Got a new Honda 150 SHi. I'm looking for tips from experienced cycle haulers for strapping it down. I have a canyon dancer, and I can strap the thing so it looks like a mummy, but there must be a quicker, simpler way.
I'll put pictures in when I figure out how...
Thanks,
Max
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Most guys install front wheel holders and then use straps from the handle bars to the cargo cleats. The type of straps that are pull tight or ratchet tight.
I wouldn't rely on just tie downs to the bars. I would have some to the frame, and also have the wheels strapped down so they can't come out of the channel. With the narrow hold down angle I would be worried about the bike hitting the vehicle if it started to wobble front to back. JMO of course.
I carry a Honda Reflex on a rack on the back of our MH.
In your case, I would:
1. Install 2 more bars on the rack near each tire and use those bars for additional straps. If you can get your straps looking like "A" is will stop most movement.
2. Put a ratchet strap across the step-thru area of your scooter and pull it tight.
3. instead of using staps to the handlebars, go up inside the front fender and put them over the shocks. Pulling them down tight will put pressure on the shcoks.
4. If you can get over the rear shocks, put two more straps. If not, use straps on the spoiler bar.
5. Use the excess from the straps to tie the tires to the rack.
I used this type of system on a 2500 mile trip and the Reflex never moved 1000th of an inch.
Hey, nice bike. Here in Bermuda I have a similar 150cc scooter for getting around. Even very similar colour to yours. Try not to store it in the sun for prolonged periods. Sun & plastic do not get along. Should be a great bike for local sightseeing & errands.
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter
I will echo 2 suggestions.
- Have one or more tiedowns to the bumper or trailer, not just to the rack.
- Put a strap around each tire and the channel.
- another idea is to put a "safety cord" from the scooter to the ladder. Not to tie it down, but to provide an element of safety should the scooter start to lean away from the trailer. Again, nothing tight, but would allow the scooter to lean 4-6 inches before catching it.
Cheers,
Larie Trippet
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2008 Fuzion 302
2009 BMW F800 GS
2007 BMW R1200RT
What I have in mind is something like the lever locks that hold a boat to a boat trailer, or the turnbuckles that hold a truck camper down. Thoughts?
I'm probably over thinking this, but I would like something that is more or less pre-set for each mounting point. I'm sure someone here has conquered this.
I suppose after I do it a few times it will get quicker, but I want to get it to a safe 5 minute job, not the 20+ I see it taking now. I want to be able to use it while we are on the road and not worry about having each strap just right everytime I tie it back up.
To answer some of the comments/questions:
That is the back of our 25' Sunnybrook trailer. I know where this could potentially go. I spent all winter researching this, and reading posts about bumper carriers. I am comfortable with my decision, and the frame shop had no concerns at all. They did a first class job. That's a 1/4" 4x4 gusseted up the frame. Thank you for keeping this about helping me think through efficient tie down ideas.
The welding shop made the outside 2x2 arms just to complete the fabrication. I am planning on getting getting longer ones to add angle to the outside mounting points. They would have made them longer if I thought of it before hand...
I also plan on building a platform to use in place of the cycle carrier when not needed.
Thanks for the kudos on the scooter. Picked it up used over the winter (135 miles on it)at a great price (estate sale). Wife and I love to hike, but hate to walk back on the same trail. This will allow us to do end to ends (leave the scooter at the beginning, and truck at the end). Plus all the other upsides of using it while on the road.
I like the chock idea but I don't think I can do it. The carrier came with the scooter. Not the one I would have chosen, but it does the job. I can't move the scooter once the tires hit the wheel holes. I use the throttle to run it up one end, and off the other. I know it sounds risky, but the automatic transmission makes it easy. It actually sits up there pretty steady once it is in place.
Thanks for the saftey strap to the ladder suggestion. I will do that. I was already planning on looping a piece of safety chain around the foot area. I have it, why not use it.
Wife and I are headed to Yellowstone/Tetons in August. Third trip west. It will be interesting to see what the scooter adds to the experience. We did the Keys last year - seeing all the scooters there is what brought this on. That and $4.30 diesel!
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