A proper tie down procedure secures the front wheel of your motorcycle and keeps it from turning sideways or moving forward as well as strapping it in place without damaging the bike. Basic equipment used for securing your motorcycle while in transport include tie down straps such as ratchets, ratchet straps, cam buckle straps and soft loops. If you are using a trailer to transport your motorcycle you will need a motorcycle rail, wheel chock and eye-bolts.
If you are transporting your motorcycle on the back of your pick-up truck, purchase four quality tie-down ratchet straps with high strength. Place the bike on the truck, wrap a soft loop around the left side handle bar base and put the hook end of the ratchet strap through the soft loop. Next, secure the hook end of the ratchet strap to a secure point on your truck at an angle. Pull the slack from the strap and ratchet it three or four times. Once you repeat this procedure for the right side of your bike, tighten the straps on both sides to make the bike sit upright on its own. Wrap a soft loop on a stable part of the rear of your motorcycle and secure the second two ratchet straps in the same manner as done in the front.
Four ratchet straps are enough for securing a motorcycle that is small and for motorbikes. For larger bikes, you will need four ratchet straps for the front and two additional straps for the back. The rail and wheel chock should be securely attached to the trailer by using the eye-bolts or large washers and lock-nuts if the trailer floor is wood. Prepare the trailer by attaching the ratchet straps to the trailer's eye-bolts and place the back straps where you can reach them while sitting on your bike. Start up your motorcycle and walk or ride it onto the trailer while ensuring that its in the rail and wheel chock straight. While sitting on your bike, attach the rear straps and tighten them until your motorcycle is securely in place. Attach the front tie down straps when you are off your bike and make sure they are secure. Your motorcycle should be in an upright position, straight and unable to move.
