Tie down points for trailoring - help required...

[MIKE-SA]

Hi

I need to trailor my 1200GS. The question is how do I secure the bike to the trailor. The advice I have so far is to wrap the tie-downs around either fork above the fork cross-brace (if that is the correct term?) for the front (and secure to either side of the trailor), and tie/hook the tie downs from the passenger foot-rest hangers for the rear (to either side of the trailor). A superbike is easier - forks or handle bars (cant on GS because of the handguards) in the front and swing-arm at rear (works for me). Any comments / suggestions please?

Mike SA

 

[Mouse]

I always used the engine bars to tie mine down at the front. But if you can get the straps around the forks, above the brace, without fouling anything, that should be just as good. For the reaar straps the footpeg hangers should be fine, better than the swining arm really as you want to compress the suspension.

Remember that as you compress the suspension, the front wheel moves forwards, so don't go mad with the ratchets if the wheel is up against the front of the trailer.

 

[birdseye]

Depends on the trailer design. If it is a specialised bike trailer then you are primarily concerned about keeping it vertical so straps on either side. Personally I would take the seat off and use the frame underneath if I could get a clean lead. Then leave the bike in gear with a strap from the front wheel to the front of the trailer and one from the back wheel to the back.

A flat bed trailer is a different matter. Then I've been told the best thing is to put it on the side stand in gear and put a strap over the seat from side to side. Use this to compress the susupension a reasonable amount. Straps as necessary to stop the bike sliding backwards or forwards.

Careful with ratchet straps. I've had drivers bend steel fabrications with a bit too much enthusiasm on the ratchets. And I've bent a hired bike trailer doing just the same thing.

 

[Andrew Lodge]

Hi

I need to trailor my 1200GS. The question is how do I secure the bike to the trailor. The advice I have so far is to wrap the tie-downs around either fork above the fork cross-brace (if that is the correct term?) for the front (and secure to either side of the trailor), and tie/hook the tie downs from the passenger foot-rest hangers for the rear (to either side of the trailor). A superbike is easier - forks or handle bars (cant on GS because of the handguards) in the front and swing-arm at rear (works for me). Any comments / suggestions please?

Mike SA

That is exactly what the motorail staff did with mine last year and it never moved an inch from Toulouse to Calais

Andrew

 

[Tasy's BIGJIM]

Mike mate,

I trailer Bikes a lot,
I do believe it has to done propper, but not overdone? This is what I've done for years. Take it or leave it?
Racebike and GS and KTM all in one trailer. Ok?
Single Bike: Centre & Forward. I would use good Tie Downs+ 2 Loop straps( you buy these for Trailering Road Bikes). They get the hooks away from you Plastics. Load bike ( with a mate NEVER on your own. I actualy Ride GS up & into my Ford F150 truck? Yargh yargh...). Place on SIDE Stand. While you get organised. With front wheel against Front of Trailer. Check all 4 anchorages of Tie Downs. Right Hand Tie Down first ( pull away from side Stand) take up load of Bike till almost upright. Left next a bit past the right, then Right a bit past the left and so on. Use "the" Bikes front suspenion travel 3/4 the way. NOT all the way Down! Flip UP Side Stand.(Back down before loosening tiedowns for unlooading)? When its level Sitting Square and your happy? Two very important things. Tie a Knot in the Tie Downs to prevent them Undoing!! My trick take a Rope From one side of the trailer pass it through and around the front of ALL front Bike Wheels!!! You get to keep your Bikes! I never tie the rear. Or the sides. I have towed for 100s of weekends no probs. DO NOT MAKE THE BIKE RIGID. They Spring off !!! Watch all bike in the tow mirror you vcan tell if any become at an angle? If they do Stop gently NOW Hazards on check Traffic and Re tie. We say RIGID is NOT FRIGET cause...your..fu.... ? Get the picture. Tasy's BIGJim

 

[smilee mark]

