Don't Make this Costly Mistake (Right vs Wrong) Tank Straps 

I learned my lesson on where to tie down a motorcycle. NEVER tie down on the suspension. We were hauling a 100th Anniversary 1200 Sportster with the tie downs on the handle bars and hit a dip and the suspension compressed and the tie down unhooked and the bike fell and put a major dent in the tank. It cost us $400 for a used replacement tank. Always tie down off the lower fork. Thanks for posting this video.

You didn't strap it tight the 1st time and you know it. Been hauling street bikes for 30 yrs, and I can easily see you didn't have them tight. I agree with the tie off point you show 2nd, if the bike allows it. Better to let the bike's suspension work. Also, you better get something to hold that front wheel straight, and you should have the straps tied as far forward on the trailer as possible - there is another slot to move them up. You need something holding the rear wheel down in the 2nd set up. You should learn how to do it properly. Prefer cam style straps vs the very wide belt ratchet straps that have a hi enough rating.

I have been strapping all my bikes down for 40 years using first method and have NEVER had a bike move. Good luck with the 2 strap method and yes the bike did shake during your demo. If your ever in N.C. come by and I will bring you up to speed on strapping a bike down. I am 65 and just pulled a bike from Knoxville to Charlotte and all straps were super tight....never restapped one time during trip.

Why didn't you use the same straps for each method? That completely negates the point. If you had used the ratchet straps on the bar method, it would never come loose. Those red straps are garbage anyway. Why would you ever use $10 straps to secure your $10,000+ bike?

I also recommend tying down the back as well so just in case you go around a sharp corner the backend doesn't just slipped one side or the other. It doesn't cost anything extra and it ensures your bike is completely immobile on the trailer. Thanks again for making this video!

Without a strap on the rear wheel and/or frame of the bike that is a a seriously insecure load. If that truck and trailer get into a snake situation, the back end of that bike is big-time walk about. All loads must be secured for worst-case scenario!

There's plenty of ways to tie a bike to a trailer. If you arrive at your destination with the bike upright and undamaged, your way works fine.

Place 2x4’s underneath the frame and then tighten the straps down. This will prevent the shocks compressing and take the sag off the suspension.

You didn’t strap it tight enough, mine do not come loose like that, every seller has a gimmick...

While the Tank straps are thicker, the comparison of the two methods of strapping down the bike was different.

I have hauled my Goldwing cross country on a couple of military moves. Use a good quality ratcheting strap, and it is not going anywhere. Compress the springs a bit, and strap the bike front to rear also.

Use screws to fasten a couple of strips of wood to the deck on either side of the front wheel for added measure .

You did not use ratchet straps on it the first time you used pull straps there is a big difference I have never had a problem

I clicked on the link to buy the Tank Straps. A window was then displayed, saying if I subscribed I'd receive 15% off of my first order. I completed all of the information to subscribe and proceeded to place my order. A small window appeared giving the code to receive 15% off, but it was only displayed for maybe three seconds, and was gone before I could write it down. I figured the code would be in the subscription confirmation email I was supposed to receive. When I opened the email, there was no mention of a 15% off code. I went back to the site, and when I went to the shopping cart, there was a code to receive 10% off. Through the "Contact" button on their website, I sent an email to the company asking about the 15% off offer, but they never responded. As far as I'm concerned, this entire video is nothing more than click bait.

Use wheel chocks and real straps. You used inferior straps to make the ones you are promoting look good.

If you don't secure the back of that bike, you're asking for trouble.

I was going to say that this is an unsecured load (the 2nd strap down)... but one look at the comments and I guess most already know it. Use 4 ratchet straps every time! I did like the attachment points on the front to avoid suspension movement

That type of strap you used first is not for equipment securement. Thats you're incompetence, not improper strap routing.

Straps will _ALWAYS_ stretch. It is how the material functions. If you don't want stretch you need to use chains. Solution: After you get your straps tight give them 10 minutes then check them again.

I always leave it in gear and leaning over on the sidestand (kick-stand). Three points of contact with the trailer or bed of your truck is better than only two. Imo Maybe I've been doing it wrong for over 15yrs, but I like it anyway.

