Trailering a Concours 14

[thundermax]

Read do not tight strap handlebars down but instead through triple tree. Can someone write about how to secure front end through triple tree without hurting plastic?

[Tarheelbob]

I used a couple of web extensions looped around the lower triple tree. This lowered the attachment point for my ratchet hooks so that they cleared the fairing. Just don't set your anchor point in the trailer too wide apart. The bike trailers well with this set-up as long as the front wheel is secured.

Google Steadymate Soft Loops to get the idea.

[556ALPHA]

I used a couple of web extensions looped around the lower triple tree. This lowered the attachment point for my ratchet hooks so that they cleared the fairing. Just don't set your anchor point in the trailer too wide apart. The bike trailers well with this set-up as long as the front wheel is secured.

Google Steadymate Soft Loops to get the idea.

+1  They sell straps at any bike shop.  I replied in the other thread also wit this:

If you keep the angle less than 45 degrees then the straps should be clear of the plastic.   You are only using the lower tree.  I would suggest using a Baxley chock and securing it to your base if possible.   http://www.discountramps.com/baxley-la-chock.htm?CAWELAID=548032828&catargetid=1389811204&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CO7Mi5C_yLQCFQ_hQgodJ3IAMA

[tonedeaf]

+1 on the Baxley chocks.

These chocks cost a few bucks but they make the whole process WAY easier and safer:
http://www.baxleycompanies.com/

[crawfcj]

I use a Wheeldock, which does not require tie downs on the front end of the moto.  I ride the bike onto the trailer and into the Wheeldock, press the foot lever, and step off the moto.  One person operation.  Then I tie down the rear and it's ready to travel.

http://www.wheeldock.com/default_wheeldock.shtml

[Jimmy Patriot]

I use the Baxley Sport Chock which I can't say enough about.  Then I use straps around the triple like stated above.  For anchor points I have a small E-Track base on ea side of the chock and use quick release O rings.  It's a real nice setup and allows me to go from bike hauler to anything hauler in no time with my 5x10 utility trailer.

[556ALPHA]

I use the Baxley Sport Chock which I can't say enough about.  Then I use straps around the triple like stated above.  For anchor points I have a small E-Track base on ea side of the chock and use quick release O rings.  It's a real nice setup and allows me to go from bike hauler to anything hauler in no time with my 5x10 utility trailer.

exactly what I use.   I would highly encourage tie down straps regardless of the bike being in a chock or not.  Definitely good insurance. 

[shreveportSS]

[elektradw]

Here is a successful set up for trailering the C14. Using tie down extensions over the lower triple tree you can compress the front forks with no fairing damage. Slip the extensions around the fork tubes from the top then pull though from underneath. Attach tie down forward of the front wheel for added stability. The Canyon Dancer bar harness is used without the need to add too much downward pressure to the handlebars. Removing the saddlebags and attaching a third set of tie downs to the rear brace allows for a snug and supportive attachment. I use Powertye tie downs because of the added security of their safety latch hooks. See attached pictures.

[freebird6]

That looks just like the trailer I use for my lawn mower....a little nicer wheels than the Mustang II's I have on mine. May need to use some of the good info in this thread to make her up like that for the rare occassion I have to trailer.

I have used this pdf for years. Just like a check list at the end of the runway I go through it step by step each time I hitch up . http://www.grassrootsbmw.com/uploads/Tiedown2.pdf

[556ALPHA]

It is just an opinion but when I use rear ties I either use them to pull straight down or pull toward the front.  If the rear is pulling in an opposite direction from the front, the forces are fighting each other.

[gPink]

freebird, you in the grassroots neighborhood?

[RBX QB]

It is just an opinion but when I use rear ties I either use them to pull straight down or pull toward the front.  If the rear is pulling in an opposite direction from the front, the forces are fighting each other.

Why does this bother you? It's the most stable configuration to oppose the directions of the tie downs, as it counteracts the desire for the front ties to pull the bike forward (and vice versa). Look at any flatbed towtruck, they oppose the tiedowns as much as they are able to.

[stevewfl]

I oppose trailering my Connie 

[freebird6]

freebird, you in the grassroots neighborhood?

Not since the Sweet 16  last March....but Connie was there with me....

[The Pope]

It is just an opinion but when I use rear ties I either use them to pull straight down or pull toward the front.  If the rear is pulling in an opposite direction from the front, the forces are fighting each other.

If you have the rear straps straight up or pulled toward the front, what will happen if you rearend or hit a solid object with the tow vehicle at speed? I'd suspect that the bike will want to come out the front of the trailer. Hence is why IMHO the straps should be pulling in different directions.

This is just my opinion as it's your bike, so strap it however you see fit.

[jonathan]

It is just an opinion but when I use rear ties I either use them to pull straight down or pull toward the front.  If the rear is pulling in an opposite direction from the front, the forces are fighting each other.

Actually the forces aren't fighting each other, they are balanced and what you are trying to do in this situation is pull the bike DOWN onto the trailer, so that they move as one. The best way to do this is to have the tiedowns 90 degrees apart as seen from above. Of course the plastic makes this impossible, so you just have them as wide apart as is reasonable.

[feelergaugephil]

Canyon Dancers for me, then a single tie strap pulling front wheel to trailer frame, then two tie straps on either side of grab rail pulling down, it aint going nowhere......