Transporting the Bike

[Sasmaster]

Since I have no riding experience, Ill probably load the "future" bike in my truck. Question is what is the best way to transport a motorcycle? Is there a special way to strap it securely in the bed? Does it take more than one person to load/unload?

Thanks in advance!

[zzr6oo187]

just use one strap on each side of the bar and one on each rear foot peg tighten the straps until the springs are compressed and bike is upright

[allkingz]

On a trailer, I think one person is sufficient to load and unload. On a pickup truck, I think it would be easier with 2 people.

Good luck.

[gobeer net]

Is it ok to tie it down by the clip ons?

[Sasmaster]

Any tips on loading/unloading it? Use a makeshift ramp I assume?

[NeekTav]

Originally Posted by Sasmaster

Any tips on loading/unloading it? Use a makeshift ramp I assume?

If you buy from a dealer let them help out with loading and they may let you take the ramp home to unload just make sure you return it.

If your buying used make a ramp with wood or whatever,back the truck up to the curb with tailgate hanging over the grass this way the angle is less. Have two guys roll it up ramp with one guy in the truck to help guide and balance.JMO

[bdrushto]

Well, if you have a truck, it'd be better with two people. Trying to balance four hundred pounds of weight amost above your head isn't easy (I know from experience).

A common trick is to try to back the truck up to a curb, anything that can lessen the height difference.

Find the widest, longest ramp you can, I wouldn't recommend a wood board, I've had bad experiences (and it was 10' long ). It's really worth it to spring for a good aluminum ramp, almost guaranteed you'll need one more than once and it'll be worth it's weight in gold.

Once it's in the truck there's a product called Canyon Dancer's that attatch to the grips that, among other things, keep from scratching the bike, definitley pick up a pair of those. I accidently forgot to get myself a pair of these on a trip to Georgia a week ago, so I just used the soft tie-down feature most good tie downs have and was VERY careful to wrap it around the clip on (avoid wires, etc.) and was just fine. I really wouldn't recommend it though, I was in a pinch however and lucked out to get back with no damage.

If you are careful enough and take your time, it can be done... Good luck.

[cbr04]

go to your local bike shop and pick up some CANYON DANCERS. it's a harness that goes over the clip-ons... then you have a tie down on each side.

just hauled my bike to Illinois and back (2000 miles)...

[cbr04]

+1 on having someone there to help you out if you've never done it. i usually load mine myself but i have a wide atv ramp i use plus i always find a hill of some sort to reduce the angle.

[Evintos]

Is it possible to fit a motorcycle (specifically an SV650S) in the back on a minivan?

[GUTTERbOY]

Originally Posted by Evintos

Is it possible to fit a motorcycle (specifically an SV650S) in the back on a minivan?

Height would probably be an issue. Check the overall bike height against the inside height of the van.

FYI, if you've got a trailer hitch, Uhaul rents motorcycle trailers for $15/day. I took advantage of this to get my first bike home.

[lemosley01]

If you buy from a dealer, a lot of times they will deliver the bike. If they offer, or even if you have to pay a little bit, just have them do it. That way, if they break it, they fix it.

[OldSchlPunk]

DiscountRamps.com is a good place to look for aluminum ramps. They have a wide variety to choose from.

When cinching the bike down, you don't need to bottom the springs, just pull enough that a large bump isn't going to compress the suspension and cause the tiedowns to get slack. And don't let the straps rub on anything, it's not good for your paint or the straps. My general rule for weight ratings of straps is each strap should be rated at double the weight of the bike or more.