When transporting a motorcycle it is crucial to secure the bike securely. This will stop the bike from falling off or being damaged during transport.
There are many different types of tie-down straps on the market. Cam buckles are one kind of tie down strap that utilizes friction to hold the strap in its place. A different type is a ratchet buckle, which uses a small gear that ratchets to gradually tighten the strap.
Secure Motorcycles
With a ratchet mechanism, these straps are simple to use and prevent the bike from shifting during transit. The high-end polyester webbing material blend also helps to ensure that the straps do not cause excessive stretch. It is crucial to avoid excessive stretching, as it can cause motorcycles to tip over and become damaged.
Start by attaching one of the day chang hang ratchet straps onto an area that is secure in front of the motorcycle like the bottom of the left handlebar, and triple clamp, or the headlight. The soft loop of the strap could be wrapped around the area, and then connected to the ratchet clasp. Repeat this process on the other side of the bike with the second ratchet belt.
Then, hook the ends that are loose from the straps onto the appropriate hooks on the truck or trailer bed. The ends that are loose from the straps should not touch any painted surfaces of the motorbike. Vibrations can cause paint to wear away as time passes.
The ratchet straps that retract are perfect for motorcycles since they don’t take up space in your garage or trailer when not in use making room for more of your gear and tools. These sturdy and compact straps are built to last, with a high-quality barrel and heavy-duty teeth which are precisely tuned to ensure smooth and consistent ratcheting action.
Transporting motorcycles safely
If you have to transport your bike from one state to another for work or just want to travel making sure it is secured properly is essential. The most important thing is not to damage your ride while moving it from and to the truck or trailer.
When selecting tie down straps, look for premium webbing with a working load limit (WLL) rating. The WLL is a industry standard created to keep the motorists and you protected while transporting cargo along the roadway. It is based upon the breaking strength or ultimate point until failure of the webbing, not the metal “S” hook or the tightening assembly.
The most common type of tie down straps is the spring-loaded cam buckle or cam-shaped buckle. The cam buckle is easy to use and can be used to create tension with just one action. However, they may have issues with dirt or oil buildup between the teeth that hold the strap in position. In addition, the cam-buckle model doesn’t provide as much tension like a ratchet tie-down.
Before loading your motorcycle into the bed or trailer of your truck, secure it using a ramp or a wheel chock. After it has been placed it is time to attach a ratchet rope to a sturdy area on the front suspension tube, for example, a bolt head, fork tube, or fork crown. Avoid areas with brake lines, wires, or fenders. Be sure to ensure that the ratchet is not in contact with paint-covered surfaces of your bike. friction between the paint and the strap can cause the paint to peel off when it’s in transit.
How to Use Ratchet Straps
If you are transporting your motorcycle on a truck bed, trailer or other transport vehicle, it’s crucial that the bike is secured to prevent shifting and damage. Ratchet straps are a great option to keep your bike safe during transport.
When using ratchet straps to secure your motorcycle it is important that you choose ones that are designed for the weight of your motorcycle. Ratchet straps that do not meet the weight of your motorcycle can damage the bike. Also, it is important to not twist the straps before tightening them. Twisting straps can cause them to jam up or break when transporting.
Start by attaching the hook end of the ratchet strap to the point of anchoring on the bike. Then you can tie the strap to the frame as well as the handlebars and secure the other hook of the ratchet strap to the truck or trailer. Then, pull the strap tight by pulling the slack out of the strap.
It is important to regularly inspect the ratchet straps on your journey after they have been securely secured. Make sure that the straps aren’t too tight or loose, and that they are still able to provide sufficient tension to keep your motorcycle secure. It is also essential to rotate the bike from front to side and back to determine if it’s solid.
Motorcycle Tie Downs
When it comes to securing your motorcycle with ratchet straps it is important to select the appropriate one. Consider the weight rating and the way it attaches to your motorcycle. Look for an item with soft loops on the ends of the hook. This will keep the steel from scratching paint or chrome. You will also want to make sure the ratchet is suitable for the load you’re attaching to and is the right size for the application you’re using it on.
Most ratchet straps are tested for 4,500 lbs which is sufficient to secure a typical motorcycle, however it is vital to be careful not to over tighten them. In fact, tightening them too tightly could cause them to break and cause damage to your motorcycle. Once your straps are attached it is an excellent idea to stroll around your bike and check that everything is secure. Make sure the straps are not touching any of the plastic parts on your motorcycle, such as the throttle tube or switchgear.
It is important to note that even if the tie down straps are certified for 4,500 pounds, the stated strength of tensile is usually for the nylon strap itself not the steel “S” hook or ratchet assembly. Pick a strap that has greater tensile strength for the entire unit.