Mastering the Art of Motorcycle Transport: Using Ratchet Straps for Secure Tie Downs
When transporting a motorcycle, it is important to secure the bike properly. This will help prevent the bike from falling over or becoming damaged during transit.
There are several different types of tie down straps available on the market. One type is a cam buckle, which uses friction to hold the strap in place. Another is a ratchet buckle, which uses a small ratcheting gear to progressively tighten the strap.
Securing Motorcycles
With a ratchet mechanism, these straps are easy to use and prevent the bike from shifting during transit. The heavy-duty premium polyester webbing material blend also helps to ensure the straps do not cause too much stretch. This is important because excessive stretching can cause the motorcycle to move during transit and potentially tip over or become damaged.
Start by attaching one of the ratchet straps to a secure point on the front of the motorcycle, such as the base of the left handlebar and triple clamp or the headlight. Use the soft loop end of the strap to wrap around this location and connect it to the ratchet buckle. Repeat the process with the other ratchet strap on the opposite side of the motorcycle.
Next, place the loose ends of the ratchet straps in the proper hooks on the trailer or truck bed. Make sure the loose ends of the straps are not touching any painted surfaces on the motorcycle because the vibration of transport can cause these surfaces to rub and ruin paint finishes over time.
Retractable ratchet straps are ideal for motorcycles because they don’t take up space in your garage or trailer when not in use, leaving you room to store more of your gear and tools. These durable and compact straps are made to last, with a high-quality barrel and heavy-duty teeth that are finely tuned for smooth and consistent ratcheting action.
Transporting Motorcycles Safely
Whether you need to move your bike to another state for work or just want to go on a trip, securing it properly is crucial. The last thing you want is to damage your ride while transferring it to and from the truck or trailer.
When selecting tie down straps, look for premium webbing with a working load limit (WLL) rating. The WLL is an industry standard created to keep you and other motorists safe while transporting cargo on the road. It is based on the breaking strength or ultimate point until failure of the webbing, not the metal “S” hook or tightening assembly.
The most common type of tie down straps is the cam buckle or spring-loaded cam-shaped buckle. They are easy to use and can create tension on the strap with a single action. However, they can have issues with dirt or oil buildup between the teeth that hold the strap in place. Additionally, the cam-buckle type does not offer as much tension as a ratchet tie down.
The first step in securing your motorcycle is to secure it to the frame using a wheel chock or ramp before loading it into the trailer or bed of the truck. Once it is in position, attach a ratchet strap to a structurally solid area on the front suspension tube, such as a bolt head, fork tube, or fork crown. If possible, try to avoid places that have wires, brake lines, or fenders. Also, make sure that the ratchet strap is not touching any painted surfaces on your bike; friction between the paint and the strap can rub off surface paint during transit.
How to Use Ratchet Straps
If you are transporting your motorcycle in a truck bed, trailer or any other type of transportation vehicle, it is important that the bike is secured to prevent shifting and damage. Using ratchet straps is one way to ensure that the bike is secure while in transit.
When using ratchet straps to secure your motorcycle, it is important that you use ones that are rated for the weight of the bike. Ratchet straps that are not rated for the weight of the bike can cause damage to the bike. Also, it is important to not twist the straps before tightening. Twisting the straps can cause them to jam or break during transport.
Start by attaching the hook end of the ratchet strap to the anchor point on the bike. Then, wrap the strap around the frame of the bike and the handlebars and secure the other hook of the ratchet strap to the truck or trailer. Finally, pull the slack out of the strap and crank down on the ratchet handle to tighten.
After securing the ratchet straps, it is important to check them regularly during your trip. Make sure that the straps are not too loose or tight and that they are still able to provide enough tension to keep the day tang do chang hang motorcycle secure. Additionally, it is important to periodically rock the bike from side to side and front to back to see if the bike is stable.
Motorcycle Tie Down Tips
When it comes to securing your motorcycle using ratchet straps it is important that you choose the right ones. There are two things to consider, the weight ratings and how they attach to your bike. Look for a strap with soft loops on the end of the metal hook, this will keep the metal from scratching your paint or chrome. You will also want to make sure the ratchet is rated to handle the load you are securing it to and is a good size for your application.
Most ratchet straps are rated for 4,500 lbs which is plenty to secure a typical motorcycle, but it is important that you do not over tighten them. Tightening the straps too hard can cause them to break and could damage your bike. Once your straps are attached it is a good idea to walk around your motorcycle and check that everything is securely fastened. Also, make sure that the straps are not touching any plastic components on your bike such as the switchgear or throttle tube.
One thing to remember is that even if your tie down straps are rated for 4,500 lb the reported tensile strength is usually just for the nylon strap itself, not the metal “S” hook or the ratchet assembly. Look for a strap that has a higher tensile rating for the whole unit.