How to Strap Down a Sportbike
There are plenty of reasons why you might need to strap down your sportbike before you take it out of the garage. You might be planning a weekend adventure with friends, or you just want to keep your bike from getting damaged while you’re not using it. No matter what your reason, there are a few things you’ll need to know in order to get the job done right.
Tie the front straps on your bike handlebars
If you want to secure your bike for towing, you will need at least two to four tie-down straps for the front section of the bike. This will help reduce the shock loading when your bike hits a bump. However, you should not use cheap tie-down straps as they can cause serious damage to your bike.
You should also avoid using ratchet straps as they can damage your bike. Ratchet straps are designed to use a ratchet buckle to tighten the strap. This can damage your exhaust, chrome, paint, and rim. It can also damage your fender.
Tie-down straps can be either ratchet or cam buckle style. Cam buckle straps use friction to hold the strap. The tension on the strap should be the same as the tension on your handlebars. When the strap is tied too tight, it can cause your bike to slam into the ground.
In addition to the straps, you may also need to tie your baskets to the bike. You can use Velcro cable ties to attach the baskets to your handlebars.
Measure your bike’s front wheel and brakes
One of the best ways to keep your bike safe is to measure your sportbike’s front wheel and brakes before strapping it down. There are many things to take into consideration when tying down a motorcycle, and you will not want to make the mistake of strapping down a bike that is not ready to go. So, take a look around and make sure you know how to measure your sportbike’s front wheel, the braking system and the tie-down points before you strap it in place.
A good rule of thumb to follow is to use the rated straps that are rated to work with a weight load of at least 400 pounds. This is a good rule of thumb for any kind of transport, as it allows you to adjust your load accordingly, and you can be sure that the strap will not come undone in the process. While you are at it, make sure to use a soft towel or two on the straps to keep them from rubbing off your paint job.
Ensure that the straps do not touch any bodywork or painted surface on the bike
When it comes to securing your sportbike, there are a few things you should know. Among them is that you need to strap down the rear end of the bike first. Once the rear end is secured, you are ready to attach the front end and start the ride. This will require you to use the correct size tie downs to keep the bike from toppling over. To do this, use a sturdy pair of straps with a combined strength rating of at least 800 pounds. If you are hauling a larger rig, consider using two pairs of straps, each with a combined strength of at least 1250 pounds.
When it comes to straps and securing your rig, you should take your time. Make sure to check and recheck your work every 90 minutes or so. This will ensure your safety and that of your passenger. Another precaution you should take is to place a soft towel between the front and back tires. The vibration of your travels could rub the strap off your paint job.
Prevent damage from a failed tie-down
A motorcycle tie-down can be very important for ensuring your bike is safe and secure. If a strap breaks or comes loose, it can cause major damage to the bike. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening.
First, choose good quality tie-downs. The hooks should be strong, and the webbing should be thick. They should also have aggressive spring buckles. Be sure to follow the instructions to ensure the right tension is applied to the tie-downs.
Second, the angle of the attachment is vital. Avoid placing the tie-downs too far from the chassis or bodywork. Also, don’t trap wiring and cables.
Third, if you’re using a ratchet tie-down, be extra cautious. Ratchet straps can easily damage your fender or exhaust, and they can scratch the paint.
Finally, check your tie-downs periodically. They may need to be replaced if they get damaged. You can usually get a replacement free of charge.