Best Way to Trailer RT

[JoePress]

What's the best way to trailer and ty down an RT? I'm going to assume a wheel chock is at the top of the list. Any chance I could do it in an 8Ft truck bed or should I stick to my trailer with a built in ramp? Thanks.
Barry

[motoguy128]

Truck bed IMO are scary because a step ramp is involved and if the bike starts to tip over, it's hard to save vs. a trailer. I'd only use a truck for small sportbikes or dirt bikes if a trailer is available.

I think you'll be happier with a trailer.

A wheel chock is a good idea to keep the front wheel from turning. It distributes the bieks weight better when braking. The forces with go through the front wheel more, rather than through the front tie down straps.

Do a search for the correct technique. On a BMW telelever you always tie down to the fork lowers. Never tie to the handlebars or the suspension control arm.

In the back, tie down to the frame, not the pegs.

Never leave the bike on the center stand or leave the kickstand extended.

[hopz]

If you are the guy who asked over at: http://bmwsporttouring.com fine- if not go there and look in the Hexhead forum... good stuff if I do say so myself..

[JoePress]

motoguy128: Thanks for the help, just what I wanted.
hopz: Not me but I'll look there, didn't now of that site.

Thanks Guys.
Barry

[Gael]

I'm the guy who posted in the BMW Sport Touring forum... Great responses, so look there. Bottom line, don't put the bike on the centerstand or side stand, tie down to fork tubes, not the handlebars. Gael.

[nightcrawler921]

Loaded my LT in a 3/4 ton pickup with a 6 1/2 foot bed with this ramp. It is a very stable ramp.

http://www.motorcycleramps.com/motorcyclehd_ramps.htm

[Tracus]

Be careful when selecting a front wheel chock. Make sure there's enough clearance between the chock and the brake rotors. If you are using a truck to pull the trailer, you might want to consider installing a full width dust/mud flap to mount beneath the rear bumper of the truck to prevent stones and gravel from flying up and chipping the bike's fairing.

Good Luck!
Chris

[motoguy128]

That ramp looks pretty nice. I'd be tempted to buy that for the existing trailer I have and toss the skinny little ramp I currently use.

[hopz]

When I rented my U-haul, I had reserved a trailer with a ramp door. Of course when I went to pick it up- they had given it to someone else and acted dumb about it. It was a real short trip for them.

I took the non-ramp trailer because I had to have it. I went home and made a ramp out of some 3/4 inch plywood and reinforced the back with a 2x4. tapered the end so it would lay flat on the ground.

When we loaded it was easy because the guys house had a deep drop in his driveway and it made rolling on almost perfectly level and really easy. When I got home I had a problem because I do not have a spot with such a rise or dip. The ramp was obviously too narrow. I had to put a dairy carton on one side and a big tool box on the other. These made great places to put my feet. Turned out that these field improvisations made it really easy.

The moral is to be sure you have a good place to put your feet on either side, and slow down and think about things before you get flustered.

[IanW]

What's the best way to trailer and ty down an RT? I'm going to assume a wheel chock is at the top of the list. Any chance I could do it in an 8Ft truck bed or should I stick to my trailer with a built in ramp? Thanks.
Barry

Try this link
http://www.ascycles.com/pdf/Tiedown2.pdf

Ian