Motorcycle Ramp
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Motorcycle Ramp
Hey!
Just bought a '05 Supercrew and LOVE it!! I thought my brother's Yukon was big...until I pulled up next to him. WOW!!
Anyway...I was wondering if anyone out there has a motorcycle that they load into the bed and if so what type of ramp do you use? I have a '03 Yamaha R6 (for those of you not familar with the world of bikes it's one of those rice burning crotch rockets) The only ramps I have seen so far are about 7 1/2 feet long and about a foot wide. With the down tailgate being about 3ft off the ground, this means that the ramp will be at about a 45 degree angle. Now, I'm not a wuss or anything, but that seems VERY steep to me.
Just curious to know if anyone else deals with this.
Thanks.
TS
Just bought a '05 Supercrew and LOVE it!! I thought my brother's Yukon was big...until I pulled up next to him. WOW!!
Anyway...I was wondering if anyone out there has a motorcycle that they load into the bed and if so what type of ramp do you use? I have a '03 Yamaha R6 (for those of you not familar with the world of bikes it's one of those rice burning crotch rockets) The only ramps I have seen so far are about 7 1/2 feet long and about a foot wide. With the down tailgate being about 3ft off the ground, this means that the ramp will be at about a 45 degree angle. Now, I'm not a wuss or anything, but that seems VERY steep to me.
Just curious to know if anyone else deals with this.
Thanks.
TS
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: South Dakota
I ocasionally have to load my '05 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan Classic into the back of a pickup. Like this spring when it was -20F where it was stored, and 45F where I actually live.
You can use the single boards, but make sure the board is strong enough to handle the load of the bike.
I generally back up to a curb or something (or drive down into a ditch and load the bike into the truck from the road) that lowers the endgate enough so that the ramp is almost level or at a maximum of 20 degrees.
Here's a better description. http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Trailers.html#Hauling I don't reccomend starting the bike and loading it that way as the link says, but it does work in a pinch. I prefer to walk the bike on and off with the ramp angle as level as possible.
With your kind of bike those handle bar straps would be a neat thing to have. I also reccomend the use of a rubber bed mat. The kick stand is extremely hard on the paint with out some type of protection. Use a floor mat in a pinch.
Here's a link to my much heavier baby (and slower too!) http://community.webshots.com/photo/...86592556sJaybC
BTW, welcome to FTE!
You can use the single boards, but make sure the board is strong enough to handle the load of the bike.
I generally back up to a curb or something (or drive down into a ditch and load the bike into the truck from the road) that lowers the endgate enough so that the ramp is almost level or at a maximum of 20 degrees.
Here's a better description. http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Trailers.html#Hauling I don't reccomend starting the bike and loading it that way as the link says, but it does work in a pinch. I prefer to walk the bike on and off with the ramp angle as level as possible.
With your kind of bike those handle bar straps would be a neat thing to have. I also reccomend the use of a rubber bed mat. The kick stand is extremely hard on the paint with out some type of protection. Use a floor mat in a pinch.
Here's a link to my much heavier baby (and slower too!) http://community.webshots.com/photo/...86592556sJaybC
BTW, welcome to FTE!
Last edited by superrangerman2002; Mar 23, 2006 at 04:12 PM.
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This was VERY helpful. Glad to know that it wasn't just me who saw this as an "issue". He had some good points in that article, espceially the part of using 2x4 to brace the front wheel. The "putting a piece of wood under the side stand" was also a good point, although since I have a Rhino spray on lining in there, not sure if it will matter all that much - well based on Rhino's claims anyway 
Now, if only the weather would recognize that it is actually Spring, I could put all this to use!!
Thanks,
TS
Now, if only the weather would recognize that it is actually Spring, I could put all this to use!!
Thanks,
TS
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Loading your Vulcan
Originally Posted by superrangerman2002
I ocasionally have to load my '05 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan Classic into the back of a pickup.
I'm looking at an '05 Supercrew and own an '01 Vulcan 1500 and it sure didn't look like a Vulcan would fit in the bed of that thing. How does the bike travel? One of my sticking points on getting the Ford vs an Avalanche is the ability to travel with my bike(s) in the bed if I need to.
Thanks,
Scooter
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: South Dakota
It travels really good. The bike does stick out a bit on the end gate, but it's not enough to overload it.
As I mentioned before just make sure that you have something under the kick stand and try to make sure that you use 4 tie downs, and yes the strap points in the bed will work.
BTW, Welcome to FTE!
Sure hope that we will continue to see you here with a new F150
.
I might have to load my '05 Vulcan up for some warranty work tomorrow. If the weather isn't bad I'll post a pic or two.
As I mentioned before just make sure that you have something under the kick stand and try to make sure that you use 4 tie downs, and yes the strap points in the bed will work.
BTW, Welcome to FTE!
Sure hope that we will continue to see you here with a new F150
.I might have to load my '05 Vulcan up for some warranty work tomorrow. If the weather isn't bad I'll post a pic or two.
Last edited by superrangerman2002; Apr 6, 2006 at 04:32 PM.
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That's good to know........ I was just wondering how a 6 foot long bike fit in a 5.5" bed.
..... and thanks for the welcome. I'm quite torn on what to do with the new truck. I've been intending to get an Avalanche for quite some time, but a local dealer has two '05 demo's on the lot that are about 11k off sticker and that's pretty hard to pass up. I was hoping the big three would get into another discount war this summer like last, but by that time this option would be long gone.
This sight has been VERY helpful to me on getting things squared away. As you know CR doesn't rate the 150 very well and it's good to see what issues are out in the real world. Also causing issues is the fact I haven't had a truck in 20 years and It's hard to get acclamated when you go from a BMW to a BAT (Big *** Truck as my wife calls it).
