Okay, folks, let’s talk about getting your motorcycle into your pickup truck. I’ve done this a bunch of times, and trust me, having the right ramp makes all the difference.
Getting Started: Choosing the Right Ramp
First things first, you gotta figure out what kind of ramp you need. I messed this up once and ended up with a ramp that was way too short. It was a nightmare! So, measure the height of your truck bed. You want a ramp that’s long enough to make the incline manageable. I learned that the hard way.
My Ramp Setup Process
Once I got the right ramp (finally!), setting it up was pretty straightforward.
- Positioning the Ramp: I always back my truck up to a slightly elevated area, like a curb, if I can. It reduces the angle a little bit. Then, I center the ramp with the truck bed. Make sure it’s lined up straight!
- Securing the Ramp: This is super important. My ramp came with safety straps. I hook those onto the truck’s bumper or frame. You don’t want that ramp slipping out while you’re loading your bike! I double, triple-check those straps.
Loading the Motorcycle
Now for the fun part – getting the bike up there.
- Walking it Up:With the engine off,keep the bike in neutral. I prefer get a good grip and walk up beside the ramp.
- Keep it Steady: The key is to go slow and steady. I always keep the bike balanced and use the front brake to control my speed if I need to. One time, I rushed it and almost dropped the bike. Lesson learned!
Securing the Bike in the Truck Bed
Once the bike is in the truck bed, the job’s not done. You gotta secure it properly.
- Using Tie-Downs:I use at least four tie-down straps. I attach them to solid points on the bike’s frame, not the handlebars. I compress the front forks a bit to keep the bike stable.
- Checking the Straps:Then make sure everything is tight and the bike doesn’t wobble. I always give it a good shake to make sure it’s secure. I don’t use the side stand because the bike’s weight should be evenly distributed.
Unloading is basically the reverse. I back the bike down slowly, using the front brake to control my descent.
That’s my process, tried and true. Hopefully, it helps you avoid some of the mistakes I made early on!
