[mikesvsix50]

I'm tossing my bike in the back of my 4x4 in a couple of weeks and heading to michigan. I'm bidding on a 7.5' ramp right now on ebay, and already bout two rachet straps...I've got a 6' box, will the SV fit back there? It says on Suzuki's website that the bike is 82.5" long, but it doesn't seem like it. The reason I haven't just measured it myself is because it's still getting fixed...hopefully I'll have it in the middle of the week coming up. But, two rachet straps are what everybody tells me to use, just secure the handle bars and go...but it just seems kinda wierd...shoud I secure the rear too? I'd love to hear your tips and ideas. Thanks guys.

 

[JRW_Assassin]

I could answer that for you, but motorcyclist does it so much better:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/hauling/

 

[Gixxerdale]

Good article. I've always used four tie downs.

Be sure and fold up the loose tie down material and velcro or tie wrap it back on itself. Otherwise it will be beating your paint job in the wind rolling down the highway.

It's easy to forget gear when you haul your bike, so double check before leaving home!

If you have never loaded a bike in the back of a truck, have a few friends there to help catch it! It's easy if you've done it before. But the first time can suck. Get the truck bed as low as possible.

 

[mikesvsix50]

Thanks for the article JRW.

Dale, where do you use the other tie downs...? And for getting my truck lower, I'll back my truck up to a good sized curb...that should help. What do you recommend for actually loading it up...riding it, or powering it up by walking next to it?

 

[Gixxerdale]

Thanks for the article JRW.

Dale, where do you use the other tie downs...? And for getting my truck lower, I'll back my truck up to a good sized curb...that should help. What do you recommend for actually loading it up...riding it, or powering it up by walking next to it?

Rear tie downs go on the sub frame where it meets the main frame.

I always walk them up without power. Less chance of slipping with the clutch and launching it into the truck bed. Or the rear wheel kicking the ramp out from under the bike with the front tire in the truck! That can be hard on forks and the truck. If you go to slow while sitting on the bike, and it starts to lean on the ramp, it's a long ways to get a foot down on the ground! THis just made me realize how many strange accidents I've watched of other people, luckily, loading thier bikes!

If you can get the truck bed low enough, have one person on each side of the bike, head up the ramp with the bike, and just step up on the gate and continue into the truck.

You can get web loop extenders to keep the hooks away from your bike too. The new tie downs have them built in. Buy good tie downs! Don't go cheap! The $10.00 price difference can cost you thousands!

 

[Gixxerdale]

Here's a pic for ya Mike, but the bike is on my trailer. Gives an idea of tie down use, placement, and dressing up the loose ends with double sided velcro from your local server room cabling! :mrgreen:

http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/237709/

 

[Gixxerdale]

Hey Mike! I just realized, you're only talkin 220 miles? Ride it there. I ride further than that for my morning coffee! :mrgreen:

 

[mikesvsix50]

haha, yeah, but I'm gonna be gone for a week, so I'm hauling clothes and other stuff.

I'll post a pic, tell me what you think of the tie downs...probly be posted in a few hours.

 

[FIVEINCH]

That Canyon Dancer was a great bit of advice from the guys on the forum, here. It worked out great for bike in the trailer. As far as tiedown, the tie points should all be the same be it truck bed, open trailer, or closed trailer.

I made sure the front was secured with some ratchet straps, and sides were secured with some 400# friction straps, and nylon strap extenders. If you should choose to use friction straps on the front of the bike, make sure you do something to keep it from pulling loose via the friction buckle. I tie the loose strap around so it can't possibly come loose.

Being by myself when loading/unloading, I sit on the bike and attach the side straps to stabilize it. Then I hook up the Canyon Dancer across the front and secure while applying my weight to the front forks.

If you choose not to use a chock for the front, a trick I used for my dirt bikes as a kid was let some air out of the front tire so it could conform to the contours of the truck bed. A chock is best, though.

 

[mikesvsix50]

thanks five.

Let me ask you guys this...my bed is 6' long...will I be able to close the tail gate??? I'll find out for sure on tuesday. But I don't want any surprises. Thanks.

 

[FIVEINCH]

I don't think so. I believe the bike's rear tire will set right at the joint, preventing the gate from closing.

It will fit corner to corner, but weight shift during travel would make that a little prekarious.

 

[mikesvsix50]

Oh, alright...think it'd be stupid to just leave the tailgate down?

 

[Gixxerdale]

Leave the gate down, you might even get better mileage! :mrgreen:

 

[mikesvsix50]

Yeah, I hope. Right now...with just me and a cup off coffee in the truck it gets no more than 13.3 mpg on the highway, and about 10 in the city...I can't figure it out...nor can the three dealers and two private garages I've taken her to. But...she's a tank that won't quit. Thanks for the help.

 

[doxiedog315]

Yes it will fit in a 6' bed,at an angle...its been done

 

[Jammer]

Here's a pic for ya Mike, but the bike is on my trailer. Gives an idea of tie down use, placement, and dressing up the loose ends with double sided velcro from your local server room cabling! :mrgreen:

http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/237709/

Clean looking Gixxer. Nice picture.