securing a bike to a trailer

[Guest]

Hi there all you lovely people!! please can someone help me?

I have to pick up my bike (lexmoto xtrs 125( I know Chinese, but only need it till i pass my test)) from burnley 95 miles away from my house. I have a bike trailer and would like some advice on the best way to secure it for the journey.

Any tips welcomed!!!!

thanks in advance

[megawatt]

The front wheel should drop into a slot or cradle or stop against a solid surface. Hook a ratchet tiedown to each handlebar or bottom yoke, one each side and hook to front of trailer as far apart as possible. Compress front forks a bit ,but not too much. Bike should be vertical, on wheels, not on side or centre stands. Tie down at rear, pulling backwards from rear footpeg brackets.

[Guest]

Thanks! should I put a strap or 2 over the top of the bike aswell?

[Mr Fro]

Go to B&Q and buy 2 sets of ratcher straps for £18.39 http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/safety-security/rope-bungee-straps/ratchet_straps/Master-Lock-2-Pack-Of-Ratchet-Tie-Downs-With-Retention-S-Hooks-3066EURDAT-Black-L-4-25m-9284340?skuId=9294040. Don't buy cheap ones as they'll fray and snap double quick.

Then realise that Megawatt has already said what you're about to say and do that!

With the addition that you should get the bike stable with the straps then go around and nip them up a bit at a time so they're all equally tensioned.

[Joeman]

get a set of handlebar tie down straps. about 15quid off ebay...

[Stu]

get a set of handlebar tie down straps. about 15quid off ebay...

 

By far the best way to strap a bike down

The bike can't fall either way as long as there is some tension there as the pull against each other

[megawatt]

Don,t need a strap over top mate. Put two or four as high and wide as possible and hook em to trailer as low and wide as possible. Pull front of bike forward and keep it vertical.

[Chrissb6]

l'm not a big fan of pulling down hard on the front suspension, l prefer to use one of these with the dirt bike.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/17111271 ... 108&ff19=0

The problem with pulling down hard on the forks is that the springs are in constant compression and if not pulled down hard enough as my mate found out after he hit a large pot hole, the hook of the tie down can bounced out of it's keeper. His bike was dragged a good way down the road before he managed to stop.

[megawatt]

Never had a problem myself Chris and been doing it for 30 years. I usually hook the ends into the trailer so that they can,t come out. Tiewraps help.