tie downs

[markjenn]

Originally Posted by markk53

I don't know if you missed my point, but it never hurts to restate it. I don't tie "below the suspension", which may or may not be what you understood me to say, I tie with soft ties wrapped on the forks just above the bottom triple clamp.

Yes, this works on lots of bikes. I use Canyon Dancers on the sport bikes though. We're in violent agreement.

- Mark

[markk53]

Originally Posted by markjenn

Yes, this works on lots of bikes. I use Canyon Dancers on the sport bikes though. We're in violent agreement.

- Mark

You think if we post some more namby pamby "pat each other on the back for being so damn smart" posts we can drive everyone here crazy?

[Yossarian™]

I have used Canyon Dancers on a track bike and it tends to put a lot of stress on the grips; using soft straps on the lower triple tree/fork tends to work just as well for me and I don't have to hassle with grip issues.

Just my observations.

[Mercury264]

Originally Posted by Yossarian™

I have used Canyon Dancers on a track bike and it tends to put a lot of stress on the grips; using soft straps on the lower triple tree/fork tends to work just as well for me and I don't have to hassle with grip issues.

Just my observations.

+1

Totally screwed up a set of grips on my Sprint once. Never again.

[JRP]

Tie above the suspension and at both ends of the bike. If the bike can use "some of it's own suspension" then it can move, not good. Your truck or trailer already has more than enough of it's own suspension.
Springs will have to be compressed just about forever to "take a set". You won't "blow fork seals". When the forks are compressed as far as they will go there is no more hydraulic pressure, only pressure from the springs.
Tie down points vary per model, far out on the bars is not a good idea. On the bars close to the steering stem and somewhere on the rear frame are good.

[markk53]

Originally Posted by Mercury264

+1

Totally screwed up a set of grips on my Sprint once. Never again.

Gads, showing my age...

When I saw Sprint all I could think of was the Italydavidson 250/350 singles from Aermacchi, thinking "big deal, might be an improvement" ! Sorry...

[Mercury264]

Originally Posted by markk53

Gads, showing my age...

When I saw Sprint all I could think of was the Italydavidson 250/350 singles from Aermacchi, thinking "big deal, might be an improvement" ! Sorry...

I'd say ST but then the Beemer crowd would think I'm one of them

[BluRoad]

Some lessons learned in a recent tow/ride from CA to WI -- I cheaped out at Wally Mart with a 4-set of rachet-type ties. Cinched everything down nice 'n tight. 200 miles into the trip on smooth Interstate, one of the straps just broke; snapped in two, no abrasion, a rear one at that. POS. Tied it off and later talked with a helpful dealer guy in Austin, TX who recommended the cam style by Ancra or BikeMaster (is that correct?). Said he never had one loosen or break in 15 years of hauling dirt bikes...good enough for little ol' me.

I learned to simply give a moderate tug to each strap about 4 times in succession; quick & easy, plenty snug, never loosened a bit. And the excess webbing? I just bundle it up with tie-wraps.

Lessons learned? Don't use cheap tie-downs. Ratchets are unnecessary. No need to "over-compress".

At least WalMart gave me a full refund



Joe in WI
Why did I sell that _______? (fill in blank)