^ true that. Impossible for me to get sufficient compression with just cinch straps.

 

I just made mine from scrap laying in the buddy's garage. My riding friends use pieces of 2x4 or 2x2 lumber.

I think they are necessary, especially on my hitch carrier, because I can ratchet strap the bike down so much more securely than without the braces. Not everyone uses them. When we were in Moab, a bike fell off the hitch rack right in front of us on a gravel road with heavy washboards. He had cinch straps and I don't think the bike was cinched down tight enough.

 

More important than a brace is good ratchet straps. I cannot believe anyone would use cam straps. I have had them slip, got lucky that time. I only use them for securing smaller stuff.

 

This is a good thread for me to read as I'll be making a 600 mile trip in 2 weeks. I've read it and now I'm confused. My original plan was to use a fork brace, this kit Powertye Fat Strap Trailer Kits - Dirt Bike Motocross - Motorcycle Superstore, and hope for the best.

Is this going to be adequate? Any help is appreciated, will be throwing a drz400s in the back of my tacoma for 300 miles and returning with an 09 klx250s, I don't want to hurt either.

 

Those are nice ratcheting straps. A little pricey for me, but will certainly do the job. I'm a fork brace fan, but not everyone is. Either way, make sure the straps are secure and if there is any way to chock the front wheel so it doesn't twist and slide, that helps. Although usually I've found that the little ribs in a pickup bed do a fair job for holding the front wheel from sliding or twisting - it's a flatbed trailer where I've had bikes fall down on bumpy roads.

 

Yeah they're a bit pricey, I agree there, but I do throw bikes in my truck once a weekend so I figure, with the softcloth, the sleeves for the handlebars, and secure hooks, I'll put them to use and should get my money out of them.

Thanks for your quick response as always IDRIDR!

 

This is interesting.


I am finding more and more stuff on Amazon, and it has become my first place to look for anything, from stuff for work to things for home. It also seems that there is nearly nothing I can't find on the site. For example. I have a tailgate sander on my truck that fits the 2 inch receiver. Works great, but rocks back and forth a bit. Long story short, I got one of these coming...from yep Amazon.


I also realized the other day that my XBOX 360 Live subscription was about to expire in December, so I looked it up and the best price was on Amazon.. Its like they are the Walmart of the cyber world, but without the inbreeders and lard asses you run into everytime to shop there. Hahahaha?

 

Speaking of Walmart, this is a video from a year ago...need I say more? LOL oh and sorry for the thread jack....not really. hahahahahaha

 

Hey Deej,

Thanks for sharing, I think I may order the amazon one ha! $30 is much more affordable! Thank you very much for the link!

 

You might want to consider tie down straps (loops) instead of putting the tie down hook directly on the bars, or whatever you tie down to. I usually put the loop strap around the triple tree somewhere and tie from there. Been doing it for many years with no problems. Walmart also has inexpensive ratchet straps that will work fine for, usually, less money.

Good luck!

Tom