Way better off chocking the front wheel & leaving the tailgate open. If that's not an option, you're probably going to want a trailer.

 

It won't hurt a thing to haul it diagonally. If people knew what model you bike was, they might be able to help your with tie down points. When I haul, I secure to the triple tree and the sissy bar if it has one, putting the suspension of the bike under moderate tension.

 

Ride behind the truck

 

^^^^^^

 

No matter if I'm hauling in the truck or on my trailer I tie down one strap on each side of the fork then one either over the swing arm or through the back wheel for extra security. As well as having the bike resting on the side stand and if you want you could even chock the front wheel as well. This tie down method could work with either center loading or diagonal loading.

 

2003 Honda Shadow Spirit 750

 

any pics, i have the same bike...

 

DO NOT REST IT ON THE SIDESTAND!!! You will damage your bike and probably put the sidestand through the bed of your brothers brand new truck. Always transport a bike with the kickstand up. You keep it upright with the straps. Make sure they are weight rated for half the weight of the bike (each one-use four straps=twice the weight of the bike). Some people say not to use ratchet type straps, I say DO use rachet straps as the cam style tend to slip. The easiest way to put a bike in a truck bed is from a hill, I have seen bikes tip off ramps, I have seen the ramps let go, and my favourite was the tire through the window. My first choice would be a trailer you can drive onto and back out easy. The tailgate should't be a problem on a full size truck. Still, it's a truck, should have a tow setup, use a trailer.

Dingo.

 

What about removing the front wheel and bracing. Then two ratchet straps on the handlebars is all it needs.

G.

 

Leaving the tailgate down should not be a problem. Most of the weight will be in the front of the bed. Loading the bike diagonally may be. If the bike is diagonally loaded, the tie down stresses will be unequal. Since the attachment points in the bed are parallel and perpendicular, you want the bike that way as well.

 

This.
https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/Motorcycle-Trailer-Rental/MT/

 

trailer is not an option. It was the original plan but not anymore.

 

when i trucked my bike, we let it hang over the gate and kept it square. we tied it down upright but put the stand down with a block under it. not sure if it helped or hurt but my stand works fine and the block didnt move.

 

Get a trailer, safest and come on, it's not that expensive.

 

78'' bed,,what kind of truck,,best to check the load rating of the brother's truck,,if like my tacoma (base model) my load max is 450 lbs.

 

its a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500

 

not all trucks are created equally:wink2:

 

I've hauled my '03 Spirit 750 many times in my little S10 pickup, diagonally, with NO problems. I usually hook ratchet straps to the triple tree on both side, and wrench it down so the forks are compressed a little, and for the back, I wrap the strap around the back of the rear tire/wheel. It will keep the back wheel from "bouncing" and moving, while keeping it securely in the truck at the same time. I've had mine on the sidestand, too, without trouble or incident, though one time it did put a small "dent" in the bottom of the pickup bed, so I suggest leaving the sidestand down, but not actually touching, if possible, with the straps keeping it upright. The sidestand would then be more of a "safety" measure, so it wouldn't "fall over" when the straps are loosened at your destination.

 

when you strap it in that way, what is it actually keeping the bike upright? I'm also assuming you use no chock with this method? (or do you?)

I was thinking about using Canyon Dancers instead of a chock. what are your opinions on those?

 

My opinion, side load is not the best since you will be able to "pull it forward" equally. Same goes for the rear and sides beacause you are at an angle. Took mine from Orlando to Arlington in the truck with the rear wheel on the tailgate with not a single issue.

If you don't have ramps made for the job, find a grocery store or other such place with a ramp for semi trailer loading. Maybe even you local Harley dealer has one for use.

 

I just did this.....

Bike is a 2007 honda sabre 1100

 

yeah, if it were my truck Id load it straight, but it's not . IMO straight on with equal lengths & tensions is the best bet, but my bro (whos truck it is) says he doesn't wanna do it that way.

 

Keeping the bike straight & upright is the goal. The sidestand doesn't do either. Putting effort into building a pad to get the sidestand to hold the bike upright actually increases the chances the bike will topple to the right. Better to have the shocks and forks taking the loads. Even for a short haul -- though around here short hauls would likely include driving down a dirt (NOT gravel. Dirt. With ruts, potholes and washboard. Unless the road is in bad shape.) road or two.

 

Personally I prefer using a trailer because they are safer to load since they are lower. A trailer not being an option I would load the bike straight in the truck, use 4 ratchet straps, 2 secured to the triple tree or the handle bars close to the risers, and 2 to the rear of the bike (sissy bar, or the frame). Compress the suspension front and rear. For a chock and to help with the weight on the tailgate, use a 2 x 10 as long as the distance from the front of the bed to the end of the tailgate. Once you have the bike loaded place 2 - 2 x 4's from the 2 x 10 to the side of the bed (this will keep the 2 x 10 from moving laterally), then attach 2 - 2 x 4's to the 2 x 10 on either side of the front tire.

As for doing this or that in case the straps "let go", its up to you. The key is to secure it right the first time and keep a check on it during the trip. When you start your trip, go about 25 miles then stop and check all the straps, tighten if needed. I also check everything every 100 miles and every time I stop.

There is an old saying among flatbed truck drivers, "There is no such thing as over securing a load".

Have a safe trip

Eric

 

It's a hypercharger

 

Just curios. Why not ride it there. I rode my 76 750SS from Central Ca. to Dallas Tx. and loved it. Made me wish I could have kept going. Still have your brother deliver the rest. If not. I would look into a trailer as well if this was me.

 

Since this is your brother's truck, and he has already expressed concern about leaving the 'gate down, HOW IN THE WORLD IS *HE* OK WITH DIAGONAL LOADING???

No, really, this is his truck and your question is really about risk acceptance. If a trailer is not an option - as you have expressed - and he is helping you with the bike, it is left up to him what risk he wants to take.

Option 1, he can accepts the very small risk the bike is strapped down like many, many people have done before, and for some bizarre reason the tailgate falls off, damaging his truck and your bike.

Option 2, he accepts the larger risk from the added complication of loading the bike diagonally, which may cause the bike to fall over, damaging his truck and your bike.

Option 3, your wife gives up her strange aversion to a trailer and you do the least-risky, easiest, and slightly more expensive method available - rent a trailer and strap the bike down safely.

Or, option 4, you lead on the bike (don't follow, just in case you run into trouble).