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Old 01-13-2008, 07:06 AM   #4 (permalink)
Fred
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Austin, TX
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Member #872
Here's how I load bikes without any additional help into my 95 Nissan truck. It's a 2wd so it's nice and low to the ground. Some trucks may not be this easy, but that's the fault of the owners for buying the 13" lift kit!

First, park the truck so that the back wheels are in a ditch or low spot. It'll help a lot.

Your ramp should have a safety cable that connects to the truck. With the safety cable in place, it should be impossible for you to pull the ramp backwards and have it come off of the tailgate of the truck. This is important, since you'll be using the bike's engine to drive the bike up the ramp. The rear wheel will try and kick the ramp backwards.

So, with the bike running, stand on the left side of it and put it into 1st gear. Let out the clutch and ride/walk the bike up the ramp.

You'll have to stop when your knees are about to hit the tailgate. No problem. Pull in the clutch, squeeze the front brakes, and climb up into the truck bed by first putting your knees up on the tailgate, and then standing up.
Now keep driving the bike forward until it's all the way on the truck.

As far as tying it down, you want at least four straps holding the bike down. Two in front, two in back.

Attach the straps to the bike's frame in the back, and to the handlebars or even better, the tripleclamps in the front. With the FZ6 fairing it's a little tricky to get the straps in position where they won't rub the fairing. Try running the right front strap to the left fork tube above the lower tripleclamp, and vice versa for the left strap. Always make sure that your straps are not pinching any wiring. And secure the loose ends of the strap unless you want your paint to take a beating.

Don't be afraid to crank those straps down. You want to compress the suspension some. Once you're done, the bike should be standing vertically on both wheels, and rocking the bike from side to side should move the entire truck.

Lastly load the ramp and strap it into place so it won't rattle around and beat up your wheels.

Have fun at the track!

Fred
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I don't know anything about motorcycles, but I just love little kittens.

1990 BMW K75 Turbo (Eternal project bike)
2007 Yamaha FZ6 (Modifications: Stebel Nautilus horn, Valentine 1 hardwired with remote display and audio, Mix-It sound mixer modified for hidden installation, Mayer saddle, true dual high/low headlights. Relay, fuse panel and lockdown blocks for all additional wiring.)
Pocketchop. (There are no words to describe it.)
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