I beg to differ there. Some of my straps have snapped or broken under even a mild load. For the cost of my Road King, I am not willing to take a chance. This is why I am asking others that are using "good" straps for their advise.

 

Interesting, been using Walmart straps for, oh, about 37 years now. Never had one break or even come loose. But if it makes you feel better then by all means, go buy some high dollar one's.

 

The Walmart brand strap were the exact straps I was using when two of them gave out on me on the same load. They were cam lock. They seemed to have rotted right at the point where they wrap around the cam pin. This was a very long time ago, and I did not lose the load but it was a bit scary as I was hauling my furniture down the main highway at 55. I swore I would not get them again and I haven't. I will not speak ill of any strap. I would just like to know what everyone is now using and how much luck they are having with them.

 

I think the ratchet one's are much safer than the cam lock type. You just have to know how tight is tight enough and not compress the suspension a whole lot

 

You won't over tighten with ratchet straps if you don't bottom out the forks but it seems to me that you won't be able to pull the cam lock variety down hard enough to get the pressure you need to overcome the springs compressing on hard bumps or railroad tracks.

A little common sense will keep the ratcheting type from hurting your bike and you can get the exact pressure you need.

 

Botttoming out your forks is a big no-no.
Here's a tip that will allow you to tie down without compressing the hell out of your front suspension:
Build a riser out of a couple of short 2x6's (or even 2x4's) nailed or screwed together. Place this under your bike as far forward underneath the frame as possible. Then pull your forks down until the frame contacts the riser. Cinch it down a few more clicks and Voila! No more over tightened forks or straps and your scoot rides as secure as is possible.
Add a couple more straps to the rear if, you prefer, and you're done.

 

That would be good advice if all bikes were the same height.

 

Well so far I have not caused any damage using the ratchet type. If so many on here are still using them, I see no reason why I can't either.
I appreciate the info and advise from everyone.
I will continure to read the ad's to see which ratchet straps are better then others. I know the ones I have do jam a lot and I am constantly fighting to get them loose. I only paid about $25 for the four of them, and really can't expect too much from them. They have been good up til now except for the occasional jamming. I will keep them for my usual loads of firewood and furniture moving and look for good straps fro the Road King.

 

If they work on a Sportster they will work on any HD. I am using straps that i have used on a Suzuki, Sportster, Yamaha, HD Deuce, HD Street glide.

 

http://www.kiwiindian.com/new-harley-prod.html

This is good to have on bike when trailering.