How to tie down and secure a motorcycle

Part 1 • Safely and easily load...
Part 2 of my loading a motorcycle covers how to strap in a motorcycle loaded straight into a truck (tailgate down) or how to load into a short bed truck while being able to close the tailgate. As a bonus I show you how to use a Ready Ramp.
It's not a short one but it is detailed.
Readyramp.com is the ramp
www.brettkacs.com
in this video I use my Toyota Tacoma and load my KTM 790 R

[@goayala90]

the bed extender / ramp is ingenious. thanks for sharing!

[@tstartrekdude]

I love when you mention tips to reduce effort and muscling of the bike. It is very much like the cooking youtuber Adam Ragusea's use of as few dishes as possible to reduce clean up, both of these areas are often over looked in the genre of video but are so incredibly helpful in the real world.

[@barrynovak9458]

You are the Master of adventure riding. Loading the bike this way is a skill to attain, so useful. Thanks for this great video Brett.

[@manuel_tp]

Boy, Bret is strong. He can move a big motorcycle without losing a breath. I would be breathing like if I ran a marathon.

[@bobbyhayden5780]

Practice makes perfect.........taking it back and forth for repairs lol ............ Sorry Bret 😂

[@hemanR-one]

I want to thank you from my heart and soul bcoz I was able to load my sportsbike and drove 3hrs to home in the dead of canadian winter, just by watching your videos about how to load a motorcycle solo.

[@ckkrons2338]

I like putting the front tire in the driver corner of the bed to, easier to check blind spot on passenger side when loaded.

[@Bubbleuprubberdown]

Love the ReadyRamp. Been loading bikes with it 12 years now.

[@justmyself1000]

Awesome! I could of used this a couple of days ago! I took a bike from Kansas City to Ft. Worth in a Nissan Frontier using a hitch mounted motorcycle carrier. The bike is a 2021 KTM 890 Duke R. It went fine...but would've preferred this method! Don't know why this didn't turn up when searching before and I am subscribed and have been watching your videos for quite some time! I will do this next time!

[@raycollington4310]

You're showing a lot of skill and experience here Bret. I did admire your bravery buying into the legendary KTM brand. I amazed that given your profile KTM haven't bothered to reach out to you. Speaks volumes about KTM after market support. Thank you for this appreciated content.

[@auscurrymaster]

One of the best "how to" vids on motorcycling I've seen. I reckon everyone would have to do this at some point or other, and I've never even contemplated doing it on my own. Reckon I'd give it a shot now with my Tiger 900 if I had to. Great work!

[@HR-eb4vs]

you make it look so easy and effortless.

[@jeffmcmahon8812]

Thank you. This is what I need to feel like I can do it. I want to take my bike on trips but have been reluctant to make a decision on how to haul it. Put it in the back, a hitch mounted ramp or just trailer it. This seems like the way. Thanks for all of these Bret. I appreciate your insights.

[@patrickcooper9641]

The last time I thought I was using leverage to move my GSA I ended up in traction at hospital for a few days! Just kidding, NOT! Too many years of riding off road/falling, crashing, I guess. I love the demonstration. Like all your other videos, this one is very helpful! Cheers

[@murraehaynes3182]

Got the same ramp for about the same amount of time...good piece! I’ve transported so many bikes over the years I finally bought a trailer..:-) Great info for those who have never hauled a bike...sorry to hear about so many trips to the dealer...

[@ronboe6325]

Pretty how I do it (F150, 2WD, 6'-6" bed -but, it's still tall!) so I picked up a 48" wide ramp. It's in three sections to make up the width. I can easily ride the bike up or down, especially the street bikes. The 650L, being tall and with a high center of gravity sometimes I walk it. With the wide ramp I never have to worry about trying to balance the bike while trying to step up or down. But stowing those three ramp sections, it's doable but it takes some doing. Small price to pay for real ease of use. After a buddy and I went to a rally in Nevada we used his trailer. OMG! So low! After that trip I picked up a used Kenda trailer. I can't back it up to save my life unless it's straight back so when I get home I unload the bike(s) then just disconnect it and drag it off to where I store it. I still use the truck from time to time, but the trailer gives me a nice option (especially if I sell the truck).

[@ronboe6325]

One more note: I installed a Bed Rug which zips to the tail gate cover. It will not slip if you grab the brakes. Plus, with contoured foam under neath it's VERY kind to knees (and kinda OK to sleep on). It's also grippy enough that stuff doesn't slide around in back like with plastic inserts.

