advice on getting bike into moving truck

I am about to and am overprotective about my bike I have no choice but to load it into a moving truck whats the best way to go about it i will cry if it falls over in the process should i just ride it up the narrow ramp in or should i walk it and keep it running working the clutch to move it in or what???anyone else been in this situation??and what did you do??

 

Walking it up is usually preferred. I use people power, not the motor. For me that means i need 1 other person to help push & stabilize. Ramp will need to be wide enough for you to walk next to it. This method is more controlled than riding it up. Be careful about clearance at the top (aka bottoming out @ the transition from ramp to truck).

Motorcycle shippers build a frame out of 2x lumber to completely enclose the bike, then use sheathing (OSB or Ply) to cover it up. I'd possibly suggest doing the same thing if your bike will be transported inside a moving company van. Eye bolts are placed on the 2x lumber for tie-down points (chock offering add'l stability), or a strapless system could be used. Can build the box w/ 2x risers to allow for a forklift to pick it up if that needs to be an option. The frame will offer superior protection in the event that other items shift around in the truck.

If you are renting, packing and driving the truck yourself, then a crate is probably not needed.

 

If you back the truck up to a loading dock, you can just roll the bike on w/o a ramp, or if you find a ditch with a hill, you can pull the truck up next to to the hill. Set the ramp from the hill into the truck so it is straight across. ride your bike up the hill and then coast across/down the ramp. I used this to load/unload from pickup trucks w/o a ramp. Just don't get stuck in the ditch.

I prefer to use two straps to the handlebars, compress the front suspension and have the bike perfectly upright - no side stand. Then you can pack around the bike.

 

This is the best method. I would be more worried about the bike falling during shipping, than during loading. You can never have enough straps.

 

If you strap it, use soft straps above lower tripple clamp. much safer, & it will not mar you fairing. Thats how the pros do it.

 

Once again Nozzle and I agree. I would just add a couple of things. Freight companys will usually allow you to use their dock to load your bike if you ask. Also, I'd use a "Canyon Dancer" to aid in tying the bike to the floor with the I-Bolts screwed to the floor. The Canyon Dancer keeps the straps from rubbing the front plastic and gives you some good places to hook the straps without having to hook to the bars/clips. Also, block the front wheel against the front wall of the truck or a VERY strong chock to keep the front wheel from moving forward.

 

Just don't do what this guy does.......you know this is gonna hurt..

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=b71_1197601736

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e156nukOUsM
Here you go

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkQYYBOrRNk&feature=related
You'll want to avoid this.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8vggli15no&NR=1
But, this is how I do it.

 

Don't put it in the truck, rent a separate enclosed trailer for $100.00, screw some u-bolts into the deck and strap her down - no problems. Plus it's easy to check without opening the truck. This could be a problem if you are already towing a car hauler though, but if you have a truck on the hauler, put the bike in the back of the truck.....if not, roll the dice and takes your chances.....

 

thanks guys the guy on the blue bike did a fine job riding it in i may c how it feels and if it feels good do it otherwise with a friend or two walk it up , and i got to keep it as cheap as possible going from fl to san antonio and i have to pull my truck with a carhauler behind me so i do like the idea of the i bolts into the floor and maybe my mattresses on each side of it packed in tight
anyways thanks for the ideas

happy riding