In spite of the references to Harleys here, I've had to trailer all four of my bikes this year...It's kinda hard to move 4 bikes, a Jeep, an RV and a house full of stuff with one person! <G>
I have the Pingle rack, the directions say to pull down and forward. You only need to compress the forks 1/2 way or a bit more... just till the straps feel nice and tight.
I have the same straps pictured in the post above, they work great and they're cheap.
Go to your local Harley dealer and buy a pair of the wide soft ties. Use them on your forks on the bottom triple tree, Those big rachets make them easy to tighten and loosen.
I just use the regular tie downs on the rear pegs, but have those pulling forward as well.
If you have help, have someone sit on the bike, up straight, in neutral, side stand up while you hook up and tighten the front tie downs. Don't rush. Try to get both sides even.
The front tire needs to either be in a rack or against something like a 2x4, otherwise it will slide forward.
You can always add a 2nd set of tie downs on the handlebars, or use a Canyondancer with a 2nd set of tiedowns.
The back tiedowns only keep the bike from hopping.
I've trailered a Harley Softail Deuce, a Speedmaster, a Suzuki Bandit and a Yamaha FJR1300... Nobody went anywhere, the rides were from Ohio to Texas/and or Cali and back to Texas.
My biggest problem is the short tailgate on my trailer. It's only 4' long, I have to crank up the front of the trailer so I don't scrape the trannys, and pray it ain't raining. The previous owner painted the wood floor to keep it from rotting, and it gets very slippery when wet.
A few times and you'll have it all down perfect!
mary
