tieing down a bike to transport it

[That Nice Guy Beck!]

do I need a wheelchock for this? I'd like to save the $300 and just use some tie downs and eyelets
Ive never done this before but Id liek to do it without spending so much cash...
also what can I use for a ramp to load the bike into the van... again low budget thank you

[ducpainter]

do I need a wheelchock for this? I'd like to save the $300 and just use some tie downs and eyelets
Ive never done this before but Id liek to do it without spending so much cash...
also what can I use for a ramp to load the bike into the van... again low budget thank you

A 2x10 makes a fine ramp...

even better with the factory made bracket at the top.

I've driven a thousand miles each way with the tire against the headboard of the pickup...

no wheel chock involved.

[ducatiz]

as long as something stops the wheel, you don't need special equipment. 

handlebar ties are very useful, but you can improvise.

home depot has a 4-pack of ratcheting ties for $15 which are perfect.  even the one on 23rd st has them.

just don't over compress the forks.  about 2" is enough.

[zooom]

can you do it without a chock?..yes....will it be easier with a chock...yes...less tie downs needed and better security with a Baxley...

and a chock like that will make it so it can be done by you and you only....more the merrier...but it won't be a requirement to have someone else there!

now that I have a Baxley Sport Chock....I'll never go without one again!...Condors aren't bad either...Acebikes stand is decent looking as well...but I have no personal experience with them...

[zooom]

BTW...I use my chock also in my garage instead of the sidestand...


as for low rent way to load it into the van...back the van up to a hill where the bumper is lower than the dirt leading up to it and roll it in...or do this... 

[That Nice Guy Beck!]

awesome thank you
any particular way or location to screw in the eyelets?

[DucHead]

I love my Baxley, and I've used it in the truck and in the garage.

It's expensive, but if you're a doofus like me, it's worth it.

[jdubbs32584]

Beck, I'm going to be transporting a bike on thursday with the help of silent bob. If you like I can take pics of all the tie downs and how its done.

Ill be learning how to do it so I may just make a tutorial of it.

[NAKID]

Is this something you're going to be doing often? Are you doing it by yourself? If you have another person or 2, you could lift it into and out of the van.

[Bun-bun]

If the bike is being loaded into a high vehicle(say, a 4x4 pickup), bring 2 2x10's. One for the bike, and one for you to stand on while your friend  helps you push the bike up the ramp. Cuts way down on the pucker factor.

[corey]

when i picked my bike up from the dealership, i used a ratcheting tiedown on the rear suspension, and handlebar tiedowns on the front. worked perfect. no chock or anything. dealer had a ramp for me to get it on my bro's ATV trailer...

when we got home, we realized we had no ramp... so we grabbed the nearest thing... which ended up being a spare door...
whatever works i guess... that door is make the beast with two backsed though.

[swampduc]

I move my bike in my pickup (Tacoma Prerunner) pretty often. Do you have tie-down points in your truck bed? The way I do it, you need at least 2 for the front. I also use 2 at the back because I like redundancy.
I have an aluminum ATV ramp that I use to get the bike into the bed. It's wide (4 or 5') which helps make it safer riding up there (well, really, it's helpful when backing down - doesn't really matter for loading). I ride it up instead of walking it because I usually do this alone, and it's easier. I use a Canyon dancer handlebar tie down (not expensive - check your local cycle shops and see if they've got one). I then use tension tie-downs on either end of the canyon dancer, getting them as snug as I comfortably can while sitting on the bike to compress the forks a little. This is really all you need - it'll take the weight of the bike if your tie down points are secure, and the canyon dancer really keeps the bike stable. I then hook tension tie downs on the sub frame (M696) and tie down to D-rings in the back of the bed (because better too much security than not enough). I then go back and snug the front tie downs one more time. I'd stop 5 or 6 miles into the drive and make sure everything's snug, and then again every 5 or 6 hrs of driving. Don't worry, the bike ain't going anywhere.

Sorry, I know this may have been too wordy and elementary an explanation, but I don't know if you've done this before. When are you doing this? I have to load my bike on Friday. Maybe I can take pics and send 'em to you.

[Kopfjager]

If none of your friends can help, atleast have them take video.

[BastrdHK]

DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE STRAPS!  I have busted two fork seals before I learned to compress the suspension only an inch.  The main goal with tie downs, or anything else you decide to use, is lateral stability.  As long as the bike  will not move side to side you are golden.  You actually want the bike's suspension to work with you as your hauling.

Again, a couple hundred miles on US highways with the suspension compressed too much and you will be replacing seals!

[Airborne]

Get the 4 ratcheting straps from depot, rags between the bars and the straps, 2 in front, 2 in back, compress slightly, rubberband brake levers to keep them on. worked for me.