What is the best way to load...

It is very tricky trying to load the two bikes. They fit width wise, but it is a pain trying to strap them down. And with the closeness to the tie down hooks, the canon dancer sucks. I actually don't want to use those anymore. Does anyone have a suggestion regarding straps and tie down positioning?

Thanks in advance...

dont do it.

firebladetoronto : It is very tricky trying to load the two bikes. *They fit width wise, but it is a pain trying to strap them down. *And with the closeness to the tie down hooks, the canon dancer sucks. *I actually don't want to use those anymore. *Does anyone have a suggestion regarding straps and tie down positioning?

Thanks in advance...

with a ramp........

No, get some soft ties. They are used for dirt bikes that run crossbarless handlebars. Any 'real shop' should have them. Wrap them around the lower fork tubes and triple clamps.

If you have tie-down points in the bed floor, 3 of them in the right place, you can tie them by the lower triple clamp to the mount points and crank 'em down

wow, 3 responses at the exact same time

[Pete]

Rent a cheap utility trailer.

Pete : Rent a cheap utility trailer.

/T-T\

Tie the bikes together, and then using two sets of ties, tie each one off on its open side

sportbiker929 : Quote (firebladetoronto @ Nov. 04 2003, 3:46pm)It is very tricky trying to load the two bikes. *They fit width wise, but it is a pain trying to strap them down. *And with the closeness to the tie down hooks, the canon dancer sucks. *I actually don't want to use those anymore. *Does anyone have a suggestion regarding straps and tie down positioning?

Thanks in advance...

with a ramp........

No, get some soft ties. They are used for dirt bikes that run crossbarless handlebars. Any 'real shop' should have them. Wrap them around the lower fork tubes and triple clamps.
Do you have any pictures on how the sit around the forks...because what I am picturing in my head seems like it is attempting to pull the forks apart.

figment : dont do it.

I'm with you on this one the bikes will be to close for comfort

Pete : Rent a cheap utility trailer.

I am trying to stay away from that...when I am on the road, it is a pain to have to pull that stuff around. Plus I don't have a hitch on the truck yet.

coderedcbr : Quote (figment @ Nov. 04 2003, 3:49pm)dont do it.

I'm with you on this one the bikes will be to close for comfort
There is actually quite a bit of space. I can walk between the bikes. I already did, but don't like the way they were tied down. I ended up damaging the upper fairing on one bike. All I need is a better tie down method. The truck is a bit short, but plenty wide.

I believe Conq had some pics of this, but I can't seem to find them anymore...Keith...?

[Pete]

Sorry, but I am with those who have said it's 'too close for comfort.' The only way I'd strap two bikes next to each other in a 5' wide bed is using two Baxley wheel chocks bolted to the bed floor.

I guess I am just too accustomed to pulling trailers (short and long) to understand how towing a 6x8 trailer is bothersome. And getting your truck equipped with a suitable hitch is a piece of inexpensive cake.

firebladetoronto : Quote (coderedcbr @ Nov. 04 2003, 3:57pm)Quote (figment @ Nov. 04 2003, 3:49pm)dont do it.

I'm with you on this one the bikes will be to close for comfort
There is actually quite a bit of space. *I can walk between the bikes. *I already did, but don't like the way they were tied down. I ended up damaging the upper fairing on one bike. *All I need is a better tie down method. *The truck is a bit short, but plenty wide.
How long is your trip? Do you have stock bodywork on the bikes? I had a 929 and a TLR in a 1500 Chevrolet was wide enough and long enough it is the straps that are the problem.

[ConqSoft]

firebladetoronto : I believe Conq had some pics of this, but I can't seem to find them anymore...Keith...?

First, http://www.fireblades.org/cgi-bin....t=6619;



Second, http://www.cbrxx.org/gallery/events_dealsgap_040203

Pete : Sorry, but I am with those who have said it's 'too close for comfort.' *The only way I'd strap two bikes next to each other in a 5' wide bed is using two Baxley wheel chocks bolted to the bed floor.

I guess I am just too accustomed to pulling trailers (short and long) to understand how towing a 6x8 trailer is bothersome. *And getting your truck equipped with a suitable hitch is a piece of inexpensive cake.

No, don't get me wrong, I would love to buy a nice enclosed trailer, but I don't have the budget for that now. I don't normally carry two bikes, but do sometimes. I just want a cheap way to get this done now, and later on, buy a trailer and stuff.

Also, I live in an apartment, and have no place to store the trailer when it is not in use.

ConqSoft : Quote (firebladetoronto @ Nov. 04 2003, 4:06pm)I believe Conq had some pics of this, but I can't seem to find them anymore...Keith...?

First, http://www.fireblades.org/cgi-bin....t=6619;



Second, http://www.cbrxx.org/gallery/events_dealsgap_040203
Thats funny, I didn't read that first thread prior to posting...how funny was that...

Sorry Mr. Conqsoft....hehehe

Now I looked at your pics, and how do you have the straps hooked up under the bodywork? Is it as previously mentioned, just over the lower triple.

Would/Could this method work without using the chocks??

[Pete]

firebladetoronto :

FBT, I wasn't suggesting *buying* a trailer, just renting one for your trip (and I didn't realize that it was an overnight stay, so I can understand a cost issue).

Pete : FBT, I wasn't suggesting *buying* a trailer, just renting one for your trip (and I didn't realize that it was an overnight stay, so I can understand a cost issue).

It is actually a one month stay, and I will be getting a trailer next year, but as I mentioned, this is just for the time being...get a couple of straps and add a tie down to the truck.

NEW PROBLEM:

Phoned Toyota, and they will NOT add another tie down to the bed. I need to find a specialty shop. They mentioned something about double reinforcing it, and welding and stuff?

Does anyone have any thoughts on adding tie downs to pick'em up trucks?