Opinions for strapping motorcycle down....Lots of pics (lots)

[bolivier]

So here it is, my custom camping trailer. Multi purpose as you can see. I just put the bike rail on today and want some of your thoughts on the best way to strap it down.

Keep in mind the strap that is wrapped around the bar will not be like that in the final version. I wouldn't put a strap rubbing on metal like that, just asking for trouble.

Also, there will be a strap around both the front and rear wheels holding them to the track itself.

I don't want to be scared the entire drive to the lake. I want to be able to just cruise worry free.

Most likely double strap everything, maybe. Also, one strap going around the canoe (not very tight) in the event that a strap did break, there would be no possible way the bike could come off.

We will be driving 4 hours, leaving this saturday morning, so I've got to get 'er done!!!!

Thanks guys.....
Brent

[J-Mech]

I'd make some motorcycle wheel chocks.... like these
wheel chock.jpg
Or just buy them. Harbor Freight has them. (I know it's harbor freight, but they look pretty sturdy.) This one is just a random pic from google.

[bolivier]

I do like that idea. Easy to add as well.

[Grampie]

I'd rather see a metal channel bolted to the trailer frame than the piece of wood. (the wood is bolted down isn't it?) Those little single axle trailers do bounce around alot and things seem to shake loose.

[CADplans]

Realistically, I think the STRAPS are possibly the weak link.

Do not bet your bike on some import junk strap. They work nice, but, I would only expect them to hold on a tarp, or something I do not care if it blows away.

I tie down with the rope power companies use to string new power lines.

That stuff will stop my 10,000 pound 4WD tractor.

BUT, you have to learn how to tie and use a bowline knot.

[cubfixer]

I agree with the idea that you probably need a channel for the front wheel to ride in. That will help keep the front wheel from turning and/or sliding sideways. If the front wheel turns, then bad things can happen. Ask me how I know. I wish there were an upright on each side of the bike to strap it to. If the trailer takes a leap, then the bike is not going to move sideways or up and down.

[ajcombs]

Wheel channel like others have said and use this handle bar strap from motorcycle superstore.

[bolivier]

Grampie, the board (actually 3 board channel assembly) is bolted down. There is a total of 5 5/16 bolts holding it to the frame of the trailer. Super solid. Didn't want to spend the $$$ on buying a channel. Already had a 16' piece of 2X8 treated, so I figured I'd make my own channel.

Love that handlebar strap. I knew they had something like that, just haven't really looked yet.

The wood the bike is on is a channel. Kind of hard to see in the pics. I am going to make the channel snug on the front wheel though, so the wheel cannot move. I also know what can happen if that front wheel turns...

Do you think I need to extend the bar behind the fender so that it will be wider? The strap is basically going straight down where it is.

[Maxwelhse]

Run a strap diagonally over each tire (through the forks, and one over the swing arm) as well and she won't be going anywhere...

Plus that way a single strap failure wouldn't be the end of the world. With a strap through the forks the bike CAN'T come off of the trailer... It might throw some neat sparks though!

[cubfixer]

Now that you mention it and I finally took the time to really look, I see that you do have a channel. I feel much better about it. You want to keep the bike upright, but also keep it from bouncing around. The handle bar strap idea looks interesting.