my atv in the bed of my truck, riding it up ramps. I’ve done my CBR1000f Hurricane a time and thought, never again. I bought a small utility trailer, set up a single wheel lock down chock that I can remove for my atv. Easily ride or walk up the 18” rise. The chock is just a fail safe if one of the tie down straps fails for side to side and front to rear. Peace of mind, for me at least, and simplicity for loading, unloading.
Sounds like you got a set up that works and that's the most important part on all this. Safely getting that bike or ATV where you want to RIDE.
Nice video!! Very useful, thank you so much ! I’m going to travel with my bike and I didn’t knew how to
I use a fork block to eliminate fork compression so that the front straps can never go slack and unhook regardless of the gyrations of the truck bed.
Nice, that's a good idea.
You deserve more subs bro. The way you broke it down and explained 👍👍
Glad if it helps. Will gladly take more subs, thanks!
Yep been hauling bikes for 50 years and have never blown a fork seal because of tie downs. Don't you think bumps, jumps and dips don't do the same and even worse?
I bought a nice aluminum ramp that is made for quads with a 1500 lb rating . It can be a "dual" purpose unit for whatever including a motorcycle . Since I don't own a quad , yet , I just removed the center part that keeps the 2 ramp sections stable and is the hinge when you fold the thing for storage . With that part taken off I then joined the 2 20" or so sides together . Using strong zip ties and Gorilla tape I now have a 44" ramp that plenty sturdy . I use tie downs on the hitch reciever and the outside edge on my trucks bumper , solid
. Worked easy with the DR650 but now I need to try it with the Tenere 700 . I think for that I will need to decrease the angle of the ramp and practice maybe using the bikes own power , just have to be super careful and have a buddy with with me . Stuffing the back and sides of the truck bed with cushions might be a good idea . I have a bunch of old Coleman air mattresses that this would be perfect for .
Now I just have to convince my wife that we absolutely need a pickup.
Should be easy. They're SO convenient! Good luck, and RIDE on.
Very thorough , clearly explained , didn't feel like there was a 'curriculum' involved (good thing ).
Glad it was helpful to anyone. Thanks for the note.
Between u and brett Tkacs i get all the critical info i need
That's fine company to be mentioned with, thanks for the note!
Another great and informative video! What are your thoughts on riding the motorcycle up the ramp or powering the motorcycle up the ramp while walking on the side?
What is the bed length of the truck in the video?
I have a 6.5 foot bed and an Africa Twin. I would think that the rear wheel would on the tail gate.
Yep, the GMC in the video is the 6.5 foot bed as well, and we can see the rear wheel fits just into the bed, not even really on the crease between the bed and the gate. We've had issues with folding/bending tailgates on 5.5 foot beds in the past.
Just bought my KLR 650 and am nervous thinking I’ll have to put it in my Dodge 4X4 Dually one day. Great video
Congrats on the bike, and glad if the info helps. Thanks for the note.
Great info and thanks. Any thoughts on solo loading/unloading a DCT transmission Africa Twin?
Bob, good question, and honestly, we don't have enough experience with them to say how it would work. After 4+ years of operating a rental fleet with Africa Twins, only twice has there been a request for a DCT model. Hence we only buy manual transmissions. Heard DCT is pretty great....but it seems the majority of folks still like manual.
@@RIDEAdventures Thanks for taking time to reply. I'm gonna have to have a [re]think......
DCT has hand brakes on both sides. Left is the parking brake. Similiar to how it's explained in this video by using the clutch lever as a 'brake'. Same idea... Ride safe!
What is the length of the bed of that truck in the video? I”m considering getting a truck with a 5’ bed, but want to make sure it’s long enough to be able to load my 2020 Africa Twin. Thanks!
Glad you checked, that GMC has the 6.5 foot bed, and as shown, it's just barely enough to get the bulk/weight of that Africa Twin over the hinge of the gate. Such a heavy bike, typically shouldn't be out in the middle of the gate.....as I have seen them "taco'd" :)
My mum has a 2016 Kia Ceed. Does this video aply to it as well?
Depends on the bike and how many pieces it's in : )
nice vid, appreciate the good advice .... personally i like my ramps longer and wider (at least thats what she said) ;-)
And stiffer! Ha, thanks for the note.
Thanks man! So simple tips when you are watching a video but it was always a pain in the @ss when I had to load my VTX 1800 at Dodge Ram without this tips!
That bike is a BEAST compared to one of these little adv bikes, so yea, glad if the info helps : )
Vtx 1800 great bike
Those outtakes tho.
Um did you have the engine off but put it into 1st?!
Yep. Hope it made sense why. That way we can slip the clutch and it acts as a rear brake. Which is useful backing down especially.
Replace those inexpensive orange tension pull straps with straps with a true ratchet, that won't loosen when hitting bumps ...
Good idea, and yea, ratchet-types can be great. But in after all these years, hundreds of loadings/unloadings, and thousands of miles of bikes being hauled, these cam-straps have never once failed or loosened-up. Only failure ever was when we didn't have a closed-hook/loop, didn't zip-tie it, and a hook did come off the rack the bike was loaded on due to shaking. Fortunately, the bike just leaned up against the rear tailgate of the truck.
most people not have the option of berms etc. Better to have shown from flat surface.
🤔
Pretty over kill I’d say but I’m sure it was for the sake of the video just to demonstrate all the ways
If someone is learning how to tie down their bike we have to teach it this way. Once someone gains more experience they can make their own decision on what works for them and the extent of risk they are willing to take.
LOL