mastiffdave
Well-Known Member
Never trust some idiot trailer mfg to do tie down points correct , don’t ask how I know . At the least make sure they are fastened to frame and secure. If in doubt put in etrack the full length and fasten to frame ,that way you can stagger however you want . in all the hundred of thousands of miles I’ve been on the road to biker events I think I’ve seen it all and invariably some one proves that I ain’t. Any strap will hold a bike ,until it doesn’t .Any chock will work ,until it doesn’t . Any jack will work until it doesn’t . The problem is knowing exactly when it fails which is usually when you pull up to u load the bikes and realize that some motorcycle twister game was going on . Than you get to unwind the pretty paint from other shiny parts and well the trip is ruined or at least enjoyment has diminished. Or you have a camera showing you exactly when it falls over and that will be in the worst road Construction with the worst traffic with a ditch on either side of the truck so there is no way of stopping or pulling over. Than you get that nice warm fuzzy feeling watching your baby get beatup and nothing you can do about it . I’ve experienced all the above first hand.
The only for sure with out a doubt way to tote a bike is with the Biker Bar . It’s a division of B and W hitch but it’s separate. I got introduced to them by my friend who owns V 8 choppers in Oklahoma. When they load an entire semi double stacked with $80k V 8 bikes and travel from coast to coast and never look back I figure that’sthe way I need to transport mine. . After researching This , i found that many other big names and companies use Biker Bar to keep all the bikes safe going to events . Ive even seen pics of haulers involved in wrecks that the trailer was upside down and basically destroyed but the motorcycle was still in the cradle and basically unharmed.. The only issue I had with biker bar was years ago they had a bad rubber bond to the cradle and before I realized it there were some paint damaged on the frame where the cradle fit. Ya it bothers me but ive high centered in parking lots that did more damage But at least it wasn’t a pile of mangled metal . They replaced all the units with new ones and the rubber components now are bulletproof . I have never waxed the frame under the motor ever anyway and don’t know any 6 inch people that walk under it and point out defects. When it is on a lift up in the air it’s visible but hopefully it’s not on a lift very long anyways..
For you other question ,you can configure the bikes like a puzzle and make lots of room. In my old Featherlite trailer I’ve had my mastiff , a Ridgeback and two Harley’s to Sturgis several times. two were backed in with only inches separated them but the biker bars locking them solid was doable without any worry. In my new sundowner I might have to use the jack and strap on the mastiff if it goes at the same time that the 16 ft Honda talon goes. This is the only time in my life that I can say with perfect honesty that I’m 4 inches to long ( to use biker bar) to make it fit. Harley matches up but the mastiff will have to be angled.
When it comes down to it ,there is no right or wrong way to transport your bike. Just look at the pros and cons of all and pick one and use the best material for the job. Just remember no one is right and no one is wrong . Jokester you think for yourself on everything when I’ve been around you so you will figure what’s best for you. On another note if you are letting the 7.3 creeper van go , I’d be interested in it . I would hope you are keeping it for its to rare to throw to curb.
The only for sure with out a doubt way to tote a bike is with the Biker Bar . It’s a division of B and W hitch but it’s separate. I got introduced to them by my friend who owns V 8 choppers in Oklahoma. When they load an entire semi double stacked with $80k V 8 bikes and travel from coast to coast and never look back I figure that’sthe way I need to transport mine. . After researching This , i found that many other big names and companies use Biker Bar to keep all the bikes safe going to events . Ive even seen pics of haulers involved in wrecks that the trailer was upside down and basically destroyed but the motorcycle was still in the cradle and basically unharmed.. The only issue I had with biker bar was years ago they had a bad rubber bond to the cradle and before I realized it there were some paint damaged on the frame where the cradle fit. Ya it bothers me but ive high centered in parking lots that did more damage But at least it wasn’t a pile of mangled metal . They replaced all the units with new ones and the rubber components now are bulletproof . I have never waxed the frame under the motor ever anyway and don’t know any 6 inch people that walk under it and point out defects. When it is on a lift up in the air it’s visible but hopefully it’s not on a lift very long anyways..
For you other question ,you can configure the bikes like a puzzle and make lots of room. In my old Featherlite trailer I’ve had my mastiff , a Ridgeback and two Harley’s to Sturgis several times. two were backed in with only inches separated them but the biker bars locking them solid was doable without any worry. In my new sundowner I might have to use the jack and strap on the mastiff if it goes at the same time that the 16 ft Honda talon goes. This is the only time in my life that I can say with perfect honesty that I’m 4 inches to long ( to use biker bar) to make it fit. Harley matches up but the mastiff will have to be angled.
When it comes down to it ,there is no right or wrong way to transport your bike. Just look at the pros and cons of all and pick one and use the best material for the job. Just remember no one is right and no one is wrong . Jokester you think for yourself on everything when I’ve been around you so you will figure what’s best for you. On another note if you are letting the 7.3 creeper van go , I’d be interested in it . I would hope you are keeping it for its to rare to throw to curb.