[@zzxx33mh]

First have two ramps but With my lifting truck had to buy extra one ,line them together..make it kind of easy..now I have hitch carrier, easier.. But having trailer is also option..

[@dholy99]

Awesome video. To the point, concise and easy to follow. Thanks.

[@johnnylima9632]

Great helpful video. Thanks for the thorough walkthrough and the tips for securing the bike down safely. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️video

[@heffe1420]

How can you dislike this video? It's pure useful knowledge.

[@ozziejim8472]

Ramp competitor?

[@pilkjaer]

Thank you for a great video. I wish there was a course on this that one could attend.

[@mmazz30]

Love your work Bret.

[@derekbender]

This is premium content. Thank you so much!!

[@RideAsOne]

Always great info Bret! Thanks for the content!

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

They make eyelets for the lower triple clamp bolts. You can put your hook right through there instead of threading the soft tie. Canyon Dancer makes them and there is also a Tusk version

[@BretTkacs]

Thanks for sharing

[@ThePhotofred]

Cool vid. I used to use a box/crate to aid in stepping up into my truck or on the trailer, until it tipped and I wound up with a 300 pound bike on top of me . Now I use two ramps.

[@BretTkacs]

It's all the level of risk you assume. The next step down is a trailer 😉

[@ThePhotofred]

@@BretTkacs Yep. I have a 3 rail trailer now. Getting a 300 pound bike into a full size 4x4 ,and being 58 yrs old and only 4'-11' tall was getting a little rough at times.

[@MotoCampAdventure]

Hey Bret, love the videos. Maybe you already know this, but in case you don't, make sure to lock the focus and exposure while filming static shots. I noticed at 2:00 that the video kept getting dark and light on it's own. Hopefully that's a useful tip. Just want to see a person of your expertise continue to thrive on youtube!

[@BretMcHone]

Thanks for the videos, nice to see someone who spells "Bret" correctly with only one T! :D

[@BretTkacs]

I heard a rumor there was another Bret in the world, but I figured it was just a myth. 😁

[@jimhamilton2477]

Washington... where the sun shines 2 days a year.

[@xxxenricop]

That ramp....looks remarkably like an aluminium ladder to me 😀

[@beborodner930]

Super helpful. THANK YOU

[@Tcorse22]

That was really helpful thanks

[@markthomas2166]

Hey Bret, love the show, love my TRD Tacoma and I really love my new '21 V-Strom 650XT ADV! Can't can't wait til this weekend - riding through the Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone Nat'l Forest with some friends! One thing I have always wanted to know - what off-road LED lights do you run? I work at a motorsports dealership and there are just TOO many for me to choose from! Thanks in advance. I LOVE Olympic National Park and one day I hope to be riding my Vee in one of your adventure classes! Keep smiling! :-)

[@ironhorsegladiator5034]

Bret, I know there may be a liability issue if you just rode your bike up the ramp, maybe thinking many people will fall and hurt themselves. Since the ramp is secured by a strap, it is perfectly possible to just ride up the ramp, but again, only riders with your skills could do it. I have done it, the tricky part is if you are off-centered a little, the ramp will tend to pivot and give you the impression of falling, not to mention, the initial suspension compression where balance becomes tricky. Muddy tires or a rainy day would add to the challenge of riding it up the ramp. There is this video on Instagram where a trail rider flips 360 degrees in the air and lands right on the back of the truck!!!

[@buckmeredith1720]

I have been riding my bikes up the ramp for 50 years. I have never had a problem with it.

[@rodchester3]

This is a great video testimonial for buying a tacoma lol

[@MrFezco]

You’re a flippin’ magician.

[@rebelyell8213]

Excellent info. Thanks.

[@danwissinger8073]

Thanks for this! Never seen the diagonal setup work on such a big bike. But it wouldn’t work in my truck because I only have the 4 stock tie-down points. Can you share more about the tie-down system you put in? Thanks

[@scootersurfermusiclover1941]

As cool as you are, Bret, very few people have a pickup truck bed available. I even have a 2500HD Diesel, but with a canopy, with no room for a motorcycle. Usually to transport a motorcycle a trailer is used, either rented from U-Haul or borrowed, or owned. I happen to own a motorcycle specific trailer. Typically trailers transport the majority of motorcycles, unless the person has small dirt bikes which easily go into pickup beds.

