The RIGHT way to SAFELY transport your motorcycle

[@motolaxin2514]

I am new at trailering a bike and decided to use this method of strapping it down. After several trips, this method seems to work great. Thanks for the tutorial on how to do it right! However, I had an "experienced" rider stop me today and encouraged me to add more straps. It appears that there are people out there who are uncomfortable with using only 2 straps.

[@lorianderson8145]

I had my 1300- 800 pound bike transported and they did this method. I asked them to secure the back but the guy shrugged and said there was no need. I followed behind him and within 5 miles he took a turn and my back tire slid sideways, causing my bike to lean hard and the force broke the front. So, I strongly suggest tying down both ends. Have fun out there. Stay safe. :)

[@hashberry111]

Did you look the guy in the eyes and just disappointingly shake your head before you karate kicked him in the nuts?

[@neilnapier4750]

I had never come across this method before seeing this video while preparing for a trip from LA to Vancouver BC last week. I had never transported my VStrom 1000 before, and this method kept it solid and safe in a UHaul 5x8 trailer (no chock) the entire 1300mi trip. Used one strap for the rear wheel, too. Never had to adjust or tighten the straps. Thanks! 👊

[@forestmotoadventures]

Did you use ratchet straps or tie downs? I wonder if tie downs can do the job on the front forks?

[@neilnapier4750]

@@forestmotoadventures I used ratchet straps. I wouldn’t feel I could get the same tension with tie downs.

[@Nceb]

First time ever towing a trailer and motorcycle. I followed your guidance here and I was able to successfully transport my 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT + to trade in for a 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE from Wisconsin to Missouri. I used a Uhaul Motorcycle trailer, and used 4 ratchet straps on each corner of the bike. Thank you very much for this video.

[@rebelthrukansas0]

That method works great, however after having a trailer tire blowout on the highway the back tire of the Harley started hopping around and ended up hanging off the edge of the trailer. Thankfully the straps held and didn’t lose the bike, with that I’ve added a strap to the rear tire, my trailer floor is expanded metal so I have added a strap to the center just to strap the back tire down.

[@SameerKumararya]

Thanks to this video, I was able to tow my motorcycle hundreds of miles without any issues whatsoever. I appreciate it so much. Followed instructions as is and use tank straps. I do believe the back straps are some way of tying the back of the bike down is required. On my way back my bike did bounce and I was fortunate that it did not bounce far enough to hit the back sides of the trailer.

[@davebleizeffer8354]

I've been a trucker, and even with my own cargoes, different size motorcycles, ATVs, loads of firewood, always tie your load forward & to the back. I use 4 inch straps and strongly advise you to do the same. I wouldn't tie down with 2 straps unless you're hauling the push mower to the shop!

[@raicebannon1936]

Love the big straps. Cheap straps can stretch, especially when wet or the ratchets can slip. If you love your bike invest the money into good straps. Keep them away from chrome, paint and leather.

[@BasicPsychology101]

Regarding the way he tied down that first bike, make SURE you run a strap across the top of the bike somewhere (like over its seat) because if you slam your brakes hard enough (or crash into something) the bike's front tire will compress and the bike itself could front-flip forward -pivoting over its front wheel. Flatbed Truckers mostly use 4 inch straps, not what he's using. There aren't any 2 inch straps actually rated for 10,000 lbs. The reason it would list 10K is because an "Aggregate Working Load Limit" is based on 50% of a cargo's weight. If a cargo's weight is 1,000 lbs, then your combined tie-down equipment must cover at least 500 lbs, but average consumers wouldn't know that so they just list double the gross weight ratio. In reality if you tried to hoist something with one of those 2 inch straps, it would snap at around 7,000 lbs -ish. Its guaranteed rating is only 5K. Now, although Cargo is only required to have a minimum of 4 tie downs when its weight exceeds 10,000 lbs, even if you're pinning the bike up against a steel rail guard, it is still strongly recommended to have 4 points of contact that will cover forward, rear and side movement which is best done via pulling each corner of the cargo at a 45° angle (just make your straps look similar to an X shape from an aerial view). P.S. I would run straps to a bikes highway bars if it has some, and place cloth or plastic wrap on the surface areas of your cargo on where the straps will be touching so vibration during transportation doesn't create abrasions. Use padding on any sharp corners to protect your straps. You're welcome.

