Hi All,
I'm picking up my RKC this Sunday (yeah for me). I have a full size Dodge pick up truck and was planning on putting it in the back. With the tailgate down it will fit but I'm curious what the best way to tie it down is to be sure I don't have any issues. I have a bunch of nylon ratchet straps but unsure of the best place on the bike to secure it.

Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks,
Joe.

 

If you are close to Northern Tool get one of their front wheel chocks (pretty cheap at $50).
See : http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200409163_200409163
If not close to you, then get a similar one from another source.
The wheel chock and tie downs on the bars is the best way to ensure no ugly stuff will happen.

If you don't want to drill holes in you truck bed then use a large piece (3'X3') of 3/4" plywood for the base.

 

Best advice I can give is not to post a thread about hauling a bike.


Use plenty of straps, I usually use 6-8, just be sure that they don't flap and scratch the bike, I don't use the hooks on the bike, the hooks can scratch. I loop the straps around or use soft ties.

Don't let the back tire rest on the tailgate, I put a 2x10 under the bike to carry the weight. If you search you might find a thread posted about hauling a bike in a Ford Ranger. It had great pics.

 

The owner of the truck I'm using said that he has transported another RK in the back and the rear wheel rests right on the crack of the tailgate and the bed. I agree that hauling the bike is not the spirit but it won't be legal for the road and its 4 hours away. I figured I'd truck it home since I'm sure the local constabulary would love to tow it and its a stange bike and I don;t want to get stuck at the side of the highway. I also have a wheel chock so I'm good on that front.

 

Soft ties around the brake caliper between the fender brace and fork, 2 more on front dump bars, and 2 more on rear pass floorboard brackets. All 6 go to side bed brackets, 4 to front, 2 to rear. DO NOT USE HANDLEBARS as they can get pulled down and then loosen

 

It's nice to have a front wheel chock, but it's not necessary. You'll want two ramps, or one wide enough to walk alongside the bike as you're loading. I'd advise against riding it into the bed. Have a couple of guys with you, walk it up into the bed of the truck. Watch out for anything in the front of the bed that might come in contact with the front fender. You want the front tire up against the back of the bed, or some other immovable object. If the lip of the bed will come in contact with the front fender of your bike, you'll need some other block between the front wheel and the front of the bed.

Use soft ties on the bike, and ratcheting tie downs. You can tie down the front at the frame, where the top of the crash bar is attached. The tie downs need to angle out from the bike, and you need some angling forward, and some angling back. 4 tie down in front and 2 in the back is plenty for even the heaviest bikes. Ratchet it down so the suspension is fairly compressed. We do use the handlebars for short trips and have not had any problems, but it's better to tie down to the frame.

 

I trailered my RKC home from North Carolina in the back of a U haul trailer for 8 hours and tied it down by it's handlebars without any problems. Just make sure that you pull the front end down well and check it when you stop for gas/lunch/etc.

 

Can't you get a ride to the dealer and ride the thing. Sheez!

 

a strap on each side of the handle bars, and 2 straps on the rear crash guard to the middle and back of the truckbed on each side works fine.. best advice is lots of help loading and unloading..

 

See if the dealer will leave the dealer plate on for the ride home, then over-night it back.