HUGE TIP WHEN UNLOADING: Bikes front tire will have less grip since truck beds arent always grippy and physics puts more traction on rear wheel which is on ramp. Put bike into gear and use clutch to help slow the bike down as well as front brake when unloading. Learned the hard way unloading my dirtbike when it was in neutral and front tire brake just make front wheel slide. Almost ate it. Using clutch was much safer and controlled. Using both is key.
I've been hauling my bike around for 40 years in the back of a truck. I don't always use a wheel chock when hauling, it's not needed but I have a Baxley wheel chock if I choose to use it. I also tie the rear end down from the rear foot peg brackets, works great.
Probably one of the must useful videos you have produced. Been riding al loading bikes for decades and your ramp usage is something I am going to use..
Good video! Have two things to add: 1. If the bike has an easily removed seat, take it off and put a towel to sit on. Gets your feet flat on the ground. Very helpful when the middle of the bike is over the foot of the ramp. 🙂 2. When backing the bike down, put it in gear and pull in the clutch. If you start to feel it slip, you can let out the clutch along with using the front brake for stopping.
Something that Yam didn't mention that is good practice is to take your key out of your bike and put it in the glove box of your tow vehicle. Therefore it's always with you and won't lose it.
This is the very best video you have ever produced, excellent explanation on every aspect of transporting a person's pride and joy. keep up the great work,sir and i hope you enjoy your next track times
To anyone that feels like this is overkill doesn't understand how much work it is to repair a bike that's been dropped while loading and unloading. As much fun as loading fail videos are to watch this is the one every rider needs to see top it all right.
Great video/explanation/demo. One thing you might want to consider, for those who live in a wet climate, spray your ramps with bedliner material. Loading a bike with a wet steel or aluminum ramp can be death defying, they are incredibly slippery; I saw someone eat it just walking a dirt bike up the ramp in the wet. Also, unloading, I always have the bike running and in first gear so I can feather the clutch to get "rear braking" while having my feet off the pegs for stability and, of course, the front brake to do most of the speed control. The big thing loading and unloading is "commit". If you try to stop in the middle of the ramp going up or down, bad things can happen. If you start sliding going down the ramp, just stay on the brake and ride it out. Going up the ramp, make sure you have enough speed; if you don't make it all the way into the bed, don't "goose it"; you will often break rear traction and wind up with a damaged bike (or body). Just let it roll backwards (like you're unloading) and give it another try.
If you don't have ramps you can backup into a ditch and the tailgate on a standard truck will land into the dirt of the opposite side of the ditch. Good for loading up the riding mower too.
Great video! As a new rider I would search my surroundings for a slight hill to straighten the ramps out more horizontal. Won't have to worry so much about feathering the clutch. Or not commiting
I have been teaching since 1974 and spent 10 years in administration supervising teachers. You are an excellent teacher! Thank you for this excellent video!
Front tire in the front left corner of the box, back tire in back right corner. Close tailgate if possible 1 ratchet strap from the right foot peg to the front right corner of the box 1 ratchet strap from the left foot peg to the back left corner of the box. Congratulations, that bikes not going anywhere.
If you transport bikes often, buy a Kendon trailer. They are the best. They take up very little room in a garage when stood up, you can scoot them near a wall and you lose like 5 X 1.5 feet of floor space. So much easier than big ramps and big elevation going into a truck bed. And you don’t need a truck to pull an Kendon. My buddy installed a small hitch on his VW GTI and it pulls it with zero issues (with a 2 rail Kendon I might add…). Plus you don’t have to buy large, cumbersome ramps as well. Great video, I also recommend tying down at the base of the front shocks. There’s zero load pulling down on the shocks and it will hold just fine. It’s bad for fork seals to have prolonged pressure pulling down on the front forks.
Save your money buy a good strap. Only need one. Run a strap once around right fork. with that same strap pass to left fork run one loop around. Attach the end to your truck mounting point. Snug secure but not too tight. Strap will self tighten if bike lens.
In 2014 I drove from Detroit to New Jersey to pick up a 1989 Yamaha FZR1000. It had all the original bodywork, had only 4,002 miles on it and was last registered in 1991. The seller helped me load it with his ramp. Got it in and strapped it down no problems. Got home and used my........shorter ramp to unload. Backed it down the ramp walking beside it. The exhaust hung up on the ramp and I lost my balance. I jumped off the ramp still holding on to the bars and the bike started falling over on to me. To this day I don't know how I held this 530 pound motorcycle up and guided it down the ramp leaned over.