[@PsychoSainten]

Ive heard over long distances having the forks really compressed os bot good. My qiestion is with a bigger bike like yours how much compression is good without risking fork seals leaking?

[@gavinhassett479]

Great system, key with the ramp is to strap it to your truck... so it doesnt slip off the tailgate!

[@motexan129]

I was going to ask if you reinforced the tailgate. Was just headed over to the other video to see if you commented in that. I use a three panel wide Black Widow motorcycle ramp so I can just ride it up and down and put my feet down if I want/need to. Actually, coming down I do use my feet to balance as I feather the brake to let it roll down. Going up, I just ride it right into the bed of my Tacoma. Also, I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD Off-Road, but I've got the short bed. My Harley has the rear tire contact patch about 2" from the end of the tailgate with the tailgate down. That means the the curvature and rear fender of my bike is actually extending out past the end of the tailgate by about a foot or more probably. I noticed that you don't have anything to spread the load in your truck. Not sure if it's needed (My Harley is the Fat Bob and about 650 lbs so just a smidge heavier than your bike). I bought two pieces of 2' x 4' 1/2 plywood. One goes lengthwise against the front bulkhead for the front tire, the other goes across the tailgate. I haven't reinforced my tailgate, but this spreads the load of that rear tire across the entirety of the tailgate and up into the bed a little. I've seen people "taco" their tailgates trying to load a motorcycle in the bed of a truck, especially on the "Tacos (Tacomas)". I do like your ramp, but I gotta say, while it's not as compact as yours, I love my triple wide ramps and they are great for people inexperienced at loading a motorcycle. Good advice on that rubber matt too. I actually had my matt drag out with the bike once. I was not a happy camper, but it was a comedy of errors on that unloading episode and I was creating my own problems. I ended up at the end of the ramp with the rubber side down so all was well in the end, but my sphincter was tight and my heart was racing. Be safe!! Looking to trade my Harley for an ADV now.

[@mememoto289]

Another nice info Mr Bret. Thanks

[@lpete531]

I'm tried just watching 😂 great information, thanks for sharing 👍🏽

[@alansease]

2 questions: How would you tie-down a Telelever/paralever-equipped R1200GS? What can you tell us about the USCG sticker in your back window? Thank you for taking the time to make these interesting, useful, and well-produced training videos!

[@BretTkacs]

For the GS I tight down just above the wheel most of the time with a four strap tie down, otherwise I go to the bars if I am only using two

[@altfseven]

Great vid

[@singabesar9079]

Look like so easy..! But never in a rush..! 😁

[@jean-michelgastonguay7990]

Thanks Bret for the great video. Do you think that a T7 would also fit diagonally with the gate closed in a 6 foot bed of a Tacoma? It seems like it has around 2.5’’ more wheelbase than this 790. Thanks in advance. 😊👍

[@BretTkacs]

I believe it would. I am able to load an F800GS diagonal and close the tailgate. The F800GS is longer than the 1250

[@dznnf7]

A straight-in load to a Silverado six footer normally allows you to put the tailgate up about half way, hooking the cable loops up over the latch pins. It's not closed, but up far enough to make you feel better about that open end. [Not sure if that works on a Toyota, nobody buys them here - frames rust through from road salt.]

[@teephud369]

A few questions: 1) You don't use ratcheting straps? 2) You don't block the front wheel from flopping? 3) No 2x4 between front wheel & fork to keep fork from compressing? Thanks!

[@BretTkacs]

No ratchet, no chock and no compression block. The ratchet isn't needed, the four point means less compression and no need to chock. If I load diagonal then the corner of the bed works as a wheel chock

[@dirtrider9268]

Ratchet straps will put far more force than needed, risking fork seals and even bending more important parts when you roll over a bump at higher speeds. I have ratchet straps for other jobs though like loading lumber to a roof rack.

[@funonvancouverisland]

I heard it was bad to compress the suspension when having the bike loaded. Is this just false? Great vid my friend

[@pigeonpallz1733]

I was practicing in the sand on my tiger 800 and while working the clutch my motor overheated . I filled the coolant and went again after the bike cooled and had the same problem . am I over working the clutch ? Maybe my valves are out of adjustment? I ride in extreme heat and the bike doesn't overheat . thank you for all your videos !!!!!!

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

Great video... That little....looks like milk crate. Is the ticket. Safe travels

[@aldumas1058]

Nice vid!