[@slbangler]

Exactly, best comment

[@codyhatch4607]

Good comment put you should be driving like you ride, defensive.

[@markstone2138]

My thought exactly. A strap over the seat or through the back wheel would be much safer.

[@raicebannon1936]

Not a fan of putting a strap over the seat. With a cruiser you have the suspension/shocks back there. If you really crank it down, you are compressing the suspension, not good if you hit bumps. On a long ride it could damage suspension. 'Find a spot on the frame instead.

[@piotrw3954]

@@raicebannon1936 Like that is any different than sitting on the bike for hours and riding it. Also you can just put a strap through the rim

[@4drumz-662]

Just hauled my bike for the first time so I could have it with me on vacation. A few guys (even my dad) have it engrained to strap at the bars and couldn’t believe what I was doing. Needless to say... the SRK way was more than sufficient!

[@davebleizeffer8354]

2 straps just isn't enough, especially just on the front, always use 4 straps 2 forward & 2 straps back . If your hauling your bike alot invest In a quality front tire vice/ drive on rack system

[@Beyondthepress]

Putting the straps low like that is greatest idea ever! I have no idea why all people are not using that. I have been also throwing straps higher and compressing the front suspension and still having probably not as rigid mount as with that style. I will test that method next time I take my bike to track on trailer. Thanks for the video!

[@theone2be33]

What!!?? BTP in the House!!! Isn't KZbin AWESOME???

[@jkstdstang]

I just used the two strap method to transport my metric cruiser about 15 miles with a standard utility trailer and worked flawlessly. Great tip!

[@carlz7777]

THANK YOU so much for this video! When we moved several years ago, my mechanic strapped it down and I couldn't remember how he did it. As I watched, it all came back to me. I added two straps in the back just because I had them.

[@giulianoMX]

Great video. Do you think the same method as for the Harley and sport bike would work for a Triumph Scrambler 900?

[@djocharablaikan8601]

I have this 3xact same question, i would probably use the cross motorcycle method

[@charlesfoote9666]

I'm picking up my first bike this weekend. Thanks a million!

[@carpenterrick186]

We all know the best way to transport your bike is...... Ride It!!!! ;)

[@tifthetif6567]

And if it is broken?

[@elinoamrichter162]

Lol I'm reading this while towing my non starting bike that I rode to where I am now

[@kramerdm]

Great video. Is this OK to do with inverted forks?

[@JasonDotsch]

Hey Sean can I use the straps using truck bed mounting points?

[@mml1224]

great job sean, but y not wrap the low part of the front crash bars instead of puttin pressure on the forks? thanks...

[@TheVaSlim1979]

Dude I was watching this as I pulled into Harley-Davidson to put my bike on the trailer. Worked like a charm with El Cheapo straps. 33 Mi ride home, all good

[@anthonybeens9447]

Just hauled a 2020 Indian Chieftain 600 miles to this method......cheers and thank you - was rock solid.

[@fatmanpedaling]

Easily the most valuable video you have ever posted.

[@terancecook1442]

Very good thankyou

[@patricklau6177]

Like your video. how do you strap the bike down on a versahaul ? Hitch version motor cycle carrier. I have a Yamaha R1. Thank you for your time.

[@Espinal_424]

Thank you for this video. I have a Black Widow Carrier for now so seeing where and how you strap these different types of bikes helps out a lot.

[@j0shll0yd]

Best tie down instructional video I’ve seen. Thank you, exactly what I was looking for.