Mind blown! Full of good safe motorcycle loading info, no BS definitely something to learn from this video that I will practice for my next trip loading my Harley Sportster🫵👍🤘
Amazing how tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, have loaded bikes using a couple of 2x10s and a few straps from the local motorcycle or lawn equipment store over the last 50 years instead of nearly $1000 of shiny goodies from Amazon.
I thought the same thing.. 3 - 6ft long 2x10s have worked wonders for me .. instead of dropping almost 500$ just for foldable aluminum ramps.. also use 2bys and Ihooks for my front wheel chalk
Just got to the towing section and I just wanted to mention since I regularly install hitches for my job that pretty much everything can have a trailer hitch put on it I’ve done Tesla model 3s, Prius’ , Camerys, altimas, a 1988 international semi a dude converted into a truck, 2 different public transport busses one that had been converted to an ice cream truck one that was more of a road trip machine, and various other odd things you wouldn’t expect to be able to have a hitch and wiring put on it. Most if not all vehicles can handle at least 1000 lbs towing. Not that is combined weight so trailer and bike along with anything other then you in the car like gear or friends. I.e you have a 300 lbs trailer and a 300 ish lbs bike for 600 lbs that leave you with 400 lbs of gear and friends/other people you can have in your car. Hope this info help all my fellow squids and safe riding/ towing.
The wheel chock and canyon dancers take up unnecessary space and are a waste of money. And don't ride the bike up and down. Walking the bike using clutch, throttle and front brake gives better control, especially for shorter riders. Use one ramp for bike, other to walk beside. If you're anal about your truck, use block of wood to protect back of cab from front wheel dent. Once bike in, kick a piece of wood behind front wheel preventing possibilty of bike rolling back. Can use another piece of wood under kick stand to protect truck bed. Use endless ratchet straps, preferably with 2" webbing. Run webbing around bottom of forks by axle nuts. Use lowest and forward most attach points of truck so straps are pulling bike forward and down. Sturdier than canyon dancers with no load on front suspension. Make sure you use both front brake and clutch with bike in gear when unloading bike.
I use two Big Dog folding ramps. One 8' & one 10'. I ratchet strap them both to the hitch loops on the frame. I walk/ride my '08 GSX-R 750 up into the bed of my F150. I also use metal bars that latch into the tailgate for added strength for the tailgate.
FYI, I just purchased two 8’ ramps from Titan Ramps. $99 each! They’re currently having Black Friday sales. Free shipping. Pretty happy with my purchase. 1000 lb capacity each. All black. Aluminum. Hope they’re as good as the product description. Lol Anywho, just excited and wanted to share.
I use a third ramp so I'm not putting weight on the edge of two combined ramps. Not sure if that is necessary, but makes me feel better. One smaller ramp for each of my legs should I need to put a foot down to save a drop, and one beefy boy in the center for the bike itself.
You asked if there was anything we could add. I have almost the exact same setup, folding ramps, truck and straps. However I do not have the airbag height suspension adjustment. I have an older 2010 ram Cummins long bed. Although I have the tailgate air gate. I have the 10ft black widow folding ramps. Now what makes the difference between the safety for others especially my truck is kinda high. Is that I have Installed a 2500 lb winch. Wife got it for me at harbor freight or tractor supply for @$80. It has a battery remote and safer for the folks that cannot commit. I personally power walk it up the ramps. It’s a bit safer. But then again, having adjustable ride height is a plus, though I don’t have it. So, long story short, a cheap winch!!!! It really works in so many ways!!!!
I've always just used my spare tire as a front wheel chock. If you lay it face down it's usually fine. You can use blocks of wood to keep it centered in the bed if ratchet straps can't be used.
Have used a 3 rail trailer since the 70's. Easy with the 10 or 12 inch tyres on the Home Depot DIY trailer. Liked the steel mesh on yours between the rails. That was a bit of a dance just walking on the rails and cross beam for the center bike... Commitment - like that approach. Did it with a Chevy van for a while. Down the drive a few feet, up the ramp, into the van, stopping before hitting the engine cover. Laughed at myself a couple of times down the road having done it right the first time with the Commando. Top of my head still intact. You're doing fine, Yammie - keep this life style happening -
Dang, this put it in perspective for me. I'm a brand new rider, I'm much safer getting a trailer. My next bike is intended to be a DRZ400, and they stand tall. I think the only safe option at my skill level is definitely a trailer.
Good vid. Thanks. I notice your lifts in the background. Harbor Freight cheapos. I have one too and like it. I replaced the too small chock with the one they sell separately that is MUCH taller and beefier. It works very well.
