| Author | Message | ||
     Rarebird |
First, I'll apologize for posting here- probably belongs in the KV, but I couldn't figure out what topic to post under... I need to trailer my 12R to meet the new buyer halfway. A friend is loaning me a very nice single-bike trailer for the trip. Any tips on strapping a 12R to the trailer? What are the best/ safest points on the bike? Anything else I should know? Appreciate any help! Thanks! -Mike | ||
| Diablobrian |
soft ties around the fork tubes above the lower triple tree is my favorite place to grab hold with straps. | ||
| Deadduck |
I agree, soft straps around the lower triple and then run a single strap across the top of the back tire, just to hold it on the trailer. Deadduck | ||
| Slaughter |
I use the ratchet straps around the lower triple like they say above. I don't bother with soft ties but will put the hook up and over the triple, put a half hitch in the strap so the hook can catch on the strap and not have to catch on the triple itself. One less thing to have to remember to pack (or in my case, one less thing to lose) | ||
| M_singer |
3rd vote for soft straps above the lower tripple clamp | ||
| Cereal |
Be sure not to ratchet it too tight. You could blow your fork seals. | ||
| Slaughter |
Be sure not to ratchet it too tight. You could blow your fork seals. !!! | ||
| Barker |
I like my canyon dancers.  | ||
| Damnut |
+1 for Canyon Dancers!!!! | ||
| Ulywife |
After I ride for about 30 miles or so, I always stop and check the straps to make sure that the bike has settled in and that the straps are still taut. Invest in good straps with full 1/2 loops. We had an issue with thinner straps that did not have the full 1/2 loops and the straps kept loosing, and the bike would start bouncing. Needless to say, it was a long ride home. Good luck and be careful! | ||
| Slaughter |
Canyon Dancers are really great but they have busted an aluminum bar or two (same caution about overtightening applies) If you are going to be moving another bike at sometime in the future it might make sense to buy Canyon Dancers - but otherwise just lash down to the lower triple clamps. Don't know if the cartoon makes sense but it's all I've ever used for my own bikes:  | ||
| Terribletim |
All bar end tie downs suck ass!!! The end result is bent bars! Go with ratchet straps around lower triple tree like stated above! Go a step further than the photo, get a "soft-tie" and wrap it around the triple tree, grab it with the ratchet strap. | ||
| Rarebird |
This has been very enlightening- thanks all for the help! Still have a question, though: Just one strap over the back wheel? Everyone's just using 3 straps on a 'Bolt? -Mike | ||
| Terribletim |
I use 4 straps on all my bikes. Tie to the swing arm on the rear. I also use soft-ties at all four points. Sheepskin wrapped ones up front!  | ||
| Cereal |
I have only towed twice. Once used four, once used three. Both were fine. | ||
| Ulywife |
Rarebird - we've done it with 3 and 4 straps. The obvious benefit to 4 is the added security should one of the other 3 snap or loosen up the bike it's not likely to fall over. We prefer 4 straps providing we have the extra straps and tie down spots on the trailer. Remember when you're ready to unload to have someone holding the bike steady when you release the the tension on the straps as the bike will "spring". (Message edited by Ulywife on July 17, 2007) | ||
| Terribletim |
LOL! Ulywife - You ever watched the dealer strap a bike down? They set it on the sidestand, then pull it up with the straps. When they untie it, they just release the one on the right side so it falls over on the sidestand. I often wonder if the sidestand will just snap on one some day! It will freak you out when it's your bike! Especially when your bike looks like this -->  | ||
| Xb12rdude |
Don't use Canyon Dancers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!They bent my handle bar. What was real bad, I didn't even know it for a while and wondered why the bike handled like crap. Replaced bar and all is good. | ||
| Terribletim |
See - my point has been proven. . . | ||
| Ulywife |
You ever watched the dealer strap a bike down? I would probably flip. Of course, I probably drive them crazy because I go behind whoever (hubby included!) ties down a bike that I have to trailer to make sure I'm happy and comfy with it. Otherwise, we start over. | ||
| Diablobrian |
Last year going to homecoming I tore my traction grips with my canyon dancer. I have since then stopped using it. I usually only use one strap on the back looped around the rear wheel. I also use only ratchet straps. I don't trust the friction types with my bike. (Message edited by diablobrian on July 17, 2007) |
