Loading a motorcycle really does take effort and is a hassle.
If it were my own, that would be one thing, but since it’s a customer’s bike, you want to get it done without any damage.
I think it feels great when loading can be done smartly, smoothly, and safely.
Basically, these are the only things I use. This is for two bikes.
- SK11 Auto-Rewind Ratchet Tie-Down Strap 2-Pack RTA-25SBL
- CarMate High-Grade Belt inno 2m Black IN716-5
- DAYTONA Handle Sub-Belt 77312
That’s it.
After that, if you want to protect the contact points of the tie-down ratchet, you can wrap
kinokoo Camera Wrap Multi-Wrap Wrap Cushion around it. You can use it many times, and it’s quick to attach, detach, and protect.
I think the main advantage of this product is the “auto-rewind and how smoothly it works.”
When putting it away or organizing, you don’t get frustrated. The lock release is also smooth, making it a very convenient item.
For safety, I replace my tie-downs with new ones every 3-4 years, and I think I’ll go with this one again next time.
*If you know of something more convenient, please let me know.
Not recommended or questionable tie-down features
- Excessively long (lots of excess)
- Not auto-rewind
- Not a ratchet (just pull)
- Cheap with no warranty
It’s too late once something goes wrong. I’m not one of them, but this type of thing is sometimes stored outdoors.
Considering deterioration from rust and UV rays, choosing something sturdy means you won’t regret it later.
The structure is like a ratchet-less tie-down.
For rear fixing, I use two of these per bike. Attachment and removal are incredibly fast. Since it’s relatively thin, I think it works on most bikes.
You can also use it when replacing steering stem bearings or hanging the handlebar and headlight. You might be tempted to buy a longer one, but “2M” is the way to go.
Everything is “big is big” and “small is small.” I think it’s rare for big to cover small.
I couldn’t find the one I’m using, so I posted this one instead.
If I’m being honest, I’m a bit conflicted thinking it might have improved and the price gone down.
It’s the kind where you thread it through the handlebar, wrap it around, and secure it.
Securing the front of a motorcycle is quite tricky.
You could use the stem area and such, but in a tight car interior, it gets cramped…
Just thread it through the handlebar, wrap it once, and secure it—done in a flash.
*Wrapping it once around puts less strain on the switches.
This looks like a motorcycle chock, but apparently it’s slightly different.
This is quite a convenient product… seriously, really convenient.
Back in the day, I took a BMW K1200 to inspection in my Sanitora truck. At that time, I was using a regular Astro chock or something.
I arrived at the inspection station in the morning. Now let’s unload it…
Even when I pulled hard, the bike would lift but the wheel wouldn’t come off…
What’s this?
Even at full power, standing on the stand to lift it, the wheel just wouldn’t come off the chock…
The tire was gripping, but it just wouldn’t come off at all.
Seriously, the Telelever… K1200 Duolever.
It was already 11 o’clock, I think.
I came at 9, so it’s already been two hours…
This won’t work. I thought maybe I should just go back,
but then
“If I go back to the shop, there’s no one there, so I won’t be able to unload it anyway”
—I realized that.
I wracked my brain…
and with the strategy of “pulling the bike with tie-downs,” it came off successfully and the inspection was completed without incident.
Not applause, but
I had to learn from this experience for next time, so I searched frantically…
and found this stand—I thought it was amazing! So I ended up buying two (one for the shop and one for the truck).
Now that I think about it, I could have welded a return bar to the chock, but… oh well.
Anyway, I digress, but I think it’s good to keep things so you don’t get sick of them.
You’re not always in good health every day. “You get injured and you get sick,” but sometimes you just have to do it anyway.
That’s why we do safe and secure work! Well then!
