I know this has probably been beaten to death but I am trailering my EG next month. We head down south for the winter and riding the bike is not an option. This is the first time doing this so I am a little nervous, don't want to wreck the thing. I read somewhere that it is good to put a 4x4 under the frame and pull the suspension down so that the suspension is partially compressed but there is no movement. The way down there is all highway and we will take our time, we are retired so there is no rush. Any thoughts on this or anyone have any experience doing it this way?Thanks.


2007 EG Standard

 

GET "RATCHET TYPE" TIEDOWNS.. GET SOFT TIES + PUT EM AROUND UR HANDLEBARS.. . COMPRESS THE SUSPENSION BUT NOT DOWN SO THE BIKE CANNOT MOVE. PUT BLACK TAPE AROUND THE '"S" HOOKS SO IF THE BIKE DOES "BOUNCE" THE CANNOT UN HOOK THEM SELVES. 4X4 ... ??? NEVER HEARD OF IT . IVE TRAILERE 2000 MILES 1 WAY MANY TIMES.. NO ISSUES. GOOD LUCK

 

Yeah, it's been answered untold numbers of times, but if you need the info, you need the info. You don't say what you have for a trailer, so these instructions are general in nature...........

Use a good wheel chock, they're cheap & easy to install. Use two sets of tie down straps on the front of the motorcycle. Each strap goes to it's own anchor point! No matter how many straps you have they all fail if they're anchored to the same point & the anchor fails! Use one set of straps or a good restraining strap on the rear of the bike. It's only to keep the rear from bouncing around which is improbable anyway.

Use ratchet straps *ONLY* on hard points (frame, trippletrees, etc.) because you don't realize how much pressure you're applying with the ratchet & they'll break handlebars, bolts, etc.

Pull the front suspension all the way down. It won't hurt the suspension, & you don't want the bike bouncing on the suspension, or loosening straps. Leave the 4X4 out from under the bike! DON'T leave the kickstand down!

Once the bike is tied down secure the ends of the straps if it's an open trailer, check everything a second time & again at the first few stops on the highway. After that you'll feel much better about the whole thing. Towing isn't complicated, & as safe as the folks in the tow vehicle.

 

i disagree with this statement. i have always used a block of wood under the frame and ratcheted the straps tight without compressing the front suspension all the way. i have read several articles over the years in some of the big name mags that recommend the same. i suppose the end result is the same, unless of course, you do manage to blow out a fork seal. the block of wood is cheap insurance.

 

2 words...wheel chocks (self locking) OK that's four words
You can spend a little (59.95) or a lot (several hundred) But until i break down and spend the money I use 3 pair of straps on my Ultra just in case.
(I kinda like the 4x4 idea)

 

Different straps for different folks, or something like that..... I towed various bikes on an assortment of trailers over a period of about 20 years. Always pulled the suspension all the way down, never had a suspension problem, seal or otherwise. I guess if the wood was anchored so that it couldn't get loose on a rough road it would work. Just relating what I know works with the least effort/equipment.

 

agreed. the end result is what counts, and that is getting there safely. never worried about the block of wood being anchored cause with the tension on the straps, it is sandwiched quite tightly between the trailer and the bike. the only way its going anywhere is if the straps holding the front of the bike loosen (or worse), then all bets are off. by that time, your precious cargo is gonna be f*cked big time.....

i didn't mention it in my first post, but others have, self-locking wheel chocks. i have one of them, got it for a great price on ebay (condor, with removeable trailer mounting kit) from mackie enterprises.... between one of them and a couple of straps, you should be set.

 

I can fit3 full size Dressers with room for gear with no problem.
Dual axle14' (straight section) V-nose (add 3.5' more)
I use 3 Condor chocks and use the side tie downs just to keep
the bikes from swaying side to side.
Rob .....

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Some one tell me what the 4X4 is for? Do you sinch straps down until frame is resting on 4x4 so it takes stess off of the front suspension? Or is it there to keep bike upright if something goes wrong during the strapping process.
Good advice about the side-stand. I've always wondered if it was ok to keep it down. Some times it's difficult to kick it up when the staps are sinched.

 

Yeah the 4x4 is there to allow you to take up just a small amount of shock compression so you are not completely compressing them.