If you are planning to transport your motorcycle, you may be wondering how to load a motorcycle into a pickup truck.
Here are some tips for this task:
Using a loading ramp
Before using a loading ramp to load a motorcycle, make sure it is securely attached to the truck’s tailgate or bed. Using a full-width ramp is preferred for larger bikes. Single-runner ramps are best for standard and sports bikes, but be sure to check for undercarriage clearance. Then, use tie-down straps to secure the ramp to the truck’s bed. Secure each strap as tightly as possible.
Before using a loading ramp, make sure you have the proper height and ground clearance for the motorcycle. Using a ramp that is too short could result in an accident. To determine the correct length, use a motorcycle ramp calculator. Make sure the ramp has a high enough ground clearance to avoid damaging the underbody of the motorcycle. Curved ramps are better than straight ramps, since they allow a smoother transition as the bike moves up and down the ramp.
It is essential to use padding on the loading ramp to prevent scratches from the motorcycle’s surface. You can use thick paper, soft towels, and even blankets to cushion the ramp. Double-check the loading process to make sure nothing wobbles. Be sure to secure any other items, including luggage, if needed. If you are unsure of how to do this, check YouTube for videos showing how to properly load a motorcycle into a truck.
When loading your motorcycle, place the ramps side-by-side and secure them with straps. Load the bike onto one ramp, then step onto the other ramp. Make sure that the bike is secured in the bike’s wheel chock before proceeding with the loading process. In addition to making loading easier, a ramp is also safer. Using a loading ramp to load a motorcycle into a truck is one of the best ways to transport your motorcycle.
Using spotters
Using spotters to load a motorcycle is a good idea when loading a bike into a truck isn’t an option. The spotter can help with the approach by wearing a hi-vis vest and using hand signals. If possible, use a two-way radio as a backup plan. Spotters are essential for safe loading and unloading operations. Spotters must wear high-vis clothing and should use hand signals, not only to help with safety, but also to be able to communicate quickly with the driver.
Once the bike is strapped into the truck bed, use ratchet straps and cam buckle straps to secure it. If possible, use soft loop straps to reduce wear. Solid wheel chocks and loading pellets can also stabilize a motorcycle while in transit. A spotter is also an excellent way to ensure the safety of your cargo and avoid damaging the bike. Always be sure to secure mirrors and other parts of your motorcycle with straps.
If you are planning to haul a motorcycle, check the truck bed height. Some trucks have sharper breakover angles. You can also use a hydraulic lift rig. Always remember to load a motorcycle slowly and carefully. Check out the MotoJitsu video for tips on loading a motorcycle into a truck. You can also ask for help online to ensure you have a safe and smooth loading process.
It is also wise to have two ramps for the bike. Make sure they are 18 inches apart. Always check undercarriage clearance before loading the motorcycle. Having extra hands will help keep the motorcycle steady during loading. Then, make sure to have the proper clutch control. You’ll also need to have proper measurements. If you’re using a single ramp, you should secure the motorcycle in place with a tie-down strap.
Using a wheel chock
A wheel chock is a great way to secure a motorcycle in the bed of a truck. The device should be placed against the front of the truck bed and be at least 20 pounds. You can use two wheel chocks if you’re transporting two motorcycles. Make sure that the wheel chocks are properly installed before loading your motorcycle. Next, secure the second motorcycle to the truck bed.
One wheel chock that is especially useful is the Risk Racing Lock and Load. This accessory clamps down on the motorcycle’s footpegs and distributes weight evenly. Its design, claimed by the manufacturer, saves fork seals by reducing pressure on the seals. The device has two J-hooks that attach to the vehicle floor. After you’ve secured your motorcycle to the wheel chock, you can lock or unlock it with one simple motion.
There are several types of wheel chocks, and one of them is a self-locking, three-position one. The other two are adjustable and can be mounted on a trailer in three different ways. While these chocks are incredibly convenient, they are not as flexible as some others. Depending on the motorcycle, you might need to invest in a different wheel chock.
You can use a wheel chock to secure a motorcycle in the bed of a truck or in the garage. The key to using a wheel chock is to make sure that you anchor the bike higher up in the truck bed. Make sure that the crash bars are at least half way up on the motorcycle. Then, place a fabric strap around the bike’s frame. Then, attach the metal hooks to the metal tie-down points, such as truck bed walls or bed rails. Once you’ve secured the bike, tighten the strap until you feel compression in the suspension.
Using the frame and handlebar of the bike as anchor points
Before loading a motorcycle into a pick-up truck, you must anchor it properly at 45-degrees to the sides. To prevent side-to-side movement, you must tie the bike down at two points – the handlebar and frame. To prevent side-to-side motion, it is important to tie down the motorcycle using soft-loop tie-downs. Avoid using plastics or the rear muffler. Instead, tie down the bike with tie-downs or tow straps.
If you are attempting to load two motorcycles into a truck, use wheel chocks and anchor the bike to the truck bed. If you can’t fit two bikes in a truck bed, use a trailer. You can also tie the motorcycle to a trailer for added security. You can also tie down the motorcycle’s handlebar and frame to the bed.
Threaded thru tie straps are another option for securing the bike into the vehicle. These straps can be installed on the handlebar grip of a motorcycle and can be attached to the frame with a quick disconnect coupler. The end cap caps can be removed for the motorcycle to remain upright during transport. The tie straps are also an alternative to using bungee cords.
When tying down the bike, be sure to raise the kickstand first. This is the part of the bike that connects the front forks to the frame. It is important to get this right so that the bike won’t lean. You can loosen the straps by using your body weight to adjust them. Always keep the suspension in perfect alignment.
Using a hitch carrier
There are several advantages to using a hitch carrier to load your motorcycle into a truck. First of all, you can avoid a lot of swaying noises from the carrier, which can cause your motorcycle to vibrate when you’re driving. You can eliminate these noises by purchasing an anti-rattle hitch pin, such as the Let’s Go Aero 2″ Hitch Pin, which will prevent the motorcycle carrier from vibrating and swaying during a ride.
When purchasing a hitch carrier, always read the manufacturer’s instructions. It should include a locking mechanism that prevents the motorcycle from shifting during transport. If you are unsure, you can make one yourself, but if you don’t have the time to build a hitch carrier, check online tutorials before you try your hand at metalwork. A properly rated hitch carrier will make your life a lot easier.
To load a motorcycle into a hitch carrier, you must first check the weight limit of the motorcycle. Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual to find out the maximum weight capacity. If your motorcycle weighs over 350 pounds, you don’t want to overload your truck’s hitch. Therefore, make sure the combined weight of the motorcycle and the hitch carrier doesn’t exceed 10% of the vehicle’s gross weight rating.
Another consideration is the weight capacity of the hitch carrier. A good hitch carrier should be able to accommodate at least 500 pounds of weight. A good example of this is the Black Widow MCC-600, which is designed to accommodate motorcycles with eight-inch tires. This motorcycle hitch carrier is made of heavy-duty powder-coated steel, and is 79 by 7 inches long. Using a hitch carrier to load a motorcycle into a truck is a convenient way to transport your bike.