Triumphrat

Captain · 05-30-2007

In a couple of weeks I’ll be driving a truck for my employer across the states. I’ll have five days to tool around before driving back and I’ve the good fortune of getting my Bonnie onboard. In preparation, I picked up a free used metal shipping frame/crate from one of the local motorcycle dealers. As for the ‘How To’, I’ve searched the net and these forums, but haven’t had much luck finding sold information.

Any riders out there have experience personally transporting their Bonnies? Common mistakes? Things not to forget? And more particularly, where on the bike, both front and rear, should the straps be placed? I’ve never done this before, so any and all advice is more than welcome. Your experience could save me a lot of trouble and heartache.

Iceseven · 05-30-2007

I use four straps, two around the front forks just above the lower clamp and two on the rear foot peg braces and compress the front shocks as much as possible against the front of the bed, I keep the sidestand up as to not tweak it if you hit bumps (which I did on my scrambler). Others may have some helpful tips.

xX05bonnieXx · 05-30-2007

I moved mine from Denver, Colorado to North Dakota and used a canyon dancer (can be bought at motorcycle dealerships) that fits across the bars and then strap down. Then I used two straps on the rear and didnt budge the whole way home.

davidc · 05-30-2007

I concur with Road_Dog; the front should be cinched down by putting a little pressure on the forks as the straps are snugged and the wheel butted up to the front wall or other stationary point. This is assuming you'll have some sort of cleat/bar in the truck. I go from the bars, inboard of the first bend, to get a good downward angle.

REVOLT · 05-30-2007

Not many think about this one...Put it in gear...and ZIP TIE the front brake "closed"...This will help prevent any forward/backward motion...Then simply cut the zip ties when you get to your destination...take extra zip ties just in case.

REVOLT · 05-30-2007

Well Thank You Road_Dog...It's a trick my Ole' Man taught me...

50yrDream · 05-31-2007

Make sure they are Rachet straps! Not cheap friction type!

BILLYSIM · 05-31-2007

X1 on 50yr's advice!!
I use the center stand with a locking strap...and six ratchet straps,,,padded.
Check things at every stop. Rig a stone guard or cover. If you cover put a CLEAN moving blanket between the cover and your baby.
...Billy

Captain · 05-31-2007

I appreciate all your guys' input.

The shipping frame I picked up from the dealer originally shipped a Ducati sports bike, so the front of the frame had been blocked for a smaller tire. I'll need to reblock it for the Bonnie. It also came with four nylon friction tie downs that are still in good condition, but I'll take a look at the ratchet ones as well.

My main concern has been where to place the straps on the frame. The handlebars where clearly an option, but I wasn't sure how much tension they could 'handle'. The last thing I wanted was to arrive at my destination with snapped or bent bars.

Should I be concerned with zip tying the brakes closed and leaving the engine in gear if the front wheel is securely blocked?

Cynr1023 · 06-09-2007

I just trucked my bike to SC and back from Texas. Screwed it up on the way out there got it right on the way back. messed up my bike and dented my buddies truck bed.
1: get the ratchet straps
2: use the canyon chaser
3: don't cover unless you're going through hail, then make sure you use a nice padded blaket that is snugged down over the bike before you put the cover on.
4: don't put the side stand down

I covered my bike in a dealers parking lot after explaining that I was trucking to SC and didn't want it exposed in the hail that was coming up in dallas and purchasing a cover from him. He watched me put the cover on and never once mentioned that it would flap enough to take the clear coat right off the tank. When I called him about it the only thing he had to say was "so, what's my responsibility in this?" He didn't have any legal responsibility but should have told me I might mess up my bike. Heck, he didn't even sound like he cared that it got messed up.

point two: I strapped in on it's side stand, that dented my buddies truck bed, he took it pretty well, I think he felt bad that my bike got messed up worse than his truck.

I used the canyon chaser on the way back and it's the bee's knees. Good stuff and would recommend that piece of equipment to anyone transporting their bike.

last point, check the bike every time you stop for gas. It can't hurt and you could end up saving you some heartache.