[@mojodesign]

What if you drive over a big bump or do a hard brake (or crash)? The frontwheel of the bike would defenitly go over the bars and into the car. To strap it in the back is a securer way...

[@oychoppa]

Last year it trailered my concours 14 through Texas to NE New Mexico. I used the regular 1000 lb straps they sell at Walmart. I was literally stopping a lot having to tighten up my straps. One of the side straps in the back actually cam off because it had loosened up so much. I just bought the 4-pack from the Tank Straps site. I’m 100% confident that these straps will make my next trailering experience this September will be a load and go situation.

[@2WCapo]

Bought a pair of these straps on Amazon, very high quality and worth the very reasonable price.

[@HeartFire_]

Great advice, will use this when I go buy a bike shortly. I'll however add another strap in the back somewhere because I don't like the idea of the back being able to bounce around 😅

[@langhamp8912]

I've tried several methods but this method seems by far the best one because it allows the bike to ride unhindered on its suspension. The straps don't come loose. I will say this method looks very counterintuitive as to how a bike should be strapped onto the trailer but it works way better than it looks.

[@HastingsKombatAcademy]

Great video. I’ve just ordered a new trailer to take my rocket 3 on a tour, I’m so happy I wanted this video as it’s probably saved my bike and some paint 😂 🙏🙏

[@arudd60]

Hey, this method of tying down a bike is new to me, and i like it! I’m wondering if you could walk me through how you’d tie down a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC, where it’s kind of a mix between a street bike and a dirt bike.

[@mrkwnklr]

Compressing my shocks with straps always made me pucker up a little bit. Thought it couldn't be good for the suspension. Thanks so much for showing this method.

[@pythonoptic]

Thanks. I’ve found a yama warrior near vegas and am thinking if this trick will work with that one too? Whats your best tip to transport a bike like that

[@AceGoodheart]

Best video I've found. Sadly I seem to have wasted money on a front wheel chock.

[@ksich8142]

this guy took the time to show a cruiser and sport bike way to go !!

[@riding2nowhere]

ordered the 2 pair straps, going to order another pair. badass, fast delivery. you should see the straps the bike place sold me weak straps like the company.

[@myfriend7350]

I see this on many videos. Never use the front forks or wheel assembly as anchor points to tie down a motorcycle. This will likely cause damage if done often. Use the front frame down tubes as your anchor point to tie down a motorcycle. Ensure brake lines, cables and electrical wiring are clear of ratchet straps before synching down..

[@hicksalan1]

After watching your video almost month back, i used these straps on my Panigale, hauling 3k miles trip TX, MI and MI to MD. They performed solid love it. bike didnt even move a inch. love the product, glad i went with these. Will upload my video soon. Left my comment before on this video, when i ordered.

[@chrisaskme811]

I use a 3.5ton chain come-a-long and just ratchet the handle until the tank metal just barley starts to buckle

[@bobman7881]

Can you recommend a good motorcycle transporter to ship my bike from California to Georgia Really would appreciate your advice Thanks

[@irnfocus]

If using a single axle enclosed trailer where should I position the bike ? As far forward as possible oir distribute the weight over the axle?

[@carlarthur4442]

This is a great video, my son has just bought a Moto crosser and he's booked a track day next week , so this video has been very helpful. Thank you 😊.

[@ethanchaperlo9876]

How come you edit out through where you release the strap?

[@scruffy4647]

Great tutorial. I have a utility trailer that I use if I have to occasionally transport my bike. I should mention that those straps you are using are fantastic. I purchased 4 of them. I was not comfortable with wrapping the straps around the angle iron railing so I welded in some 1/2" diameter u hooks.

