Securing a motorcycle for transport.

Ever seen a motorcycle fall over in the back of a pick-up truck? Ever seen one fall out? Securing a motorcycle in the back of a pick-up can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. The right procedure and equipment can make all of the difference.

In order to properly secure a motorcycle in a vehicle, front fork compression is key. The wheel has to rest firmly against a solid point, this could be the front of your truck bed or a wheel chock. Next, the motorcycle needs to be strapped down from the highest point possible. Using the Canyon Dancer bar harness is the easiest and most reliable way I have found. If your fairing is too wide, the use of soft straps over your lower fork brace is your next best option.

Whether you use the bar harness or soft straps, you will need a good set of tie-down straps. These are used to connect the harness to fixed points in your vehicle. These points should be as low as possible and preferably forward of the front axle.

Attach the tie-downs and slowly use them to compress the front forks. This should be done evenly on the left and right until the motorcycle is vertical and secure on its own. Don't compress the forks too much or you risk damaging your fork seals!

With the front secure, now the back should be tied off. This is done to prevent the rear from hopping around. If I'm loading without a wheel chock, I'll also tie the front wheel to both sides of the vehicle as well. This is to prevent the wheel from moving to one side and upsetting the compression of the forks.

Pulling over occasionally to check on strap tension is advised. They will stretch and loosen over time.