I have a thin metal "channel" of sorts made for this purpose with a front angled piece that the front tire is pressed against. It screws to the wooden floor and the bike is rolled into the channel and strapped in front. If the bike bounces a bit the tires cannot move to the side and bike fall. As long as you compress the handlebars enough and the straps are good and tight I have never had a problem but the channel is a must have to keep the tires from moving sideways....and you do not then have to tie the back...

I use LA Chocks, front straps and a seat strap using a blanket to protect the seat. I hope it works. This is a great video to bring it to my attention that I have to check everything.

Nice commercial, I'll continue using chalks and frame straps thanks....there's 5 minutes I'll never get back

A removable front choc block is the best solution to secure a bike, as mentioned in the comments, then 2 straps at the back fixed forward, works for all my bikes from a sports bike to a heavy BMW GS. Perfect stability short or long haul

You can use soft ties on the engine guards, then ratchet it down. I don't put my kickstand down either

I got a truck and trailer, now just need to get the bike! been thru some hard financial times lately, but at 45 I'm looking forward to getting on the road on two wheels for the first time! Great informational video on how to transport a bike, I learned something valuable today! :)

Jeez. I've been doing wrong for 40 years using Ancra tie-downs. Never had one slip, pop, or need a second thought till arriving at the destination. Sometimes you can't ride 'em, like when moving family cross country, picking up a non-runner or a new purchase. Tie down the rear also. That pothole or highway debris will have the rear hop.

how you tied it is much more dangerous than the handlebars, because all the force is supported by the screws of the front wing, when the plastic gives way you will lose your motorcycle, it binds correctly over the yoke;)

Un-sprung tie down points are mandatory for transport of aircraft ancillary carts like power carts. Just like your method, the suspension is free to move naturally, and doesn't loosen the straps/chains.

Used this way of strapping down my VN 1500 Classic Tourer on a regular trailer but put a extra strap on the rear end to stop it from (potentialy) bobbin around on the trailer, then drove 450 miles home, when i got home the bike was in exacly the same position on the trailer as when i started the journey, keep in mind that this is a big heavy 700 pound motorcycle and the roads where not that great after this winter and the bike did´nt move an inch, so in my opinion a great way to secure a bike on a trailer. By the way....love the test rides and info you guy´s put out here on youtube......keep the vids coming...greetings from Sweden.

I guess I just can't see how they are put on, looks to me like it will eat the paint on the fender and damage light.

So, I just trailered a bike for the first time for over 200 miles, and I used what I learned from this video and my straps were still just as tight as when I started my trip. Thanks for the tips!!

Most experienced men tie things down properly the first time. Use a front wheel cradle, always secure the front wheel. The rest is easy

Putting a wheel chock on front wheel or using the Pitbull towing stand is far better but every bike has its differences

you really need to learn how to crank those straps down bud... first of all they are way too loose your bike should not shake like that. I have been towing bikes for years..

Well I never had any problems with any fork seals. But I never had to haul my bikes for any reasons but of time of buying the bike itself. And really a hour travel is all I ever needed to do. And no I don't bottom out the shocks, lol excuse me. So for me it worked, no damage to any of my bikes that I ever moved. Nor did the strapping ever came loosen during travel. Checked straps within 1 to 2 miles if loosen ever occurred. Well that's it my brothers in the wind. God Bless and have a amazing and safe riding season..... hey Sean have any FJR,S ?

i use chain, no stretch. attach chain at bottom with screw link. Run chain over handle bars then about 1/4 way down and fasten with another screw link. Under chain on bars i use saw mill drive belt. Hole in each end to thread chain through so chain doesnt contact bars. Pull down on suspension and let suspension springs keep it all tight. Ive never had a chain slip or give way and it wont stretch. Never had a strap that wouldnt do some of this at some point. Ive been hauling since 1960

I have NEVER had any problems tying my bikes off the handle bars with just 2 straps.NEVER GOT LOSE ONCE KN LONG HAULS..

I use 10 or 12 straps and check them periodically. The thinner straps prevalent today are not enough to use 2 or 4 in my opinion. If a tire blows out on a trailer a bike can snap sideways hard enough to break a strap. Don't ask me how I know.