I use the taller wheel chock that they sell in the back of my pickup and it works great! I cross straps to the front corners of the bed to keep it in place. I think when I bought it was around $70. It was also very handy for measuring and setting sag.
Love those new tech Ratchet Straps and your method of tying the two ramps to the trailer hitch. I have a similar setup, but nowhere as secure ramp tie down. I also did the Harbor Freight Chock mounted on a cut to length piece 2x10 to fix it in the center. I also put a deposit on a new 2023 XSR900, April delivery..
Video Request- Picking up Your DS off pavement/gravel/dirt . Have a new one and dropped it and needed help getting it up. Hadn’t thought of all the situations I might need to be able to do it myself. Thanks for the loading video, have a Tundra and the Sled fits nicely corner to corner with tailgate up and locked.
There are videos out there of a 5'5" female picking up a heavy adventure bike like a BMW GS series bike. Same thing for picking up a fat cruiser. You have to squat/walk it up and backwards. If bike is fallen on it's left side, 1. Turn the bars to the left, grab the bars, not the clutch (for safety) woth your right hand. 2. Line your butt up with the seat, but just to the left side. 3. Left hand goes on a sturdy part of the tail (sissy bar, subframe, etc) 4. With your feet in front of you, push the bike backwards and onto the tires. 5. Keeping your position, take the right foot and swing it behind you to put the kickstand down. IF YOU FALL ONTO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BIKE: Step 1 is to put the kickstand down ahead of time And all other steps will be the same except for the front wheel, turn the bars to the right, and hold front brake down while you go backwards, everything else is the same.
Cool vid, pickups have become less useful because of their height. I just got a 6x12 cargo trailer to haul my bikes, easy to load, protected on the road, fun to farcle...you want a nice Cargo trailer you do!
heres another tip from my wheelchair hauling experiance. IF you have a ramp and its just a little too steep then heres what you do = back ur vehicle up and setup a ramp to a curb. From the curb load your bike up. It'll be a whole lot easier.
That’s much better than the “plank and a bank “ system I’ve used …….and who knew there was an awesome item such as the “retractable ratchet straps “ ? I just researched about a year ago and bought a set , and never in my amazon / online search did a retractable set come up….todays add the “retractable “ prefix and there’s a long list of brands etc…..now I’m tempted to buy another set of lighter duty less than (5k lbs break point ) my SmartStraps 14’ Ratchet Straps, 2 Pack -5,000lbs Break Strength, 1,667lbs Safe Work Load -Commercial Tie Down Straps for Heavy Duty Cargo, Haul Equipment and Vehicles…..which I knew was overkill but figured more is better at that point , now I know retractable is better…🤯🤷🏼♂️
Ive seen this when Yammie picked up my 400 last week, he loaded bike right up and strapped it down, the ramp and chock setup are perfect and worth the $$,,,, I gotta get the air suspension now. Ive seen a cable break but on an old truck with cement bags, much heavier than a bike.
Thanks Yams I believe every Motovlog/bike channels should show there method. Because transporting a bike is so scary to me for now! just love to see different ways to do but it the correct way! Thanks again bud!
Good video, but i dont think I'd recommend to everyone that they ride the bike in and out. You can walk next to it and clutch it up. Same on going down but with brake
Bruh, I was just struggling with loading my Tuono 660 onto my truck, and here you now are showing the world how to load a motorcycle on a truck and using a Tuono 660 as an example
Never ever use any ol' ratchet straps. They are the fastest way to blow out your fork seals. The ones you showed are intriguing. But once you are in the front chock just an inch or so of compression on the front forks is all you need. DO NOT BOTTOM THEM OUT.
I use the Condor. Much lighter. For dirt bikes you don't need anything. My favorite dirt bike ramp is the StepRamp 5-Step Loading Ramp 72". Getting the 1250 RT in the back of my F 350 isn't too bad. Never been a fan of canyon dancers but many people use them. Ride my dirt bikes in the truck. Always walk the 1250 and 790 in and out. You made driving it in and out look easy. I think Id be too chicken.
I never ride up the ramp..I just walk it up using the friction zone, too easy. Also, I have cruisers so I need every inch of ground clearance on the breakover. My truck is a Honda Ridgeline 😉
Man this video hit every point i needed answered. Even down to the truck and bed size. Im currently looking to buy a ram 1500. Thank u very much. Keep up the great vids
Bro! I’m the fourth viewer!!! Probably should focused on DOING MY JOB since I’m at work but that just goes to show you how dedicated I am to watching yammie noob!
