A study conducted in 2009 by the US Motorcycle Industry Council found that the number of motorcycles circulating in the United States is increasing; specifically, there was a 26% growth between 2003 and 2006. This trend can also be seen in Italy, where in 2016 there was a surge in registrations of two-wheeled vehicles. Women, young people and people born between 1945 and 1964 represent an important slice of motorcycle owners, who use them mainly as a means of transport rather than as a vehicle for fun. Professional riders and Sunday riders should learn to carry it correctly to avoid damaging it and getting hurt. Anchoring techniques vary by specific model, but the general principles of safety for loading and transporting are identical, regardless of the motorcycle or owner.
Steps
Step 1. Purchase a ramp approved for the weight of the motorcycle
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These supports should be able to support at least 370 kg; Ramps approved for a lower load may twist, bend or fall with repeated use.
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Consult the motorcycle manual to find out the weight of the vehicle or ask the dealer for information.
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Step 2. Measure the width of the front tire
Step 3. Prepare the van floor for transportation
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Cut a 150x30cm piece of plywood and place it just behind the rear window.
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Nail two boards 30 cm long and with a 5x10 cm section to this support, spacing them so that they can contain the front wheel (which is usually 10 cm wide); in this way, you make sure that the front stays in place and does not wobble from side to side.
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Secure another 5 x 10 cm piece of wood above the first two to act as a wedge and prevent the bike from moving forward.
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Step 4. Cut an additional piece of plywood with the side of 25 cm and place it under the center stand of the vehicle
This element allows the motorcycle to remain upright and at the same time protects the van floor.
Step 5. Make sure the pickup truck is as level as possible by moving the loading area closer to the curb or facing uphill
Step 6. Line up the ramp with the front wheel chock you placed in the center of the transport
Step 7. Load the motorcycle into the van
Step 8. Use two pairs of ratchet or metal buckle straps
These load securing systems ensure that the motorcycle remains stationary during transport.
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Attach a pair of straps to the front corners of the van floor and extend them as far as possible.
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Attach them to a structural part of the bike, such as the triangular steering plates (found on upside-down fork models) or the front portion of the engine, where the frame joins the bumpers.
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Step 9. Use the other pair of straps to anchor the rear portion of the vehicle for added stability
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Slide the bands to the rear corners of the van shelf and attach them to the brackets.
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Find a high spot on the bike, such as the frame, to attach the straps and tighten them.
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Step 10. Stop the van and check the bike every half hour or so to make sure the straps have not loosened and the load has not shifted
Step 11. Finished
Advice
- All lashing straps should form a 45 ° angle with the body of the motorcycle and the floor of the van.
- The motorcycle should face forward when transporting.
Warnings
- Do not attach the tie down straps to the handlebar as this could compress, causing the straps to slip off.
- Do not tie the straps to the rear carrier frames, otherwise they may tear them off.
- Never charge a motorcycle while you are drinking alcohol or after consuming it.