This only works on conventional forks. A properly strapped bike isn’t going anywhere, including strapping to the bars or lower clamp. I suppose it would work on nicer upside down forks if one didn’t care about damaging the coating. PitBull TRS for all my roadrace bikes or a baxley chock. Dirt bikes just get strapped from the bars or lower clamp using closed loop straps.

i do it the same way but with softies and strap the rear in the opposite direction plus a a strrap on each side . as a truck driver the unspoken rule is " you can never over secure but you can always under secure "don`t be that guy looking foolish on the side of the road picking up your motorcycle .take the time to do it right

I have some Husky 4" straps from Home Depot. They look like the Tank straps but are $9 on sale.

The ratchet straps being advertised look like they will work good for a handfull of different mounting points. I don't like how they were mounted on the fork looking like it would contact the fender and rub some paint off as someone else mentioned in the comments. Having said that the advertised ratchet straps look like they'd hold it down pretty good, another commenter mentioned about the rear needing to also be tied down. Completely concur. The comparison with the red friction straps to the grey ratchet strap is of course not a fair comparison. I would not even have tied my own motorcycle down with a friction, pull tight strap like that for even a tiny distance of 10 feet on a trailer being towed. Does seem a bit gimmicky, but it looks like many of the commenters realize the difference between the two. However, I'm not going to spend the amount to buy the advertised ratchet straps. I have my own ratchet straps that work just fine I have used in the past if I have to transport my motorcycle by trailer somewhere. Pretty disappointed by the comparison.

When you get lots of rain as we do here in the UK, you absolutely need to have the backend strapped down as well.

It's a good idea in theory, but I don't have a brake caliper mount (very low connection on the fork) nor fender mount to do this off of on a DR650.

Sorry but that back wheel needs to be fastened; otherwise one good jolt would throw that back part of the bike forward bending at the forks.

My broken Harley and I once got a ride home in a pickup driven by a drunk and the bike tied down with that synthetic string they give away at home Depot (there was a lot of it). Plenty of ways to do this and make it work.

And you could do this with ANY strap. If you did this with the straps you used first it would be the same result. Just as you would get the same result with the super duper mega awesome tank straps if you did it the same way as in the first setup. Just another BULLSHIT ADD.

A subscriber directed me to this video after I strapped a bike down via the handlebars and it fell over in yesterday’s video... THANK YOU

The first straps weren't ratchet straps... So yeah they loosen up they were friction straps on a 800 lb bike

Instead of pulling your fork apart you can buy special straps that put the tension on the tire. Without risking damage to your fender or fork. They problably came with the ready stand.

The only thing about the handle bar method is the front forks would need to be completely compressed or the weight of the bike bouncing would be real good for the front end. Tie off of the forks, tighten up the straps and you’re good to go. 🤪🎱

I'd rather attached the straps to my bike's engine crash bar system on front, and equal tension on left and right sides diagonally on the rear part of the frame where possible. Done deal.

You could do this with any ratchet straps. Go up to Home Depot and get some for $10

I’m convinced and ordering a pair for by Harley! What do you think about using this method on my Kawi with inverted shocks?

I just purchased a set of your straps. Do you ever cover the bikes at all when transporting? I'm somewhat worried with getting chips from any little rocks on the road. I wasn't sure if you recommend anything at all?

I would never use that type of strap to secure a bike. Ratchet straps are the only way to go.

You could use either straps but I'd be using the engine guards to strap the bike. No stress on the wheels or handle bars and its more secure. A set in the front and the back and the bike won't move.

Yep, 2 straps just like that...same way last 40 years..never had a prob

It looked like it was trying to rip off the reflector. I also don't understand how it won't come off of the trailer if someone cuts it or releases the strap

Lol any ratchet strap works just fine. I use harbor freight straps and I never lost a bike.

I totaled my bike by using a similar strap method that you had at first. This is your baby people, don't cheap out on straps and make sure your bike is strapped perfectly and correctly before pulling away. I know I will next time.

Great video. Put putting tension on the suspensions? I bet u put more when riding it

Curious why you're not using a wheel chock to lock in the bike's front wheel.

What if you have a dirt bike,the straps will break the fork protectors the way you are doing it,

two variables: inconclusive

The straps are as tight as you made them. The suspension just settled. Tighten more & compress suspension more. 👍🏼

Forgot to tie down the rear as that WILL bounce all over the place, especially if there’s 2 or more bikes

I like the idea of strapping the bike down low like that, but my bike has USD forks with exposed inner tubes. Definitely not gonna risk scratching the tubes to do it this way.

