Guys and Girls,

Looking for inexpensive ideas on safely loading my Harley Roadking(700-800 lbs.) into the cargo bed without putting me, the bike or the truck at risk. I don't want to add any high $ lifts.


Thanks In Advance,

Jim

 

There really is no safe way without using a lift of some sort or a hill. A ramp of any sort exposes the truck, motorcycle and people to the risks involved if the bike misses the ramp or slides off, unless you do the hill method. My parents used to own a motorcycle shop. On larger bikes, we would load them onto a trailer to deliver them.

I have a small hill just across the street that is perfect for loading bikes, ATVs or lawn tractors. I back up, drop the tail gate, it just touches the mound nera the top. You can roll the wheeled vehicles down the hill, onto the tailgate and into the bed quite easily.

 

The two times that I actually did it, I ended up having a friend drive the truck down to a local grocery store while I followed on the bike. Backed the truck up to their loading dock and (with a very small ramp) was able to ride right into the truck.

Back in my dirt bike days, we would just back up to a decent sized little bank/hill--anything that would put the tailgate up against or really close to the embankment--and ride straight into the box that way.

 

I have a 7' aluminum ramp that I have used many times to get by cruiser in the bed. I back my truck up to my slighly sloped driveway, then ride the bike in over the ramp. I can do it on a flat surface, but it will scrape just a little bit. Get a ramp wide enough for you to put your feet down, other wise, you only get one chance.

 

There are a few steps to bike bike transport (Hopefully you have a long bed).

#1) Have at least 1 hefty friend (2 hefty friends if you are not hefty) to help.
#2) Purchase the longest pair/set of curved ramps that you can find (Aluminum is more flexible than steel - which is less desireable IMO). Folding is OK, but you want the longest possible.
#3) If possible, back up to a curb (to minimize breakover angle for the bike).
#4) Set the ramps on the tailgate and slide them as close to the truck as possible. Then, use a set of tie-downs to secure them to the truck - attach one end to the underside of the ramp & the other end to the underside of the truck bumper. Trust me on this step!! This is even more important when unloading.
#5) If you have 1 buddy, have him on the passenger side while you hold the handlebars (And clutch and front brake levers!) and walk up the driver's side ramp - using the engine's power to get the bike up the ramp - and the buddy to guide the bike. If you have 2 buddies, have 1 on each side.
#6) Securing the bike. If you have a fairing, you will need a special bike transporting strap. You can find it cheaper, but see this: http://www.casporttouring.com/store/...ory_Code=Tools

Also, if you have a long front fender (That goes farther forward than the tire like mine does on my Zx-11), you will want to use 2 4x4 blocks (The wider the better - so they can't slide left to right) stacked on each other to keep the fender away from the front of the truck bed.

P.S. If this is too difficult, you could always rent a lowboy motorcycle trailer, or even buy one - which can double as a place to keep the bike clean and dry in the off-season without sacrificing garage space.

P.P.S. You will want the same (if not more) help when unloading the bike.

 

I've been putting Harleys and dirtbikes in and out of my trucks for years. I think the only good/safe way is to back up to the side of a hill and use an 8ft board. I set up a milk crate or two when I don't have a second board. They act like a set of stairs to get into the bed. Nothing worse than trying to jump in a bed while trying to hold onto the brake and handle bars. My 05 is just too big to do that now. I used my chainfalls once, but I didn't like the chains getting that close to my bike.

 

Honestly? Go to Home Depot or Lowes or Costco and buy a small utility trailer. I have a Yamaha Royal Star Venture full dresser that even outweighs your Road King. It is a ***** to put in the back of a pickup truck. Then there's the backing it out thing...

Unless you can drive the thing on straight like many guys here suggested (loading dock, from high ground etc.) you really are better off trailering it. The 2000lb capacity trailers here at Costco are $700.

Here's an interesting one person wheel lock if you do decide to just load it in your truck. Seems it would make loading large bikes like ours a lot easier, especially when you're alone.

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

Be advised...it's VERY expensive! But not more than a trailer.

 

Yeah, I bought a trailer to haul mine around. There's nothing better, or safer. It's useful for other things, too.

I had to call my wife to bring the truck and rescue me once due to a bad ignition. I was lucky there was a hill I could back up to and drop the tailgate. Otherwise I'd been in deep poo.

 

I have a trailer for mine also. But on the rare occaision I have loaded into the bed of my truck, I have a rataining wall I back up to for loading and unloading.