hauling my bike home

[1/2 way]

Ok all, I pick up my bike this Friday, and I'm hauling it in a trailer, my reason for hauling is because I'm trading in my bike for the Kat, anyways, where is the best place to put straps on the Kat for safe travel, I'm having a hard time looking where they would go, my V-star has plenty of spots to strap , not sure about the Katana Thanks

[HS2020]

Go buy a Canyon Dancer. It goes on the handle bars and has a place to straps to hook into. Really a good investment. Or you can get the small straps and loop them over the lower triple tree and strap it down that way.

[teddy]

Have the dealer throw the canyon dancer in on the deal, they did for me..

[Kila-Beave]

^ +1

But if they won't thorow 'em in, I've run mine in the back of a Ranger with it strapped at the triple-tree (no Canyon Dancer) and the rear luggage rail thing under the seat. 500 + miles each way and no problems.

Just make sure you don't over-compress the forks or rear shock and you should be fine.

[1/2 way]

thanks for the replys, I will ask the dealer about it, if not I have 4 straps

[teddy]

Hey, if they are willing to lose a sale for $30, you should go elsewhere anyway...

my $0.02

[chinto]

Hey, if they are willing to lose a sale for $30, you should go elsewhere anyway...

my $0.02

I agree. Not to mention that it sets the tone for the rest of your dealings with them. If they can squeeze an extra 30.00 out of you now, they know they can everytime you come in.

[87vert]

when I had my bike towed home a few days ago, we took a strap and wrapped it around one bar then across and around the other then strapped it down that way.

Then one through the swingarm, made it all the way home without moving an inch.

[steves]

If you can't find a canyon dancer... or it doesn't work... they make these loop straps. Two open loops stiched together at the center. I put one on each side of the lower triple, then use a ratchet strap to yank it down.

Be careful not to compress the forks too far, or you risk popping a fork seal.

[hellcamp]

And DO NOT cover the bike with tarp when it is on the trailer. Even a little bit of tarp flapping in the wind will scuff up the bike good.

[fixer]

sooo, if you're trading in one bike for the new Kat, why can't you ride the V-Star to the dealer and the Kat home?

[1/2 way]

I was going to do that, but calling for showers that day, and just dont feel like riding in the rain both ways, it's over an hour drive to the dealership, hopefully the weather will change.

[fixer]

i take a shower every day... but what is "rain"?

[md86]

Wow , I can't believe nobody's linked him yet .....

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/safe_motorcycle_hauling/

[KatanaSoldier]

And DO NOT cover the bike with tarp when it is on the trailer. Even a little bit of tarp flapping in the wind will scuff up the bike good.

I learned this the real hard way back in 93 when I put a tarp over my truck bed when driving across country! It was ugly