[@charlesmiller5078]

Back in 1995 I picked up my 1987 Super Magna (Honda), perfect bike. I used my trailer, when I got home, I made sure my Kick Stand was down, then I let go the wrong side strap, the bike fell over onto the trailer. Caused a very small dent in the tank towards the front. Felt like a rookie. But I never really had any of my bikes on a trailer. Lesson Learned. Have not had to use a trailer since. My Nieces boyfriend transport his Harley ever once in a while, I will have to see how he straps it down. Now that I know the correct way. But hes one of those type of people who, you know, knows it all. Thanks for the Video

[@hashberry111]

Yeah I was wondering that about him. Seems like that type of guy.

[@jamesgreene4554]

I really like my tank straps. I had a Fatboy on a trailer the didnt move at all while going down pothole infested roads. I use them for about anything... motorcycle to mowers. I would suggest making a video on loading and unloading. Becomes fun when you are loading and unloading bikes by yourself.

[@celticstephenhill]

Couldn't the back end wiggle back and forth if there's no straps? I know it is super solid when testing it, but in an emergency maneuver or hard turning, it looks like that back tire could end up diagonal.

[@jasonacaron]

How are you attaching the tracks? Screws or bolts going all the way through?

[@BeerZerkeraidean]

Tried this. Works awesome. Great tip ! I ran a strap through the back rim as well, pulling it back just a bit, keep in mind no spokes. Best method ever. Great channel.

[@RafaelJimenez-hz9gu]

Sir I need your help. I have a Harley ultra and a Harley road glide. I plan to rent a 6 x12 ft uhaul open trailer Do you know if both bikes would fit? If they do fit should I put them Side by side or staggered Thank you.

[@jetdoctn]

Wow sure could have used this video a couple of weeks ago. Bought my first bike a HD Street Glide Special from a dealer in Indy and having never put a bike on a trailer before was a nervous wreck. Folks at the dealership weren't much help. Great info will look into those straps.

[@Group_Anonymous]

jetdoctn it’s a liability issue, dealers hate loading bikes..... they prefers you ride away like any experienced rider

[@jetdoctn]

@@Group_Anonymous Understand the liability issues and I certainly didn't expect them to do it. Was just hoping for a little more verbal guidance than I got. It's all good despite a couple of tense moments when a strap loosened up right after departing made it the 480 miles home with no damage.

[@theone2be33]

Incompetant Harley dealers. How they know how to do is sell, sell, sell. Glad you made it home safe. Enjoy your new ride! 👍😎🇺🇸

[@allenr3551]

I'm still trying to figure out a way to strap my africa twin without abrasion marks.Off the bars is too close to the tank.Wondering if I can go off the rear bondholders.A racer once told me NEVER compress your suspension for long tows and to let it bounce freely.Ive done many quads but have had straps unhook because of bounce..

[@kirkrisseler1485]

Will the straps rub the paint on the fender ??

[@todh8033]

i just bought these straps , how do they work on my 2020 honda goldwing ?

[@734smyth]

I go get my Heritage on Monday. Riding it home but appreciate the tips on how to strap it down correctly. I will be trailering it with a 16' X 7 dual axle trailer not to far down the road..

[@jbones2121]

I know this is an old video but question. I have a Road Glide and a Honda Rebel 300. Weight difference of about 600lbs. I have a 6.5 x 12 utility trailer. How would you load both bikes? Side by side or side by side but a bit staggered front to back? ??

[@MegaManDrum]

8:29....he releases strap, no kick stand. Bike falls and is destroyed. Edits video and kick stand magically appears. Bike still destroyed. Thanks for the pro tips!

[@JoeG-pp3nd]

Just bought some tank straps from ur site, will be buying first bike real soon and needing em 😁

[@doucettp]

Ok, so he clarified the question I had later in the vid but I'll ask anyway. I have a Harley so I think he's saying put the straps right above the fender mounts, correct? That should help ensure they're even but I just wanted to make sure the fender mounts will hold. I guess the pressure is more outward and down on the forks, rather than downward on the fender mounts (and bolts) themselves?

[@TheBandFLEDGELING]

Minimalist approach expertise..... 🙏 thank you‼️

[@robgerety]

I know this is an old video. But, I am going to be transporting a 2022 Triumph T100 on a trailer with a front chock and attachment rings in the corners. Where is the best location to attach the front straps to this bike?

