Tying down

[Shotgun]

One more question about tying down on the Lake Express.  I'm planning on using four tie downs, two around the triple tree and two in back, don't know where yet.  Some have said to lock the front wheel but shouldn't it be straight even though there are no chocks?  Others have said to tie it down using the kickstand and a third point of contact.  I don't think the kickstand is that strong.  Any ideas?

[Chrisj CMA]

front wheel always straight....Im pretty sure the term locking wasnt in reference to the keyed lock, it was more likely referring to blocking the front wheel so the forks cannot rotate

Kickstand always UP........never rest on the stand while tying down unless you want to ruin the frame

rear tie down can be done around the upper frame near where the shocks mount (seat removed) or the sissy bar.  The rear straps do not have to be "rip the bumper off a towtruck" tight......just enough to prevent side to side movement.

On the fronts, they should be angled forward and down, and tight enough to compress the forks about half way.  The trees are ok, or even crash bars....NEVER the handlebars

[Momz]

Just pretend your into the "bondage" thing.
Do whatever it takes to keep the Fat Lady restrained.

[Shotgun]

Thanks.  I'm a little paranoid of hurting my Valk.

[thelt]

Here is what I've used on the Lady since '99 when I bought her. http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=1406

Haven't had any problems. I also tie down at the rear on both sides.  NEVER on the kickstand.

[Shotgun]

If a wheel chock isn't available, do you just leave it in gear?

[Shotgun]

The boat just has "d" hooks on the floor and there is no place to put the front wheel against a wall so The nike has to be tied down out without it touching anything.  If I tie around the triple tree down and forward and secure the back end, keep the bike in gear, and maybe even bungee cord the front brake, I think I should be alright.

[Chrisj CMA]

The boat just has "d" hooks on the floor and there is no place to put the front wheel against a wall so The nike has to be tied down out without it touching anything.  If I tie around the triple tree down and forward and secure the back end, keep the bike in gear, and maybe even bungee cord the front brake, I think I should be alright.

Securing the front brake is  agood idea, I would also try to pull both ends against the middle as you tie down.  Straps angling foward from the trees and angling back from the rear.  The other think I would consider is a stack of lumber (maybe  pieces if 2X12 material about 12-14" long)....place them under the engine where the jack would lift from and then when you compress the forks, she sets down on the lumber and give you a more solid anchor.

[thelt]

Here's the wheel chock I use in my toy hauler:

EZ Chock Trailer Instructions	powered by Aeva

video

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/930-143 Where to buy

This is the best I have found. No holes to drill in the trailer or toy hauler floor. Is easily moved between the two.

The EZ Chock can also be found on E-bay.

[Ricky-D]

The fallacy is thinking the side stand is not up to the task.

Do you think there have been any Valkyries that have fallen over because the side stand broke?

On all the ferry boats I've been on, and there have been many, I have come to the realization that they all are smooth and comfortable rides.

I have also found as I have stated on a most recent thread, that wrapping a bungicord around the front brake to keep the bike from rolling and then a safety strap to hold the bike on the side stand to keep it from flipping over onto the right side is all that is necessary.

I, like you, on the first few times strapped the bike down with at least four straps and all the other rigamarole only to find it was a waste of time and effort and was entirely not needed.

***

[R J]

Here is how I have tied bikes down for years.

If you don't have a wheel chock, nail a short 2X4 flat on each side of the front wheel. This will keep it straight.     Take it up when you are done.

Front tie down.




Rear Tie down on a Tourer or I/State:
Using the saddlebag guard under the bag about midway.



Clinch the straps tight.    Will be VERY little down pull on the forks.   That is what blows seals, being pulled up.    When ya get it tight, grab the seat or anything and wiggle the bike, the trailer better move at the same time like it is one unit, if it doesn't, your straps are not tight enough.   The 1st 2 gas stops, check the straps and tighten as needed.       From there on to your destination, just wiggle the trailer at a gas stop if you don't have confidence or a worry wart.     Bike is going no where except where that trailer takes it.     KICK STAND UP, and petcock set to OFF....   Enjoy the ride.   With this trailer, you can run in the $1.00 range all day long and not remember the trailer is there.

[Chrisj CMA]

The fallacy is thinking the side stand is not up to the task.

Do you think there have been any Valkyries that have fallen over because the side stand broke?

On all the ferry boats I've been on, and there have been many, I have come to the realization that they all are smooth and comfortable rides.

I have also found as I have stated on a most recent thread, that wrapping a bungicord around the front brake to keep the bike from rolling and then a safety strap to hold the bike on the side stand to keep it from flipping over onto the right side is all that is necessary.

I, like you, on the first few times strapped the bike down with at least four straps and all the other rigamarole only to find it was a waste of time and effort and was entirely not needed.

***

Oh, the side stand is plenty up for the task, BUT the crossmember is not.  Dont risk it, its an expensive fix.  Trailering or tieng down on a boat on the side stand for a Valkyrie is a horrible idea.  Dont do it

[Earl in Pensacola]

I, for one, can tell you that the side stand CAN AND WILL bend (if not break) when the bike is strapped down in a trailer.  The pounding the bouncing trailer gives the side stand is a tremdous load factor. Mine bent enough that I had an inch (or so) piece of metal welded to the foot of the stand to get the bike back up to the original lean angle. 

[Ricky-D]

There is no reply in this thread suggesting to use the sidestand for tying down in a trailer.

The original poster Shotgun was inquiring about tying down on a ferry.

Those of you that have never had to take the bike on a ferry, I can tell you that a ferry crossing is a smooth as silk where the only small jolt is sometimes when the ferry docks, and that is only on small ferries where you usually stay put right there where you park the bike and they tell you to stay with the bike or car whatever the case may be.

To use scare words in trying to influence readers is not honest at best.

***

[Rescueroy]

Got to agree with you.  Crossed Lake Michigan a number of times on rhe ferries. Just strapped it down on the side stand. No problem even if it was a little rough.  These are large boats.

[Rescueroy]

I would be more worried about the Lake Express breaking down on the way over.

[thelt]

There is no reply in this thread suggesting to use the sidestand for tying down in a trailer.

The original poster Shotgun was inquiring about tying down on a ferry.

My bad, Being in Southeast GA, Lake Express meant the brand name of a MC Trailer. Didn't know we were talkin' 'bout ferries.