Topic: Loading two bikes...a rookie question

[Scott S]

 I've hauled a  single bike plenty of times, both in a van and a truck. Never actually hauled two side by side. Walk me through getting two bikes loaded and tied down.

 Loading: Single bike...easy. Up the ramp, me on the left side working the brake, center it and strap it down. With two bikes, which one goes in first? LH side or RH side? Seems the RH side would be easy, but then I'd be cramped getting the LH one in.

 Tie Downs: With a single bike I just use the four corners. Strap on each side of the handle bars or triple/forks and usually one through the rear wheel. I'm trying to envision how the straps go when I have two bikes side by side and only four tie down points (one in each corner of the bed).

 Pics are always helpful. TIA.

[ekpent]

  Have a few wrenches on hand for removing or rotating mirrors etc so they are not hitting each other. I've hauled dual bikes quite a bit on vacation trips.  Packing blankets,cardboard etc is handy to protect and be proactive in case there is an incident and use quality straps.

[madmtnmotors]

Both bikes nose first as Cal mentioned slightly staggered so the handlebars don't get in each other's way. Wheel chocks definitely a plus, even cheapo chocks bolted to a half sheet of plywood. I use six tie down points with both bikes sharing the center tie downs.

Oh yeah, keep it under 80!   

[Jnel]

This maybe old school,  but I've always secured the kickstand side first then crank the right side down, pulling the bike straight, vertically.  Compressing the shocks, but not bottoming them out.  I leave some travel room for the shocks.  This has always worked for me.

These days, i think some. Are going for a lower attachment points that don't compress the shocks.  Also, the newer front chocks are more advanced and lock the front wheel in place and holds the bike vertical pretty well.  The back end only needs to be secured from left/right movement and from a lower point that dosent compress the shocks.  This seems to be a lot less destructive on the suspension.  These cool chocks are not cheep.  My two cents.

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[Scott S]

 How are you all routing the center straps? Over the fender of the other bike?

[BomberMann650]

I prefer strapping around the lower triple (if accessible)
The rear frame triangle is a good spot to grab on too.

Folks that strap over seats and body work make me cringe.  My buddies new(er) fjr has strap rash where they used the handlebar towers as attachment points and rubbed the front cowling.

[madmtnmotors]

How are you all routing the center straps? Over the fender of the other bike?

I use six. Two outboard of each bike and two in between the bikes tying both bikes to the inboard pair. Even if you have to drill two 3/8" holes for eye bolts you can replace the eye bolts with carriage bolts when you are done.

EZPZ