[@waden404]

What were the straps resting on (the harley?) Im assuming where the fender mounts to the lower fork tubes?

[@ianwatkins5108]

Great,- I have a cruiser, my son has a sports bike. I have always worried about tying them down. Now I know how too- Nice video and easy to see and understand. Top marks!!

[@douglaspharr]

Does this strapping method work on the newer Goldwings?

[@ferrell517]

I've only hauled my Harleys maybe 3 times all my life and that's how I've always done it, just above fender mounts. I also strap the rear wheel so it can't move to either side.

[@waden404]

Thank u. Was wondering what the straps were against so they wouldnt slide down.

[@Drupra88]

I have a Ducati Diavel. The forks are really low pretty much even with the tire. Will this work. Im going on a 3 hour trip in a couple days

[@douglaspharr]

Will this method work for the new Goldwings?

[@heyinway]

Jacking up the trailer and shaking the tires is a good idea too....my bad...thinking about your close call. Straps came in handy for that also ! Keep the faith, stay safe, and prosper.

[@suttonshiver1317]

do you have to use wheel chocks

[@irnfocus]

Great video! Love how you make sure you say the why you tie down under the suspension!

[@RoadKingLeo]

HOW do you strap bikes behind the other bikes when you have no bar in front or wheel chock???

[@mattarcher7739]

Hello all, this is just a FYSA not an endorsement for Tank Straps. We all know that strapping down our babies is tough sometimes. I have personally used this technique and it is just the best way to lock them down and take that stress of the front fork springs. BTW from El Paso, TX to Fayetteville, NC no issues at all and no change from start to finish.

[@wallynieves2095]

I have black painted lowers, there is no rub/buff marks on paint?

[@NoWay-xu1ie]

There are a lot ways to haul a motorcycle. I always use a wheel chock that will hold the motorcycle up till I get the strap. I've used cam straps for 50 year's. I run the loose end of the strap back through the hook and then hook a tarp strap on the end to keep tension on it . I hauled everything from goldwings to dirt bike's. On open trailers and enclosed. I always use at least 4 straps. Since I started using the tarp straps with the tie downs I've never had a strap come loose.

[@vwjet357]

A town company through AAA put 2 straps going opposite directions for tension in front wheel in a couple different sports with my handle pars turned. Then I discovered that my wheel feels bent or I have an alignment issue now. Could this tow issue be the cause?

[@gnburkett]

I found the best way I'd to use a bike bar. No straps needed, uses the bikes shocks for bumpy roads and the bike never moves. Use one in our Fifth wheel and never had any issues

[@jmarks544]

You can buy straps at a truck stop that are just like those except that they can click into the rails at the bottom so you don't need to wrap it around the front of the trailer if you want to go that route too

[@bigdaddysshop8180]

A lot of time with those, they are really long. I tie mine down like he does. Works perfect. The only thing I do differently is I put the front tire in a condor Wheel chock. The tie the back to keep it from walking side to side.

[@oliverhagvall4641]

Thank you so much! Love all your material.

[@martinramos1737]

Great video! I like how the motorcycle wasn’t moving when you shook them but instead the whole trailer did 😂

[@danfrost549]

What did you do for the Victory Vision??

[@kingrocc9503]

I am towing with a 5 x 8 sport bike. My friend placed the kickstand down while the bike has that weight locked with the steering wheel on the left like its regularly parked on the kickstand and then strapped down with heavy duty straps. Is this an ok method when travelling long distance with the bike?

[@tedebear108]

Good day to you guys. Thanks for showing me how to do it. I've seen you do it on your videos before but never paid that close attention to it. Hoping to get into position work-wise where I will have to do such a thing on a regular basis. Thanks for the education. And remember you have a friend in Texas.

[@chad111275]

What’s that exhaust on the sport bike?

