RT Tie-down

[dwfindley]

Is there a recommended Tie-Down procedure for the R1200RT?

[hopz]

Recommended tie down... yes... for sure.

First go get you at least 4 Soft Ties. These are short straps that have loops on both ends and are of a material that will not harm the surface.

In the front slip a soft tie around each front shock tube above the place where the disk brake tab sticks out. Be sure the tie point to the front is actually forward of the tie point by at least a foot or two. You want the strap to not only support to the side, but pull the bike to the front into the chock. Also be sure the strap does not rub on the brake line.

At the rear, tie to the sub frame supports just above the passenger pegs. These straps should also go forward- pulling to the front again... to not make the common mistake of strapping such that it pulls to the rear- against the ones in front. Both front and rear pull to the front.

You really only need these 4 straps. Never leave the bike on center stand.
Always have an assistant to help.

Questions?

[dwfindley]

Very good ... and thank you very much. I am very familiar with the LT tie-down procedure so this process you describe should be pretty straight forward. I have a Baxley trailer and chock for additional sturdiness.

Thank you again.

[IanW]

Is there a recommended Tie-Down procedure for the R1200RT?

This may help:

http://www.davidebsmith.org/cycle/trailer/TieDownR11xxRT.html

Ian

[dwfindley]

What do they say? "A picture is worth a thousand words ... or something like that." Thanks a million.

[hopz]

The picture may be worth a thousand words, but the rear straps SHOULD NOT GO TO THE REAR!

so there.

Here is a few thousand more words:
http://www.pingelonline.com/recommended_tiedown.htm

[dwfindley]

A great catch --- all straps should be securing the bike forward. Frankly, I am more focused on the front forks process. I know with the LT I had to be cautious with the brake lining on one side and it was pretty tight in there.

[hopz]

Of course I do not know your rig, but I use the soft ties and have had no problem at all on the front or the rear.
Good luck.

[dwfindley]

Of course I do not know your rig, but I use the soft ties and have had no problem at all on the front or the rear.
Good luck.

Have you ever tied-down using the handle bar grips as a high point of contact. There is a (cannot remember the name) soft tie-loop that goes across the two handle grips with a dangling loop on both sides to attach the ratchet straps. I have seen that tie-down method also b/c the RT handle bars are cast steel and stronger than the LT. Comments appreciated.

[hopz]

NO, NO, Never do that!!!

You are referring to a product called Canyon Dancers and they destroy heated grips, and cause the earth to wobble in its orbit... Do it like I said and be done with it!

[dwfindley]

Roger dee. Thanks.