Edit; I had to take my pics off... file too big. I'll shrink my pics and resend
Depending on the truck you will have 4 or 6 tie down points. 4 is good enough.
You want 5 ratchet straps. MUST be ratcheting do NOT depend on the
pull tight, friction lock straps.
You will also need a plank or 2 for a ramp. As you're riding there
you're obviously not going to pack them on the bike.
My opinion, before you leave google a lumber store close to the
truck. Go view and purchase the truck. Take the truck and buy 2 8'
2x(8+). In a perfect world also get or have either 2 screws and gun
or 2 nails and hammer. When you're back at the bike, first plank down
against tailgate, second plank apx half to 3/4 of the first one.
Screw or nail them together. Unless it's lowered 8' is often too
steep. The 2 planks will give you a gentle start with only the last
few feet being steep. With a lift you may even have to bridge those
two with a third.
Once the bike is in the truck VERY gently lower it to the side stand.
Hook a strap from the triple tree area (actual hook placement will
depend on the straps you buy) to the drivers front corner, if you
have a helper to stand the bike up straight fine but if not engage
the ratchet with some slack in the strap. Do the same at the back of
the bike drivers side. Hook the strap to frame or rack of bike.
Something very solid that isn't part of the wheel/swing arm. You want
the strap far enough forward on the bike that it's pulling the bike
backwards, not just sideways. Put the pass side front and rear straps
on but leave them loose and don't engage the ratchet yet. Add the 5th
strap in the middle pulling straight sideways on the pass side. Use
this strap to stand the bike up most of the way. Then by adjusting
the other 4 straps pull it all the way up and then suck the
suspension down as tight as you can without hurting things. When you
sit on the bike it shouldn't move. undo the 5th strap and re-install
it from one bed rail to the other over the seat (feel free to add
something to protect your seat, card board with a foot of 2x4 works
very well). Suck this one tight. With my 450 the tailgate closes so
undo your ramps, toss them in beside the bike and close the tailgate.
On the drive home stop at a gas station after about a mile. Climb up
and sit on the bike, if it moves under your weight it the straps need
to be tighter.
Once home, with the stand down take the strain off the d-side one at
a time but not all the way. slowly let the pass side off till it
rests back on the side stand.
With a helper, take the middle strap off, have them sit on the bike
and undo the rear straps then the front straps. It WILL jump to the
tight side when you let one side off so warn the help.
Pics of mine included. Having owned a pick up since 86 I've moved
more than my share of bikes and stuff for friends. You're always
everybody's friend on moving day and everyone seems to think your
truck will use a little gas as their car (or bike). Can't count the
number of times I've been offered 20 bux to cover a $60 gas bill
never mind my time. Or worse cold pizza and warm beer.
Oh and disregard the bike disassembly... My personal rule when my
bike came home was that it runs before it gets unloaded or it goes
for scrap. It didn't run well but it fired and stumbled. The one
gauge jumper cables in IMG_3142 go up to the trucks batt. The bike
batt was toast, but after 4 hours of cranking and futzing around the
truck batt didn't show a change in voltage ;o)
At 01:43 PM 2/22/2012, you wrote:
Hi Folks,
I'm upgrading from the NH to a truck. I'm riding the motorcycle to
pick up the vehicle & need to safely get the bike home.
Having a truck is a whole new ball game for me.
I was going to pick up some ratchet tie-downs. Where are the best
spots to secure a cycle?
Now that the 550 isn't my sole means of transportation I can give it
some long needed TLC.
Thanks-
Bernie
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Pat Patterson
Abbotsford, BC, Canada
VA7PDP
2001 PT Cruiser
83 450 Honda Nighthawk
78 F350 460/C6 on propane
71 Bronco 302/C4/D20 D44/9" {o===o}
"Just add Lightness-"
Colin Chapman. (1928 - 1982)
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