[@Tonyous]

Super helpful video! Great job.

[@yaselhas]

Great

[@ziranwolf2696]

Very nice; thanks!

[@macexpert7247]

The one thing I don’t like about my Ram 2500 4x4 is that the tailgate is 44” high. I need a very long ramp or pray that I can back up to tall sidewalk to lower a ramp on. Also my Scooter doesn’t have gears or clutch to control it. 😫

[@glennthompson4166]

Ya should have mentioned about the tailgate cables , ive seen them break , when loading , my dodge has the steel bars which i prefer , with an 8ft box if ya dont trust them , just pop the gate off , easy peasy ...

[@neildxb]

Great video. When you are backing the bike down the ramp, is there a reason why it’s better to use the front brake to control the speed than to use the clutch to control the speed at the rear wheel if the bike is in gear and the engine is off? Thanks

[@BretTkacs]

Yes... The brake is more precise and easier to modulate

[@pelegrinsamblas]

So, so interesting, Thank you so much again.

[@hexabr]

I don't even have a truck, why did I watch both of these vids?

[@TheDonaldCoyote]

Is it good/okay to compress the suspension all the way? My fork seals started to leak a few weeks after I did this, wondering if that was unrelated coincidence or if they got bashed by the truck's suspension during the haul...

[@jamesklauzner6938]

Thanks for another excellent video Bret. Just curious what brand straps are you using?

[@seanliske2265]

Bret are you a Coastie? I saw the sticker on your truck.

[@puneeth8077]

Is this a long bed double cab version ? How does it fit in the short bed.

[@jolebole-yt]

Great.. now I need to buy a pickup truck? Lol

[@jjustj]

now we know where you got the ktm ! lol link to the ramp?

[@BretTkacs]

Readyramp.com

[@aggiejet]

What kind of straps are you using? Specifically, did your straps come manufactured with the carabiners? Are the tie down rails along the top of your bed stock Tacoma or aftermarket? I’m limited to the bed in the four corners in my Ram 1500. Also, do you have a video on loading two bikes in a pickup?

[@Virginiawoodsman]

He uses Pro Taper tie downs. $33.00 for a pair on Amazon.

[@mjerse50]

That was awesome thank you Sir ✅✅

[@PetrolJunkie]

You need a new set of cables for that tailgate. The cables are stretched from overloading them. They are only designed to support 500lbs on the tailgate.

[@olddirtbiker5088]

Why not ratcheting straps?

[@impalaSS65]

These look easier.

[@jasonji1900]

Ratcheting Shock Straps really are the best tool for this. They won’t loosen, and they keep just enough preload on the fork springs to keep the bike still where it is.

[@dirtrider9268]

ratchets are over kill or should I say overbend.

[@sqward]

Cool stuff. I wonder if you ever talked about fitness in your videos? It's obvious from the video you're fitter then the average rider I see on the streets and I'm sure it must be a factor in making all you do look so effortless...

[@BretTkacs]

Not sure... It had been well over a year since I've seen a gym and I'm on the border of 50. I focus on leverage and injury prevention. I teach how I live. 😁👍

[@danvalleskey]

Do I need to worry about over compressing the front forks? Would it be better to attach the front straps to the axle?

[@doobielawson702]

I have heard not too leave the forks strapped down for long periods of time. I use a spacer between the tire and the fender when strapping mine in. Seems to work just fine. I have always attached straps to the handlebars as it seems like the higher on the bike the better. I could be wrong on that though. Hope this helps.

[@dirtrider9268]

yes, ​unload the tension on seals as soon as possible and use a tire /fender brace for dirt bikes. Also handle bars bend, especially when you hit a bump in the road, and you have critical control cables running up there to risk. Fork triple clamps are much stronger and the KTM manual says go to the triples.

[@Scarletsb0y]

Amazing videon nice control

[@rami-arjoss]

Your the best

[@shawnnweena8452]

is this a 5' bed?

[@Edy195_]

Do you have brand or name for those straps? :) Great video as always!

[@place95]

pro taper

[@SheenHunter-SeattleFreeze]

Q: How not to wrestle your bike? A: Use leverage land and things around you

[@DailyCTO]

Now let's see how this is done on the Africa Twin DCT. 😑

[@giuliobuccini208]

I was hinking the same. 😆

[@DailyCTO]

@@giuliobuccini208 maybe he should include it in his Africa Twin DCT series!

