I am planning on purchasing a truck. In the near future I will also be purchasing a motorcycle. I would like to make sure that the truck I purchase is able to carry the bike.
Obviously, the bed of the truck will have to be long enough to carry a bike. I will also have to research ramps and lifts to figure out how I will actually get the bike in the back of the truck. What else do I need to worry about?
I plan on purchasing a cruiser style bike around a 650 - perhaps a V-Star Classic or Honda Shadow.
2007-10-31 07:05:50 · 7 answers · asked by Johnny K 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Consider getting a trailer instead of putting the motorcycle in the bed of the truck. Riding (or pushing) the bike up a steep ramp into a pickup truck can be difficult. A trailer will have a much lower load height. You can get a landscaping trailer with a full ramp built in. Mount a wheel chock at the front of the trailer and layout tiedown points that fit your bike.
If you do get a ramp, get a trifold ramp so you can straddle the bike and walk up the ramp sides.
2007-10-31 07:22:23 · answer #1 · answered by ctpaddler2000 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Even a truck with a 6 foot bed will hold most bikes if you leave the tailgate down. Make sure you get a good ramp and tie downs for the front AND back of the bike. Don't be tempted into getting a short ramp! A midsize cruiser like you are talking about will benefit from the use of a front wheel chock as well. Buy some soft tie down loops to go with your regular tie downs to keep the hooks from scuffing up your new bike. Enlist the help of someone who knows what they are doing the first time you load or unload. With practice, it becomes very easy even for one person to do it unless you are in some way physically challenged.
2007-10-31 15:07:58 · answer #2 · answered by mel rose 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you need to put a street bike in a truck?
Just kidding, yes, I know there are occasions that require hauling instead of riding - but they should be very few and very far between!
That said, I really agree with everyone who recommends a trailer. An inexpensive used trailer will save you from some very tense moments, and possibly large repair bills if you drop the bike while loading.
2007-11-01 01:23:27 · answer #3 · answered by ducatisti 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a regular bed 1993 GMC Sierra that I put my 2002 Electri-Glide Classic in pulling a 2900 # Camper to Sturgis 975 ea way. My truck has a 4.3 V 6 in it !!
Struggles a bit on the steep grades but not a problem. Done it twice. ( Truck is 5 speed manual)
ramps are tricky, I use the ditch in front of my house and the motorcycle dirt ramp at the Buffalo Chip.
I'd suggest that if you plan on using alum ramps that you have someone on each side helping.
2007-10-31 15:25:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the trailer idea. Finding a good high spot to load from is hard at times. Steep ramps are difficult and dangerous.
My Honda hated going in a truck. Told me so every time.
2007-10-31 17:17:02 · answer #5 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any truck with a long bed will haul it fine. A trailer is easier for loading and unloading. Any truck and most cars will easily haul a motorcycle on a small trailer.
2007-10-31 15:13:32 · answer #6 · answered by shadouse 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any truck with an 8 foot box will have no trouble hauling your bike
2007-10-31 14:10:45 · answer #7 · answered by Ben H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