I trailer Bikes a lot,
I do believe it has to done propper, but not overdone? This is what I've done for years. Take it or leave it?
Racebike and GS and KTM all in one trailer. Ok?
Single Bike: Centre & Forward. I would use good Tie Downs+ 2 Loop straps( you buy these for Trailering Road Bikes). They get the hooks away from you Plastics. Load bike ( with a mate NEVER on your own. I actualy Ride GS up & into my Ford F150 truck? Yargh yargh...). Place on SIDE Stand. While you get organised. With front wheel against Front of Trailer. Check all 4 anchorages of Tie Downs. Right Hand Tie Down first ( pull away from side Stand) take up load of Bike till almost upright. Left next a bit past the right, then Right a bit past the left and so on. Use "the" Bikes front suspenion travel 3/4 the way. NOT all the way Down! Flip UP Side Stand.(Back down before loosening tiedowns for unlooading)? When its level Sitting Square and your happy? Two very important things. Tie a Knot in the Tie Downs to prevent them Undoing!! My trick take a Rope From one side of the trailer pass it through and around the front of ALL front Bike Wheels!!! You get to keep your Bikes! I never tie the rear. Or the sides. I have towed for 100s of weekends no probs. DO NOT MAKE THE BIKE RIGID. They Spring off !!! Watch all bike in the tow mirror you vcan tell if any become at an angle? If they do Stop gently NOW Hazards on check Traffic and Re tie. We say RIGID is NOT FRIGET cause...your..fu.... ? Get the picture. Tasy's BIGJim

I am With Big Jim on this one, ie MAke sure your ties bring the suspension down to 3/4 as this helps to stabilise the bike.

 

[MIKE-SA]

Thanks for all the help - will try out the methods above this week-end as trial run.

Mike SA

 

[Greg Masters]

I'm now going to use carabiners instead of hook-strap ratchets, as hooks can unhook themselves if the strap gets too slack.

Greg

 

[aspad]

so can Karabiners - unless you use a screw gate

 

[earthmover]

I'm now going to use carabiners instead of hook-strap ratchets, as hooks can unhook themselves if the strap gets too slack.

Greg

My old 450 Husaberg bounced off the trailer near Newtown once because of that very problem. My excuse was that I was in a state of near exhaustion after a particularly difficult Ceri Enduro, and hadn't the strength to pull the straps tight enough. I fasten the straps to the trailer with D-links now.
Trailered my GS from the dealers on day one (long story) without any mishap. Handlebars, engine bars and passenger footpeg hangers were my prefered tie down points, with rags and duct tape for chafe protection. Much harder to compress the suspension than on an enduro bike though.
HTH
Mark

 

[Tasy's BIGJIM]

Yeah? On Tie Downs

I'm sure a lot of people have done a lot of different ways to achieve the same thing, safe Traikerage?(that a new word)?
I just got hold of a pair of new Tie Downs this week the handle bar 'sock' type? They slip over your Grips to prevent Damage to Plastics? For my GSXr racebike in my van. Guess what they come with Carrabina type clips satandard? A solidly pulled down bike is just waiting to fly off? BUT, so is a loose one? Rember 3/4 of the suspention? My last trick is to tie a loop through that front wheel? Cause if it goes wrong eg RTA you get to keep your Bike. Yes those Enduro work outs can be hard? Even in play. Have a spell then check it. Train that pit crew! My son at 4 use to be his job to check dad,? Well so he wreckoned?? Keep checking that review mirror all the way. If its crooked its Loose! Please to help (20+ years of trailering, Dirt, Road Race and unfortunatley our Local P.U.S.S. Pick Up Storage Sytem wrecks all sorts from Harleys, Goldwings to Scooters). If your GOOD with rope by all means use it. But why? Those cheap tie downs or "Load Rachets" not worth a piece of ....? Anyway just Travel always safe. As I do care. Tasy's BIGJim

 

[MIKE-SA]

Thanks to all those that submitted replies

Did 3 500 km on trailor - rock solid - no problems

Tie down 1:
Around forks just above cross bar/mudguard to either side of trailor. Does not compress front suspension
Tie down 2
Around passenger foot-peg brackets to either side of trailor - suspension compressed 1/4 max.
Tie down 3
Around engine bars to front of trailor (one ties on either side)
Tie down 4
Around front wheel to front of trailor (just in case...)

A bit of overkill? - but rock solid on some very bumpy roads

MIKE SA