Allow me to weigh in here guys.
I have over 30 years in the towing industry and am certified in all aspects of vehicle towing and recovery.
I have towed literally hundreds of motorcycles over my career, of all makes, models and styles. Please understand that what I am about to tell you is not the only way to secure a bike, but it is, in my profesional opinion, the best way.
Firstly, you should, at all costs, use some kind of stop, be it a chock, a block of wood, the front of a truck bed/trailer etc. This is critical as it elliminates one form of motion that your bike is going to experience.
Next, using either "soft ties"( loops) a bar harness( canyon dancer etc) or a good quality strap with a hook that will hook back on itself, attach to your handle bars or triple tree, as high as you can without fouling bodywork.
Next, losely attach your ratchet straps to your chosen tie down and the tie down points on your truck/trailer.
Then, whilst sitting on the bike,with it on its side stand, tighten up the left(clutch) side ratchet untill it is snug. Not tight.
Then, simultaniously, stand the bike upright and reach over to the right side and start to tighten the ratchet on that side to match the tension on the left. As you stand the bike up, the left fork will start to compress and the right one will follow as you tighten the ratchet on that side.
Once the bike is level, I like to give both ratchets, just a quick snug to ensure they are level and the forks are compressed about 1/3 to 1/2 their travel.
The bike will now be off its stand and secure...go ahead and shake it, I guarantee your truck or trailer will shake!
Now, this is where I will get some people to disagree with me.
For the rear tie downs, Using soft ties or straps with hooks, hook onto a secure part of the rear structure of your bilke. Foot pegs(if high enough), frame rail, grab handles etc. With your ratchet straps hooked up, secure them FORWARD to a suitable tie down on your truck or trailer.
I you all yelling, WHY?
Simple. why would you use the rear straps to pull against the securing action of the front ones and the chock? It just doesnt make sense. The rear straps need to work in conjunction with the fronts and secure the rear of the bike to stop it hopping around when you hit bumps, RR crossings, potholes etc.
I have used this method for years with not a single failure. Even when a front ratchet failed on me, the bike stayed upright due to the rear straps and the chock.
Using this method does take a bit of practice, but it does eliminate the need for help when tying a bike down.
Hope this helps you all out.
One more thing, I checked these out at the Chicago Bike Show last week and can tell you, I liked them a lot. A better alternative to the Canyon Dancer, which I have used for years. They do not pull down on the ends, more in the middle and give a much more secure grip.
I have some on order.
Kafé Tie Down Clamp