Hey nothing wrong with a little 125. Even a 50 is a blast with the right perspective and a healthy phobia of highways. (and that’s coming from someone who rides a r1200rt every day)
One thing that wasn't mentioned is to be very mindful of the ramp angle so you don't high-center the bike. I bought a utility trailer that has a drive-up gate. The first time I was loading my bike (MT-07) I walked it up but using the bikes power and as I crested to top, the exhaust caught the top edge. So be mindful of that because that can cause you to drop the bike or damage the exhaust if you go too fast. In my case I was lucky that my trailer has a dump feature so I could tilt it slightly which effectively lowers the tail and decreases the ramp angle. I would put jackstands under the rear edge of the trailer to prevent it from going fully into dump mode.
I do almost exactly what your showing here, but let's look at one thought about OEM tailgate supports. On older trucks or those that live outside all the time those swaged into lead alloy cables can and do rust. They have been known to fail. Take a look at DG Manufacturing's tailgate supports for total peace of mind about tailgate failure. It would not be good if that happened, not for you, the bike or the truck
if it is off road ....yes subtle differences my azz..... if you own a bike or two as i do ...i have several AND i have several trailers.....edit dont forget the weight of haul! dont forget trailers can also haul sleds, jet skis and quads ... we run guads with skis rather than a snowmobile season is too small to own one! your video is probably the most complete that i have seen... good video!
When i got my first bike from the Dealership last month. The guy at the dealership saw i really wasnt sure how to go about tying down the bike. Said all i needed was 2 straps and (though wasnt suppose to help me strap it down he did). He had me put it in the back of my truck and leave it in first gear then strapped the front of the bike down with 2 straps (no wheel chock)... It felt sketchy af but it worked. I was about to tie it down 4 ways to Sunday like you did in this video myself.
wouldnt you want to only rely on one ramp? if you are moving the bike up the ramp in between the 2 ramps, the weight of the bike / load is being put between the 2 ramps (you're really relying on how strong those 2 ramp locking clamps). Rather, using one ramp, you're dispersing the weight as intended
Seems like the truck bed is the most impractical method ever. A van would be the best and a trailer with a flip mechanism the second best (no need for a ramp).
Yeah because any man would gladly buy a van over a pickup truck if they had a choice 😂. Hey nice van, how many kids you got? None, it’s for my motorcycle, cuz I’m too scared to load it on a truck 😂.
Getting it in/out of a truck is probably more difficult than any other method for hauling a bike. But once it's in, it's about the safest way to haul. A trailer is much easier to load, but trailers require maintenance, the tires on them are almost all garbage, and most of them are built pretty poorly. If I'm hauling a long distance, I'd want it in the bed, it's a PITA to get it in/out, but, once it, it's very safe. If I'm hauling short distance, I'd want a trailer because it's so much easier to load/unload, but it's not as safe back there or easy to deal with, especially for people who don't know how to drive a trailer.
@@michaelfink2070 IMO the best method is a cargo van (VW Transporter, Ford Transit etc., not a soccer mom van as somebody suggested), easy to load and you can have other stuff (helmet, riding gear, tools...) too and everything stays dry and clean if it's raining. You can also leave stuff in a van and it does not get stolen. Also northern climate is not a good place for trucks, it would suck ass to keep the bed clean from ice and snow all winter.
Need one of those wheel chocks for my truck, gfs a big girl complaining seatbelt in the cab don’t fit so converting my truck bed. Guna drive her around like she’s riding in a convertible limousine
Doing really a great and time taking work. And here i am can't even afford 50k Indian rupees you're giving away a mid super bike. God bless you sir. Lots of love from India❤❤❤
How do you feel about bolt in tie down loops? I've seen them on cyclegear, bike specific, attaches to a bolt, basically a 90 degree piece of metal with a hole in each end. Waste of money? Or handy?
....... so yeah those cables for the trailer are supposed to be crossed. That way if it ever lets go it will still be pulled in a straight line and not start going from one side to another. Its ok yam we the internet will teach you XD
Helpful video yes, but good practices? in my opinion no. Riding in the middle of the ramps is not as sturdy as riding in the middle of a 3 ramp setup or a wide single ramp. Also ratchet straps should not compress the front forks or any suspension of the bikes at all. Wheel chock is cool, but when properly tied down unnecesary. Ratched doen the bike at the front axle points. It's been tested & proven as the best way to secure a motorcycle. I've taken several 1k mile trips like that and the bike is super sturdy with 0 movement
A lot of manufactures recommend "full compression on front forks" as the right way to tie down a bike. Like all things, it depends, but it's not a clear cut "don't do it this way" for tying down a bike compressing the suspension.
