Pickup ramp

[Spitfire10]

I'm considering a ramp to get the ST1300 into the back of my Tacoma but I'm looking for any info on: 1) How long does the ramp need to be to avoid bottoming out at the top?, 2) How tough is it to get the ST up and down a ramp?, 3) Will any of the Home Depot type aluminum ramps that are rated for max 1500lbs "distributed" do the job?, 4) Any suggestions, comments, etc. will be much appreciated.

Has anyone tried using Bygdog's "fall-over" bars to help tie an ST down in a pickup or trailer? Not as the only point, but one of them.

Has anyone used the Tacoma tie-downs along the top of the bed to secure an ST?

[BDonald]

I have loaded and unloaded motorcycles into a pickup for several years. The best ramp is a rampmaster. The rampmaster has a bow in the middle to prevent bottoming out. The ramp I used was 7 feet, which was ok cause my pickup had an 8 foot bed. Rampmaster also makes a ramp that folds in the middle for shorter beds. I used 3 ramps for balance going in and out.

[Lowrider]

I used three 2" x 8" x 8'-0" screwed to 2" X 4" bocks for dirt bikes, but less ground clearance on the ST would require a longer ramp. It works for my Bandit, but you must lift it a bit to get the muffler off the edge of the boards.

That's putting bkes into a 4x4 F-250, so you tail gate may be lower and 8 feet may work just fine.

Try Googling something like ramp calculator....a manufacturer has one that will tell you how long the ramp needs to be to handle a particular bed height.

[Raven]

The easiest way to get it into a pick-up truck is using a ditch or a loading dock.....

[ligito]

The easiest way to get it into a pick-up truck is using a ditch or a loading dock.....

Great for loading but not very available for unloading.

[Mark]

I used the steel ramps sold by harbor freight work fine getting an ST1100 into an F150.

DAMHIK but:
1) One ramp will bend into a pretty curve; 2 bolted side by side will not bend.
2) Riding into the truck bed with sand/dirt/gravel is a *bad* idea.
3) Putting a 3rd rail (or long board) where you will need to put a foot down is a *very* good idea.

Good luck!
Mark