Strapping down the ST1300 for trailering

[Medicine Bear]

My search talents left me high and dry as I know this has been covered but...

I have to take the bike to the mech tomorrow as I've given up trying to fix my front brakes. CheapSTOC is coming up this Friday and I don't have a lot of time. I have to be at the mechs at 0900 tomorrow. Can someone please point me to, or give me the info, on strapping down a bike to an open trailer? I have 6 "come along" ratchet style nylon straps. The trailer has a wooden floor and metal side railings about a foot and a half high. No problem getting the bike on the trailer - I just can't figure out a good way to strap it down and don't have the time to buy specialty straps.

Help!

Fred

 

[Fred D]

Here's a couple of pages on how to tie down a Wing, you might be able to use similar technique on an ST

 

[Joseph]

I use soft ties on the front fork brace (just up under the tupperware) then block or tie down the front tire so it won't move left/right. Depending on the geometry of the trailer the straps may rub against the bodywork. In that case, move the straps further forward and tie down the rear end as well.

Used this on both the 1100 and 1300 with nary a problem.

Joseph

 

[DRAFT1]

Same as Joe, I just hauled mine 680 miles with no problem.

 

[sherob]

Tip over wings... tie down the rear thru the back of the bike, don't use the grab rails... plastic Tie down the front at the trees... under your bars. Use towels to protect your side pockets from rubbing under the straps

 

[nm6r]

I'm convinced the use of a Canyon Dancer is the only really good way to tie down an ST1300.

Let's put it this way. We got a flat tire today. Slits in more than one place. I will probably start a thread on the whole ordeal, but loooooong story, short, the tow company didn't have the right straps. It would have been easy if I had a Canyon Dancer stashed under the seat or in the left fairing pocket. The tow truck guy finally used a wide strap over the seat, a couple more straps tied to the saddlebag mounts and a couple more strapped around the grips just to keep the bars from turning.

More on my unhappiness in another thread.

Ray

 

[hojo in sc]

I'm not sure using the handle bars as a tie down point is the best location. Perhaps on the ST's the handle bars are strong enough. I know a guy that used the handle bars (and probably a different set up) and it bent his bars.

 

[Medicine Bear]

You guys are the greateST! :bow1:

I used a combination of a couple of suggestions. I like the Canyon Dancer but I needed something NOW. I'll probably order it when I get back for future needs.

Thanks again, guys.

Fred

 

[Trashman]

I have to ask what is a Canyon Dancer and where do I order one?

 

[Medicine Bear]

I have to ask what is a Canyon Dancer and where do I order one?

NM6R had a link on his post.

Fred

 

[Coop]

Fred,
Trailering an ST? Shame on you! LOL!!

 

[Trashman]

MC and MN6R Thanks, Canyon Dancer on order. Not that I would ever trailer an ST Coop! LOL!

 

[Medicine Bear]

Fred,
Trailering an ST? Shame on you! LOL!!

Just what I was thinking on the way to the mechanic - hoping nobody saw me!

BTW, thanks to the suggestions here, the bike and I arrived unscratched. Their preliminary look see was that "it's probably something simple". I hope they're right. I told them several times I needed it for a loooong ride starting Friday so they have no excuse.

Just for grins, as my tires still have lots of tread, I priced a set of Pilot Roads. They wanted $300+ for the tires and $65 apiece to mount and balance them. Don't think I'll be getting my next set there.

If at all possible, and to save my reputation (and, by association, Honda's) I intend to catch a ride to pick up the bike and RIDE it home.

Fred

 

[dduelin]

Just what I was thinking on the way to the mechanic - hoping nobody saw me!


Just for grins, as my tires still have lots of tread, I priced a set of Pilot Roads. They wanted $300+ for the tires and $65 apiece to mount and balance them. Don't think I'll be getting my next set there.


Fred

Wow, Honda of Jacksonville FL quoted me $305 + tax out the door for Pilot Roads. They got my business. I couldn't even buy them online, get them to my house, and get them mounted in Jacksonville for $305.

 

[Medicine Bear]

I caught the post in time to not make that mistake. I used the same as you - no problems.

Fred

 

[dduelin]

When you use the tip over wings do you remove the black plastic cover to access the bar underneath or what?

 

[Medicine Bear]

When you use the tip over wings do you remove the black plastic cover to access the bar underneath or what?

Yes, and I have the MCL Highway Blades and they didn't get in the way.

Fred

 

[Tor]

I'm not sure using the handle bars as a tie down point is the best location. Perhaps on the ST's the handle bars are strong enough. I know a guy that used the handle bars (and probably a different set up) and it bent his bars.

Exactly.....thats why I dont use the handlebars for tiedown. I just can't remember where I read this. Anyway, when I transport, the tipover-wings come off, and I tie soft ties on each side to the engine guards, and tie on each side of the grab rails in the back.

 

[G-MAN]

Fred,
Trailering an ST? Shame on you! LOL!!

Ok, I agree but there are times.

The wife (does NOT ride or ever want to) is considering going with me on my Colorado trip this June. If so, I will be trailering the ST to Pagosa Springs (base camp if she goes) and riding out from there each day until Friday, when we will load up and go to Denver for the VTX rally.

 

[Kong]

Canyon Dancer for me......

Picked my '98 ST up a few months ago, the seller loaned me his Canyon Dancer. It worked great, 650 miles, no problems. We also removed the seat and put a short 2x4 accross the frame with more ratchet straps. Anything worth tying down is worth tying down well.