[@chrzanik666]

Watching you for years and didn't think you are 6 foot tall 🤔

[@impalaSS65]

I suggest to anyone to get a fullsize pickup. I don't get how people can stand anything less than a 8ft bed. Had a 1980 chevy c10 6.5' SWB once. Never again. Useless for 70% of my uses. Really like those straps. Particularly the one securing the ramp. So quick and easy. I cheat. I don't secure the ramp. A couple of times it didn't go as planned. I need those straps.

[@Crazy-Chicken-Media]

Don't get me wrong you're a professional you ride a lot you teach you coach you instruct... But wouldn't it be more fun and adventurous and easier just to ride your bike to the destination?

[@BretTkacs]

When the bike is rideable... Yes

[@SheenHunter-SeattleFreeze]

Pop Quiz: How tall is Bret? A: 6 ft

[@tuyenhoang5546]

Man that milk box is slippery as hell

[@BretTkacs]

Not this one.. 😉👍 It is a purpose built crate with reinforcement and less slippery plastic finish

[@teneretraveller8980]

Use body weight. Simplistic genius. That will help me on ferries. But because I weight nothing I need to eat more pies and increase mass. Thanks for the excuse. Happy travels

[@mikes-ce2xk]

What if you have a DCT? No clutch to control?

[@giuliobuccini208]

And a taller bike too....

[@hafo1979]

👍

[@rizqirizaldo]

Bret: *leaves* Me: hey hey free camera in parking lot

[@adflyers]

Where can I get the rail system? Thanks

[@keithcarmany5502]

Harbor Freight

[@Jedker13]

Thanks Bret for another practical lesson. I watch carefully your active here and with @MOTOTREK - a lot of usefull informations. Techniacal question - which brand (brand's name) is your central case? I'm looking for that "flat" one. Greetings from Europe!

[@BretTkacs]

It's made by Pelican. It's the sabe as the hard cases used for video and camera gear.

[@Jedker13]

@@BretTkacs thank you for the info, I'll chech it waiting for next episode.

[@bobkelly2447]

it's been my experience that the tie down straps you are using aren't worth a shit....they slip !!!! although the hooking to the triple clamp is a good idea I've always clamped to the base of the handlebars on each side. it gives a better angle than the lower clamp..... I think you are far better off if you leave the bike straight in the bed of the truck... on bumpy dirt roads the back of the bike WILL move from side to side you MUST tie the back of the bike down to each side so it can't move or it will turn sideways ! which can and will break a front strap because of the added leverage .... nylon straps are nice, quick and convenient... but if your going on a long trip USE CHAINS ! chain binders and or clevis connectors.... not just the hooks on the end of the chains! if you must use a bolt to bolt the chain but do not rely on nylon straps..... tie it down like it's a tractor ! and will hop out of the truck at any chance it gets...because it will ! .... always Wire chain binder handles down so they can't unlock...wire the pins in clevis links as well or they will unscrew ! ...... there is nothing more disheartening than to see your prize motorcycle fly out of the back of your truck on a sharp corner ! having the proper tie down stuff in your truck is essential to getting whatever you have in your truck home safely.... the front of the bed of the truck is not very strong, it will bend into the cab... a 2"x6" between the tire and the width of the bed will help reduce that. Compress the front forks about 3/4 to 7/8 of their travel and no more to avoid damage to them. unwelded

[@darren1922]

Not possible for me to do this, I'm only 5'4". Can't reach the controls to hold the front brakes when walking it up like that.

[@eutoob]

use a second ramp to walk on. Then you and your bike will be at the same level the entire way up.

[@joegadd]

we're a very similar hight! I have a sturdy box what serves multiple purposes in my truck at all times, which I use as a step beside the ramp. much easier to load into my lifted truck! it's also helpful to use the clutch instead of the brake when unloading. leave it in gear, and gently pull in the clutch lever to let it roll, and release to brake.

[@fasfan]

I have 2 ramps. The last time I loaded a motorcycle I used them both. Had to use a come along to pull the bike up since it wasn't running. But it made it very comfortable to stay at the same relationship to the bike like @eutoob mentioned.

[@niceguyrides]

You left your camera.... ;)

[@bigbang1985]

but wait dont leave without your camera!

[@strokenumber3]

If KTM made a truck....

[@mohba01]

LoL

[@czondag]

But I have a Toyota Yaris.... 🥲🥲