I love your content, but let’s be honest here. You put the red straps above the suspension so even IF they were tight they are going to flex with the suspension. However, with your straps you secured them below the suspension where it’s rigid.

Sean, thanks for the info! Just bought another Vstar 1100 for 500 tonight that needs some love, inspired by you and your passion man.

Just used your method to tie down my mt09 in my Ford transit connect but not with your straps Home Depot straps. My d rings are only rated a little over 1000lbs and I don’t believe that etrax is rated a lot better.

Hmm who uses friction straps anyway?? I mean any decent ratchet strap works just fine.

Actually, I actually enjoyed this actual video. It's actually helpful. I know they were actually trying to sell their actual product, but they actually gave me some good actual advice. Actually, there was actually one thing that actually bothered me about this video, but actually I can't quite actually figure out what it actually was ... actually.

Shorter, wider straps, fastened to solid areas of the bike, will give you the same results, no matter the brand---there is less material to stretch.

Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit

The other thing is fork seals are not made to be compressed for longer than a very short time. I have seen many fail because of straps on the bars pressing the front springs down while towing.

Stopped after 2:18, why didn't you use a wheel chock? It's mandatory to immobilize the front tire from moving left or right.

Do you know the distance between the e-track or a recommend distance?

Am I the only one who noticed the kickstand down? NEVER haul a bike with your kickstand down, it will bend or break off. Chock your front wheel and draw the front of your bike towards the front of the trailer, never straight down. Use actual ratchet straps rated for the load. Not those cheap ones he used.

You can’t use those on modern dirt bikes, at least not on the lower fork, because of inverted forks.

If your straps are loosening up, you're doing something wrong or using the wrong straps man. Purchase 1500lb straps, preload the suspension slightly when you ratchet it down, shes skookum.

whys my fender coming loose ,maybe it's that thick strap am using around fork leg it loosening the fasteners attaching it ,put a strap from floor up into a hitch around the rail through front wheel to another hitch on rail then ratchet to floor, use lower yolks to compress bike to trailer to aid stability and last strap over swing arm in front of rear tyre to the floor, in places of straps loosening then put a hitch in so friction around the hitch stops hooks bouncing off

What are those strips on the trailer the straps hooked into? Where can I buy those?

Definetly would tie back down. Had mine move sideways already and although it wasnt gonna go anywhere it was an eye opener when i opened up and saw bike sitting crooked.also at my age and limited space i cant just pick it up and move it anymore.

Thanks for the video, good timing I’m moving to Phoenix (not a millennial) and trailering my sporty, was going to use 1 inch ratchet straps but $40 for much added security is worth it. I’ve never used a chock, a rail works just fine.

The other astonishing thing about this video is he isn't even tying down the frame, he's tying down the front fork! It's unbelievable.

Cam straps always get loose. Ratchet straps don’t. Not a fair comparison.

And no straps required at the back of the motorcycle. Great for that specific bike. That does not work exactly like that with say, cruisers, sportbikes or dirtbikes with upside down forks as they do not have the fender's upper mounting set-up like the bike you are using. Like a Suzuki M90 with upside down forks. What do you mean it an endless strap so it will not fall over even when a thieve cuts the strap? I see it has no "s" hooks on its ends.

My concern is wear on paint in how you are attaching to the front forks.

You can do that with ANY straps!

All you have to do is compress the front forks there should be no up and down movement and if you like peace of mind either strap over the rear seat to compress rear shock a little or strap through the rear tire. And don't use cheap straps ! Good video Sean. God Speed my brother.

Comparing apples to oranges. Use actual ratchet straps for the first method instead of those little cam lock straps and it's a completely different outcome. Not taking anything away from your product, but you're doing this like an infomercial...... the old way is just as secure and just as safe if done properly.

The weight of the back still insecure for me I would have use s wheel strap at the back.

How do I set my RU-vid settings to never see another srkcycles video again?

The strongest strap down points are from the down tubes and around the engine guard where it bolts at the top.

Beside the Tank Strap do you sell the rail and hook attachments to mount on the trailer for tie down. Can you do a video?

That would rub a mark on my forks or scratch them I do like keeping the suspension from being in a bind

That's because you didn't compress the front suspension fully. Then just one to stop the back bouncing

I lay the bike down and use 3/8s chain and binders across the frame and crank it down until the frame starts to bend and that way I can drive like I want and she will be there when I get there