VERY CAREFULLY. Read my post. I don't recommend compressing the forks or anywhere on the bars BTW, I always tie around the fender bosses on the lower forks, and yes, I still put it in the truck once in a while.......

 

Don't tie to the ends of the bars, if you use the bars, tie to the bend close tothe fairing.
If your box is short and your rear wheel is going to be on the tailgate, put a block of wood, maybe an 8 x 8 under the frame in the box before tieing it down so the weight is on the block in the bed , not on the tailgate.
Make sure to leave at least an inch between the front fender and the light bar so it won't tough the fender if you hit a hard bump.
Use more than enough straps.
You don't need a wheel chock.
Don't try it alone, at either end.
Maybe stay at a Holiday Inn the night before you load!

 

Thanks everyone for the info. I will be loading the bike this thursday night and leaving Friday morning. Scheduled to ride the Tail of the Dragon Sat morning early. I'll let you know how it is.
Thanks

 

I bought a set of 3 ramps form a company called Ramp Masters in Vermont. I got the ones that are just shy of 8 feet. They have 12 foot ones that fold. I put the heavy duty (1500#) in the middle of the tailgate and the other two off to the left. I walk the bike up the ramps that way. I also removed the lower light bar bolts in the sides of the forks and replaced them with 5/16 forged eye bolts. I attach my straps to them. They can be easily changed back in a couple of minutes. Another tip. I put two heavy rubber bungie cords between the straps. That way, if the bike leans a little and develops some slack in the straps, the bungies take up the slack and the hooks won't come off. Ken