The #1 Trick for Strapping Down a Motorcycle

Some motorcycles have so few tie down points, people avoid it altogether. Ryan shares his trick for how to tie down any bike you come across.

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[richiemikaelson]

For how many years I've watched this man it does not matter .. he is the only person I know that actually talks like he's 70 but looks like he's 16.

[gawv]

The loop idea is great 👍. Attaching it to the grip is a bad idea, been there done that, the grips will slide off during transport. My throttle is now sticky and doesn't return on its own.

[positivelynegative]

Dang. This is the first time I completely disagree with Ryan.

Never use the handlebar for securing a motorcycle. It's the worst place to do so.
The best method is to place the straps below the suspension, such as around the forks.

EDIT: To be fair, this video is really about the trick to make a loop on the strap, rather than about how to secure the motorcycle.

[Mi-Chis]

Ages ago I picked up a buddy to go ride dirt bikes. He added his bike to the trailer and in order to do so had to re-tie my bike unbeknownst to me.
A few hours later we are turning off the freeway and I see something red moving in my mirror.
I pulled over at the end off the ramp and my CRF was gone. Two grips where still attached to the straps, just like shown….
Luckily the dirt bike took the tumble without serious damage. A few more scratches really didn’t make a difference.

[vfrvfr]

The grips are meant for human strength to control the bike, not designed for 500 lb. ratchet straps to secure the bike while being transported.

[Reginald-Erasmus]

wtf, as someone that has been working with and loading/offloading motorcycles for over a decade the number one rule is DONT STRAP THE BIKE DOWN BY THE HANDLE BARS

[ItsSweetShot]

"the dealer mechanic showed me this trick" says it all

[Outlaws]

I was taught to attach the front straps to an unsprung part of the forks and the rear straps to an unsprung part of the rear suspension.
Side straps are for stability.

[philospherking_sortof]

To everyone commenting that this is a good idea, please don’t strap the bike down by the grips. It can mess up your bike.

[johnnance]

Always attach to the fork lowers (one on each side) and use a tie down point that is lower than your attachment point. Once you tighten firmly, it will be solidly held and not placing undue stress on the suspension, which can damage shock absorbers, and as you said “that ain’t goin’ nowhere!” God bless you, Ryan Fortnine, I love your content.

[Todd]

I was service manager at our local Honda Dealership, had to load uncountable numbers of bikes in all shapes and sizes. We never EVER use the grips as a tie down. Grips can come off, and loading weight on the end of the bars on some bikes is sketchy to say the least. Ideally we want the straps as close to the frame as possible. I prefer to use the lower fork legs below the seals. You lock that front end down and the rest of the bike will be secure.

[PieterAdriaanvanderWalt]

Wife: Babe, what are you doing to me?
Husband: Just a sec. I'm just trying this trick the dealer showed me.

[handsomebassman]

I tow for a living. You never go off handlebars unless it's a tiny sports bike. You can blow the knurls that grip larger bars at their angle and the handlebars end up flopping down and straps go loose.

[brandonbdl]

At this point, I'll watch anything you post. You do videos so well.

[LB-hvzl]

Never strap down the handle bar I bent them every fall in Supermoto. Just use a loop around the lower tripleclamp. I never bent this ^^

[craiglee]

I'd love to see a video on tying down a bike using a couple different methods of hauling from truck to trailer. I recently hauled my bike long distance in a uhaul bike trailer. Loading up to come home, my buddy helped out but had different ideas about securing the rear. I also see debate about compressing suspension and now tying to handlebars. I need to see the science!

[TRCAdventures]

Never ever, never strap a motorcycle by the handlebars, I've had far too many bikes delivered to my shop with bent bars, damaged throttles, loss of heated grips,
Most transporters have stopped the practice I just hope owners can too.

Loop around lower triple clamp, or engine guard if you must.

It's hard to imagine the force being large enough to bend the bars but think big pot holes, and accident or the over aggressive owners with a ratchet strap lever! Yikes!

[titaniummechanism]

This method got my DR home safe. Just two straps on the handlebar, tight enough to really compress the front suspension. Worked like a charm, when though it looked like it would slip if tied down at the highest point of the bike.

[bobcranberries]

Never say “ that’s not going anywhere”. Just say good enough and pray.

[wubbalubbadubdub]

Only short that’s ever been helpful nice work!