[@evandersoriano6322]

Can I tie my street bob which is around 700lb on uhauls 5 x 9 utility trailer w ramp ? No choke for the wheel

[@HookahPhene]

Is there a way to use these when securing a bike on a regular truck bed?

[@georgesanchez9971]

Nice video. However, it appear that front tire on the HD was a little compressed for my liking. As a rule I try to use the bike's frame to secure my bikes. Thanks for the video.

[@jeffwhite9001]

It is definitely the way to do it, tried it that way the first time the other week and it works mint, bike didn't move a inch

[@BasicPsychology101]

Regarding the way he tied down that first bike, make SURE you run a strap across the top of the bike somewhere (like over its seat) because if you slam your brakes hard enough (or crash into something) the bike's front tire will compress and the bike itself could front-flip forward -pivoting over its front wheel.

[@BasicPsychology101]

Flatbed Truckers mostly use 4 inch straps, not what he's using. There aren't any 2 inch straps actually rated for 10,000 lbs. The reason it would list 10K is because an "Aggregate Working Load Limit" is based on 50% of a cargo's weight. If a cargo's weight is 1,000 lbs, then your combined tie-down equipment must cover at least 500 lbs, but average consumers wouldn't know that so they just list double the gross weight ratio. In reality if you tried to hoist something with one of those 2 inch straps, it would snap at around 7,000 lbs -ish. Its guaranteed rating is only 5K. Now, although Cargo is only required to have a minimum of 4 tie downs when its weight exceeds 10,000 lbs, even if you're pinning the bike up against a steel rail guard, it is still strongly recommended to have 4 points of contact that will cover forward, rear and side movement which is best done via pulling each corner of the cargo at a 45° angle (just make your straps look similar to an X shape from an aerial view). P.S. I would run straps to a bikes highway bars if it has some, and place cloth or plastic wrap on the surface areas of your cargo on where the straps will be touching so vibration during transportation doesn't create abrasions. Use padding on any sharp corners to protect your straps. You're welcome.

[@cornboy3]

Love this method but why strap at the bracket for the fender and not at the axle/wheel bearing? The latter is much stronger. When I've strapped, it seems just as solid with no risk to plastics or small brackets.

[@Medes06]

Great video, and beautiful bike . Thank you

[@blfalken]

I wouldn't ever drive away without securing the back of the bike. Try to do a maximum breaking with the bike secured like that. Good luck!

[@hyper6362]

Make a video of the sport bikes you have for sale im interested on the kawasaki 636 show me what you have in stock thank you im from santa ana ca

[@LyonhartZ2]

Hi Sir, what about the 40/60 Rule? Does that affect a Trailer of your size? (It seems pretty long)

[@TwoAMBlacktop]

Those bikes won't make much difference on that trailer. I haul an 800 lbs zero turn on a 6x12 trailer all the way up at the front, drops the back of my truck maybe an inch, no sway whatsoever. The point of the rule is to keep more weight in front of the axle.

[@rdsamfrench]

Will the bike get destroyed by road wash from the rear tires of the truck/van?

[@priszilla7928]

Wow. Exactly the video I needed. Exactly the time I needed it.

[@missionDan]

Did he just say even if frayed they will still hold your bike? Surely not?

[@ajb919]

Thank You Shaun for this video....I was doing it wrong! I did buy the straps after watching this . Thanks

[@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn]

Sean do you leave the bike in gear?

[@paulmichael9318]

maybe its just me, i can't see how the paint on the fender won't be scarred by putting the straps at the fender mounts of the forks. that's a concern for me. i would think the way the manufacturer themselves ties the bikes down when they are transported from the factory to the dealers is the way to go.

[@michaelsweeney9565]

Never leave the rear end to bounce around. Never, ever, ever.

[@Conlan109]

I've never towed my bike and I thought exactly the same!

[@chrisaskme811]

Have you every tried putting peanut butter down on the ramp for extra grip?