How To Tie Down Dirt Bikes (You Should Know)!

Riding a dirt bike is a thrilling experience. But first, you need to transport your bike to a trail system or motocross track. This should not be an issue if you live near a motocross track. After all, securing down a dirt bike on a trailer or truck bed is, and should not be rocket science!

So, how does one tie a dirt bike?

First, park the truck in a flat area. Secondly, roll the bike on the ramp to the trailer/truck bed. Use tie-down straps to secure the bike on four corners. Next, you can roll the trailer into your truck and lock it in place.

There is no right or wrong in trying a dirt bike on a truck bed. The steps to follow will depend on your transport system. Most of us haul our dirt bikes in the end truck while some use sprinter vans. In the end, the steps of tying down a dirt bike are the same.

We’ve discussed below an in-depth discussion on how to tie down a dirt bike.

Should You Tie Down A Motorcycle Without A Chock?

There is divided opinion on whether to tie down a motorcycle without a chock. Some people agree it’s okay to tie down a motorcycle without a choke. Well, while it’s possible to tie down a motorcycle without a chock, it’s never recommended.

The few people that support tying a motorcycle without a chock argue that it’s fine as long the bike is secure and you’re transporting over a short distance. Nonetheless, you must tie your ride if you want to keep it in mint condition without even a scratch because a dirt bike costs a fair amount.

However, for optimal safety of the bike on the road, tie your motorcycle down with a chock. You don’t want to take any chances. When you don’t use a chock, there are high chances of the front-wheel turning. This can have the bike moving while on the trailer or truck bed.

If you’re driving on a bump and rough road, then use a chock. The up and down movement can make wheels unstable and have the bike moving. A metal wheel chock is the best choice but one can improvise one using wood. Overall, it is recommended you use a chock whenever tying down a dirt bike. A chock is a prudent safety measure that ensures the bike stays in place.

When Do You Tie A Dirt Bike?

You tie a dirt bike when you need to transport it from one location to another. If you’re racing professionally, you must transport your motorcycle to a motocross. Well, this is unless you have a motocross in your backyard.

However, if you’re like most of us who have to travel long trips to a trail system, tying a dirt bike is a must. A simple and effective way to transport the bike is to carry it in your bed truck. You can also opt to use a trailer.

To ensure safe transportation, the bike needs tying. So, to simply put it, you tie a dirt bike when you need to transport it securely to a trail system and back. Dirt bikes are huge investments and you want to take good care of them.

The last thing you want is a dirt bike jumping off a trailer or truck bed. Whether it’s a short or a long trip, you need the bike tied firmly.

How To Tie Down Dirt Bikes?

There are a few simple steps you can follow to securely tie down your dirt bike. Whether using a trailer or truck bed, the steps are similar. Below are the steps to follow:

Material Assembly

The first and most crucial step is assembling the necessary materials. Are you using a truck bed or a trailer? Have the trailer or truck set on a flat surface. Next, gather the necessary straps, gears, and ties. The straps must be thick and measure at least 1.5 inches in thickness. Thick straps easily withstand the weight of large bikes.

Nylon tie-down straps are among the best offering excellent resistance. You can also consider ratchet straps which are extremely durable and strong. If you’re transporting a light dirt bike, you can consider cam buckles that are easy to secure and release.

Additionally, make sure you have a wheel chock ready to secure the front wheel. A wheel chock prevents your bike from turning and moving when transporting.

Attaching Straps

Next, you need to attach the straps to the trailer or truck bed. Ideally, you need four straps. Two straps secure the rear wheel while two straps secure the front wheel. Find trailer hooks and attach your straps. Make sure the straps are well attached and dangle them under the trailer. This will provide ample room to load your bike.

It’s recommended you tie the bike diagonally for maximum safety. The front and rear tires should be on opposite sides to reduce pressure on the suspension. If you happen to tie down the bike straight, the front wheel gets suppressed a lot. Tying the bike diagonally helps spread the pressure.

Bike Loading

Using a trailer ramp, load your bike onto the trailer or truck bed. Slowly, push your bike up the trailer. If you have a heavy bike, consider some extra pair of hands to help you. Have one person push the bike while the other controls and steers it.

You can use the bike kickstand while it’s on the truck bed or trailer. This will keep the bike secure giving you ample time to tie it down. This will be a great time to use the wheel chock. Fix the front tire into the wheel chock to prevent any bike movement. You can have the back tire touching the corner of the bed.

Securing the Bike

Now that you have your bike in place, it’s time to secure it using the straps. There are a few steps to follow when securing your bike.

• Start with the tie-down straps and hook them into the handlebars. With the strap on the handlebar, attach it into the bed ring of the truck bed. Repeat the same for the left side.
• Ensure the tires align and close the tailgate.
• Make sure everything is snug and tight. Wrench the straps and ensure they are tight, but not too tight.
• Tie off the excess portions of the straps to prevent flapping as you drive.
• You can also tie the rear tire if you think it will move around. However, the few steps above can secure your bike without tying the rear tire.

Examining the Bike

Lastly, examine the bike one last time to ensure it’s secure and sitting vertically. The bike should be balanced and not lean towards one side. If it’s leaning, loosen the straps and balance them before tightening them.

You can roughly jostle it to make sure it’s tight before driving. Note that if you have higher body weight, be sure that your dirt bike is ready for high weight.

Final Words

Well, that’s it for today! You now know how to tie down a dirt bike for safer transportation. Whether using a trailer or a truck bed, tying down a dirt bike is crucial for safe transportation. With the right equipment and materials, securing your dirt bike is pretty easy.

Make sure you follow the steps above and have your bike transported to a trail system without any hitches.