If your motorcycle is tied down wrong, it could cause it to shift or fall out of your trailer on a trip down the highway.If you want to keep your motorcycle tied down safely on a trailer, you need to learn the correct procedures.Pick a trailer, secure your bike, and drive safely.
Step 1: Pick a trailer that works for you.
Depending on how often you plan to move your bike, what kinds of conditions you expect to encounter, how handy you are with tools, and your budget, there are a variety of different trailers that will be appropriate for your purposes.The trailers are made to fit the bikes.Make sure to check with your bike retailer for specific trailer suggestions.Renting a trailer is the most common option since most companies that provide the equipment keep it well-maintained and in compliance with federal and state law.A 5' X 9' open trailer with a fold-down ramp is ideal for one or two people.There are tie-down rings in the front corners.Some motorcycle trailers have small tires, which bounce uncontrollably as you drive.If the bike is worth towing, use a bigger trailer.
Step 2: There is a ramp for the trailer.
To make sure you get a ramp that's big enough for your purposes, you need to measure the ground clearance of the bike.Most trailers should come with a pull-down ramp, but if you're going to rent one, or try to trailer a bike in your truck, you will want to be sure it will work.The center of the front wheel is the base of your bike.The lowest point on the motorcycle is halfway between the front and rear wheels.You want to measure the height of the truck bed in order to load the bike.
Step 3: There are trailer permit laws in your area.
Laws vary from state to state, so it's always a good idea to investigate any special permits, laws, rules of the road, or licenses that you might need in order to stay in compliance with local law enforcement.Most rental companies will offer a temporary insurance policy that will only cover their equipment and may require you to pay a deductible.To be on the safe side, check with your insurance company to see if the rental insurance is enough.
Step 4: Make sure you have a hitch on your vehicle.
To pull a trailer with weight up to a ton, you'll need something with rear-wheel drive rated to tow two thousand pounds.Chevy Caprices and Crown Victorias work well.Hitches are rated based on the tongue-weight of different trailers, and you need an appropriate hitch for the trailer you use.Class 1 or 2 hitches are usually fine for motorcycles.Smaller cars can work for smaller trailers, but larger vehicles need a heftier vehicle.SUVs and trucks are usually better than cars.If you want to tow a trailer in excess of two tons, you'll need a half-ton truck like an F-150 or a Silverado.A half-ton truck is a Ford F-150.
Step 5: Get a set of straps.
Most home centers and discount stores carry the pull strap type, which is easier to compress than the ratchet type.Pay attention to the Working Load Limit of the straps you get and choose a strap that has a working load limit of at least half the weight of your motorcycle.If your bike weighs 650 pounds, find a strap with a working load limit of at least 325 pounds each.This rating will be found on most one-inch nylon straps.
Step 6: There is a wheel on the front of the trailer.
A wheel chock is a sturdy material made of metal or plastic that is placed around the front wheel of a motorcycle to prevent it from moving.It's not a requirement to trailer your bike, but if you don't have a friend with you, the chore is much easier.The bike should be parked at the front of the trailer if you don't have a choke.The front tire should be pressed against the rail if there is a rail on the trailer.
Step 7: The bike can be loaded on the ramp.
The bike should be pushed up the ramp into the bed of the trailer.The motorcycle's front wheel should be put into the wheel chock.
Step 8: Attach the straps by putting the side stand down.
It is a general rule to attach the straps on the bike and trailer as low as possible for the greatest holding power.For maximum stability, use an "X" pattern.From a sitting position on the bike, start with the front left strap.Attach one end of the strap to the trailer and the other to a point on the frame or triple tree.The front left strap needs to be tightened.The front right strap is the same as the front left strap.Since your bike is on the side stand, we want it to be vertical when secured.Attach the soft loop on the motorcycle end of the strap to protect the bike.
Step 9: Attach the straps to the trailer.
Attach the other end of the strap to the truck or trailer on an angle.The strap should be pulled out a few times.For the right side, repeat this process.The bike will sit in the upright position if the straps are tightened.You will notice that the bike is moving into a vertical position.When the bike is vertical, you want to tighten the left and right sides equally.Don't strap the handlebars.Most manufacturers say that it's not safe to attach straps to the handlebars because they are not designed to take the pressures that will be exerted by the straps and a bouncy road.
Step 10: Attach the back of the bike.
It's important to secure the straps rearward of the motorcycle so that the rear straps put counter tension on the front straps.If you tie the straps to the guards on the saddle bags or trunks, you will pull them off during transit.As you tighten the straps, you will want to compress the suspension.
Step 11: The suspension should be compressed.
You need to make sure the suspension is fully compressed as you lower the straps.It is possible that your straps can come loose as the bike bounces around from bumps and dips in the road if it is not compressed.
Step 12: The trailer is attached to your main transport vehicle.
You don't want the first time you drive a trailer with a bike, that's when you've got your bike strapped to it, driving at highway speeds in the elements.Get a feel for things by hooking up your trailer and driving around.Practice tight corners and backing up.It's a good idea to take it for a test run.To accommodate driving with the trailer attached, you will need to adjust your driving habits.
Step 13: Put a tarp on the bike.
After securing the bike to the trailer, use a canvas or vinyl tarp to cover it and keep it safe from the elements, or the cover you use for your motorcycle when you park it.The tarp doesn't need to be doing any load-bearing work, so just tie it down to the straps or the bike.
Step 14: The straps should be checked regularly.
It's important to check the straps and make sure they don't rub the parts on your bike.The tension on the straps needs to be checked.You should walk around every time you stop and check the straps.It's a good idea to be on the safe side.