I looking for advise and pictures, if possible, on how to strap my 2013 Roadglide Ultra down so I can move it. My main concern is where do others place the tie down straps on the bike so there's no damage and the bike is nice and secure? I'm going to buy the Harley tie downs, 1.5" ratchet straps, so I think I'm all set there.
My biggest concern is where to put the straps on the front and rear of the bike. Also, can someone point me to a part number for tie down brackets for the front end of the 2013 Roadglide Ultra? I'd like to look and see if this is an option.
Really nervous about doing this since I've never done it before....
Here is what you need to do> First, get on the bike after it is placed in a wheel chuck. Have your strap around the bottom of the handle bars and placed in (hooked ) some where to the trailer. Simply, press down on the handle bar so the shock is compressed, and tighten your straps. In other words, all you need to do is compress the front shocks a bit and set your straps. Easy. Do not over complicate this. Simply lean into the bike and compress your shocks a bit. Bingo.
I usually wrap a soft tie around where the front crash bar attaches to the frame so the strap goes around the bar and motorcycle frame (this way the crash bar is only keeping the tie from sliding and not really relying on crash bar). I do one for each side. I use a condor wheel chock and strap the wheel into it. The wheel chock is bolted to the trailer or truck bed. In a trailer I have Etrack so you have multiple locations to choose from. Don't strap it too tight as you can ruin your fork seals and or dent your front fender. Personally I like to wrap a 4X4 (or a little bigger) in carpet and place it under the frame and strap it down until it rests on the carpeted block. That way you get no bounce and less chance of straps coming loose. On the back I usually use soft ties on the passenger peg/floor board mounts and strap the back down from that location.
Same here i never use the handle bars because over tight straps could bend the bars,i always use the frame crash bar system,it has never failed me yet,plus i tie it down in the rear also it remains rock solid.
be sure to get the more expensive HD straps. ..think there 65 bucks. they will let you ratchet up and down. this means when its time to unload its WAY more controlled ... normal straps will just "POP" lose, mean while , the other side is tight and pulling the bike down on one side. they also have the "soft-strap" built in. wrap the soft strap under the faring, to the lower triple clamp, to the inside of the forks...do NOT put the bike the the stand and then tie it down.. write back with questions ...happy to answer. ill see about a picture tomorrow ...
This is how I do it, with the exception of the two black straps going to the crashbar ( if you don't have hard lowers ) with about 1" + of compression on the forks
best way I have found.... and NEVER hook your bars....unless you want to bend and replace them....
One more note to add... I have saddlebag bars and strap either to them or the rear pegs ( depending on access ) to minimize rear sway... not too tight, just snug
I wrap the soft tie part around the lower fork bracket. The bike never moves and it's a more substantial part than a crash bar tube. In the rear I use a couple straps on the bag bars to keep the bike from sliding side-to-side.
I want to thank all for their suggestions and the pictures. Please keep them coming....
I guess I need to clarify my setup. Yes I will have a front wheel chock. Also, I won't be using a pick-up or trailer. My plan is to cart my RGU around on the back of my Motorhome using a Hydralift....Hydralift Motorcycle Lifts | The Art of Lifting
Since I've never loaded or tied down my RGU to anything I want to make sure she's good and secure and safe. I figure I'll be using at least 6 ties and want to make sure that I tie to the correct locations....I don't feel comfortable tying to the handle bars since I think they'll bend. And getting to the triple trees looks difficult also....
Boy, retiring and trying to enjoy the bike around the country is getting nerve racking....
I want to thank all for their suggestions and the pictures. Please keep them coming....
I guess I need to clarify my setup. Yes I will have a front wheel chock. Also, I won't be using a pick-up or trailer. My plan is to cart my RGU around on the back of my Motorhome using a Hydralift....Hydralift Motorcycle Lifts | The Art of Lifting
Since I've never loaded or tied down my RGU to anything I want to make sure she's good and secure and safe. I figure I'll be using at least 6 ties and want to make sure that I tie to the correct locations....I don't feel comfortable tying to the handle bars since I think they'll bend. And getting to the triple trees looks difficult also....
Boy, retiring and trying to enjoy the bike around the country is getting nerve racking....
Use straps or soft ties on the lower triple tree. You're asking for trouble strapping to either the handlebars or the crash bar, neither are strong enough to support the bike.
Day one of the installation of the Hydralift involved taking measurements and making templates. The templates were used to make the plates and rails to support the saddle brackets for the lift. No real pictures to show. Actually, day one was a half day and not a full day of work. This installation will allow me to carry my RGU on the back of my 2017 Entegra Anthem 44B Motorhome. I would post more pics, but it looks like the size of the pics is limiting me....
Day two of the installation involved the fabrication of the rails and brackets. The enclosed pictures show the end results of the fabrication and the welding of the rails and plates. The assemblies weight about 75 to 80lbs each and will be lifted and welded/bolted to the frame of the chassis.
Jason, owner of B&B Auto and RV in Farmington, NH, is doing all of the fabrication and installation and has been very meticulous with everything. He told me that this same plate and rail design has been used for trikes on other coaches that he's done. Looks like this is going to be very solid and we're looking forward to using it.
Pictures are a little deceiving, bracket/rail isn't as big as it looks.....
If you're still looking for the "best" way to tie it down, there are more opinions than there are ways. I have a condor wheel chock and NEVER use more than two tiedowns. Usually pretty loosely to the crash bar. Never failed.
I haven't trailered my RG yet, but I trailered my old Dyna a couple of times.
The only thing I would add is that I use duct tape to keep the tie-down latches stable (keep 'email from wiggling) and the loose ends of the straps from flopping around in the wind.
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