That's a long ways up to the bed height of most full size trucks. Harleys are big, heavy bikes too. I have seen them in the backs of pickups, but I don't know that I'd want to load one in there. I guess one of those long, wide u-haul type moving truck ramps would be the best thing to use. Pulling the bike up with a winch would make it safer moving it up the ramp than riding it.
I push my dirtbikes up a 2x12 board ramp and have another 2x12 I walk on while pushing the bike up. With the atc's, I ride them up under power. Works good with dirtbikes and atv's, but I don't think it would work well with something as heavy as a big cruiser.
You might want to look into getting a little 5x8 single axle open utility trailer, would be much easier and safer to load/unload. They don't cost much if you look for a used one.
Most motorcycle accidents happen when people try and ride their bikes up a ramp and into a trailer. Do not ride up the ramp, you may not be able to stop once you get your bike into the bed of the truck. Have several people help you, or better yet, find a loading dock.
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I used to haul my full dresser FLH in the back of my truck with the Airstream behind it. I made my own ramp out of 8' 2X6's next to each other with steel angle iron on the sides, flat 4 inch bar stock to join them, corner braces on the truck end that went between the bed and bumper to keep it from sliding. Then I had two 2x8's next to the ramp for my feet. It was heavy and crude but it worked. I took the tailgate off to load/unload. I also had to run the front of the truck up on 4" of blocks to not bottom out the trans loading when the truck was on flat ground. We went on a eight week swing out west, Sturgis, etc, loading and unloading all the way. There weren't any pretty, curved aluminum ramps at Lowes then. I learned that a good aggressive squirt of the throttle worked best and go up feet on pegs; no dilly dallying.
I was younger and stupider then.
I almost always found a ditch or grade to back up to or into to load/unload. Makes a HUGE difference.
Sporties are lighter than a dresser; I say go for it.
Are you planning to load the bikes and pull the RV at the same time?
If so, I'd caution you to check your truck's payload capacity and rear axle rating against the combined weight of the bikes, the tongue of the trailer, and anything else you pack into the truck. Also, make sure to watch if any weight is sitting on the tailgate and know how much it can hold.
If not, I still think you might be pushing your payload capacity - not as close - but still something to keep an eye on.
I agree with long, sturdy ramps that you can WALK the bike up.
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Man I used to hate to drive my 4 wheeler into the back of my truck...My bike would be really scary.....
PUSH it in......
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I have put two softtails in the back of my 8 foot bed. I find it easy to find low boy loading docks to load and unload. All most all towns have some one that has one
I use two 8' X 12" planks and remove the tailgate so the planks can rest on the bumper. With my '92 FatBoy idling, I stand on the left side, walk up one plank while gently slipping the clutch letting the Harley motor itself into the truck. I've done it this way for about 20 years with different Harley's in different trucks. Yes they're heavy. Two or three people pushing usually ends up pushing the bike either too fast or side to side. With my right hand on the gas and front brake and left hand working the clutch, I find it much easier to control the climb into the truck than with help from friends.
One year at bike week in Daytona, I watched a beer saturated campground neighbor ride his Superglide into the back of his pickup. Bent his front fork, front of his pickup bed, fell over and dented his tank and his leg. But it was in the truck!
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I travel with my bike in the truck bed and pull the trailer in my sig no problem. My bike is about 600 lbs max and with the trailer i know I am at the cargo carrying capacity of the truck, but it handles well. Went to Florida and back with the rig in March.
The raps I use are Big Boy Ramps
http://www.literamps.com/motorcycle_ramps.htm
A little scarry the first time riding up, but every time its easier. Just mind over matter. With the two outrigger ramps, you can stop half way up if you want and sgtart again. No probem stopping the bike in the truck as you never get going fast. The secret is get the front wheel at the bottom of the ramp, then enough gas to go up in one nice motion.
Coming down, you have the bike turned off, but in first geat. Then you use the front brake and the clutch for the rear brake. When the back wheel gets to the ground, you just let the bike role back and hit the brake again when the front wheel hits the ground.
Ramps fold down pretty small and the two smaller ones fold into each other.
I would not go thru the process for a weekend away, but a week or more no problem
Good luck, Gary
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