Good luck getting the big Vulcan fixed.... mine has been bullet proof for 40,000 miles except for a recent slight leak in the forward drive shaft seal. I'll get it fixed next time I pull the shaft to lube it.
Thanks again
..... and thanks for the welcome. I'm quite torn on what to do with the new truck. I've been intending to get an Avalanche for quite some time, but a local dealer has two '05 demo's on the lot that are about 11k off sticker and that's pretty hard to pass up. I was hoping the big three would get into another discount war this summer like last, but by that time this option would be long gone.
This sight has been VERY helpful to me on getting things squared away. As you know CR doesn't rate the 150 very well and it's good to see what issues are out in the real world. Also causing issues is the fact I haven't had a truck in 20 years and It's hard to get acclamated when you go from a BMW to a BAT (Big *** Truck as my wife calls it).
Good luck getting the big Vulcan fixed.... mine has been bullet proof for 40,000 miles except for a recent slight leak in the forward drive shaft seal. I'll get it fixed next time I pull the shaft to lube it.
Thanks again
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Nice to see another Ford / Yamaha guy here, I to have an R6 that I do track days with all summer long. I purchased the ReadyRamp. It is great, not only is it a ramp but it folds and is also a bed extender which you will prob need anyway to keep stuff from flying out of the bed. Check it out www.readyramp.com
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I should have also added that I also use a Baxley chock which I highly reccomend if you are going to transport the bike a lot as well. It secures the bike without the kickstand (not a reccomended method) from side to side. Check it out as well. www.baxleycompanies.com. I don't mean to sound like a commercial but these 2 products work so well and I have done all the trial and error, just want to save others some of the pain
PS : the chock can also be used to hold your bike at the track or in your garage.
PS : the chock can also be used to hold your bike at the track or in your garage.
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Wow, that's a tight fit!
Nice looking combo though...... but you need to do something about that stock exhaust system on the big Vulcan..... can't have the bike quieter than the truck.
It's good to know that it will fit in there in a pinch..... not sure the tailgate would like it if I went out to Sturgis that way, but atleast I have an option.
Thanks for the pic.
Nice looking combo though...... but you need to do something about that stock exhaust system on the big Vulcan..... can't have the bike quieter than the truck.
It's good to know that it will fit in there in a pinch..... not sure the tailgate would like it if I went out to Sturgis that way, but atleast I have an option.
Thanks for the pic.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
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From: South Dakota
The end gate is rated for 500lbs. The classic only weighs 700 or so lbs dripping wet, and most of that weight is more towards the front of the bike.
I know, I know about the exhaust....for crying out loud the bike only has 700 mi on it...
Mods are comming, but I'm going to wait till I get more miles on the bike and wait till I get relocated to my next new job. Thinking about some cobra slash cuts, a powercommander II and the Cadman intake mod.
I used to ride in Sturgis (I used to live in Blackhawk) on a big black ugly '78 Goldwing in stock form (non of the fairings and such), chances are I prolly saw you. It was the only straight piped first gen goldwing with the earplugs on the handle bar that I know of...
Right now I kinda appreciate the quiter Vulcan....but that will soon change.
FWIW, the new '06 F150 SuperCrews have a 6.5' bed option....something the Avalanche doesn't. I don't think that the bigger bed is a must have for my purposes as the Vulcan sat a bit on the tail gate of my previous '00 F250 with a 6.5' bed.
I know, I know about the exhaust....for crying out loud the bike only has 700 mi on it...
Mods are comming, but I'm going to wait till I get more miles on the bike and wait till I get relocated to my next new job. Thinking about some cobra slash cuts, a powercommander II and the Cadman intake mod.
I used to ride in Sturgis (I used to live in Blackhawk) on a big black ugly '78 Goldwing in stock form (non of the fairings and such), chances are I prolly saw you. It was the only straight piped first gen goldwing with the earplugs on the handle bar that I know of...
Right now I kinda appreciate the quiter Vulcan....but that will soon change.
FWIW, the new '06 F150 SuperCrews have a 6.5' bed option....something the Avalanche doesn't. I don't think that the bigger bed is a must have for my purposes as the Vulcan sat a bit on the tail gate of my previous '00 F250 with a 6.5' bed.
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Rich,
When you "attempt" that, please have a video camera handy to record the spectacle. I can think of any number of shows that will be able to use the footage.
Rangerman,
Sounds like you've got some mods all scoped out..... and congrats on the new bike! I didn't realize it was THAT new.
You'll love it more and more as you get break her in....... it's like having a big old caddie on the road.
As for the 6.5, I doubt that will fit in the garage, so probably better that I keep to the short bed.
****Rumor Mode On****
<RUMOR On Mode>
My wifes cousin (sales manager-ford dealership) said last weekend that he was certain that "Employee Pricing" was coming back and that Dodge would be first out of the gate followed closely by Ford. Said it was all in the works...... so that of course gives me a few more options.
When you "attempt" that, please have a video camera handy to record the spectacle. I can think of any number of shows that will be able to use the footage.
Rangerman,
Sounds like you've got some mods all scoped out..... and congrats on the new bike! I didn't realize it was THAT new.
You'll love it more and more as you get break her in....... it's like having a big old caddie on the road.
As for the 6.5, I doubt that will fit in the garage, so probably better that I keep to the short bed.
****Rumor Mode On****
<RUMOR On Mode>
My wifes cousin (sales manager-ford dealership) said last weekend that he was certain that "Employee Pricing" was coming back and that Dodge would be first out of the gate followed closely by Ford. Said it was all in the works...... so that of course gives me a few more options.