Looking for Tie down suggestions

[livetoride]

I have an 07 Ultra Classic, I have transported it several times in my truck, But I have been tieing it down from the handle bars,and I am worried about putting to much pressure on the forks for a long period of time. does anyone have suggestions on how to tie my bike down? also what should I tie to on the back?

[Heritage Dru]

Dude, I know the feeling. But let's face it; you can't fight the laws of physics. to get the most stable tie-down you need to go as high and wide as possible. That means the handle bars; it is a necessary evil. Be careful not to pull down too hard on the forks; I usually end up 1/3 to 1/2. On a long trip, I will loosen the tension while I'm stopped to give the forks a break. Being a heritage classic I don't have the same back end issues as you. Looking at your bike I would use a separate strap from each of the passenger guard bars. In general, forks and shocks are made to give and take. I'd rather take my chances strapping too hard (not likely) vs. the bike taking a spill!!!

[livetoride]

Thanks Heritage, That is exactly how I have been tieing it down but I was just wondering if there was a better way, I have had some people say that I should tie the front to the engine guard by my lower faring but that just doesn't seem secure. and on the back I usually tie down to the rear guard bars, but I have also tied to the support for the passenger footboards.

Thanks for the input

[TWC-HD-03]

I use the passenger footboard supports and handlebars as well. I also use a chock-type receiver and tie-off pulling the bike forward into it. No problems so far.
TC

[livetoride]

Thanks TC it sounds like I am doing the right thing. I am thinking about using a chock also. right now I put a block infront of the wheel to hold the front fender away from the truck bed. I think a chock might solve that problem and keep the wheel straight.

thanks for the input

[Shockwave]

If you mount a chock to a piece of 3'X3' plywood and set it in the back of your truck then it will be stable and removable. If you cut a block to go under the front of the frame that will just slip under with the bike standing straight, it will pull down on that and not put extra force on the forks. Sounds like you have the rear figured out.
On the dirt bikes we cut a piece of wood to fit between the front tire and the fender but that doesn't work with street bikes because of the way the fender mounts.

[livetoride]

Thanks Shockwave. I think I will use your block idea, it sounds like the answer I was looking for. Thanks for helping out