[Ducati] RE: motorcycle ramps and tie-down stuff

[Stephen Abramson]

I have one similar to the canyon dancer-it doesn't have a name on it. Used
to use it on the Duc when it was the track bike- now it's for the jap wench
track slave. I use it in tandem with a Baxley stand, which is man's best
friend at the track, so it does double duty in the truck for transport, and
does such a good job of holding the bike that you don't have to cinch the
front end down very much. The truth is, with a good front end stand like the
Baxley, you don't even have to use tie-downs on the front end. You can just
cinch the bike from the frame somewhere just above the pegs. I have always
had a full size van for transport, so my bikes don't get wet, but be aware
about open bed wet transport-things seem to have a little more potential for
loosening up when wet. I had a horrible experience when I transported my
first bike back in the '70's home in my van. Didn't cinch the front end
enough, got within one block of my home coming from the dealer, and brought
together just the wrong set of dynamic conditions between bike and van- too
hard on the truck brakes and too quick turning onto my street. Between
braking and turning, the bike's front end compressed enough so that the
lower hook of the left tie down came out from under the truck seat where it
was hooked. As the truck straightened out, the bike crashed over on its
right side in the truck. Was exceedingly lucky-almost no damage. But what I
have done since then if I only use tie downs is to hook a regular ole'
bungee cord between the two tie downs. That way, if there is a grievous
panic stop situation, and the front end should compress, the bungee will
take up the slack between the tie downs and keep them hooked where they
should be. Chances are that might never happen to you, but.....one never
knows. Easy to do, and can only help.

Good luck,
Steve






Thank you.

And yea, I had figured I would probably put it in a few days before, drive
it to work, unload, reload after work, etc for practice.  It is a short run
to work, so I can see if anything comes loose.

H

-----Original Message-----
From: ducati-bounces at ducati.net [mailto:ducati-bounces at ducati.net] On Behalf
Of fhecker at earthlink.net
Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2008 2:34 PM
To: ducati list
Subject: [Ducati] RE: motorcycle ramps and tie-down stuff

greetings earthlings,

    Sorry to hear about your  grandfather, Harlyn.  Have you seen the system
that holds the motorcycle upright by using the rear axle with a bracket,
mounted to the floor of the truck bed or trailer?  Seems like that would be
a good way to keep your Ducati in place should things get exciting,
travelling-wise.  And when you decide which way to go with securing the
bike, practice doing it, so you remember how to do it.  The night before you
leave on a trip is not the best time to put the bike in your truck for the
first time.  Good luck!

ciao, 
Fred Hecker
' 96 900 SS SP    B-52        20k miles

fhecker at earthlink.net
EarthLink Revolves Around You.
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