Tie Down & Securement

Motorcycle Tie-Down Straps to Keep your Ride Secure on the Move

Track day, breakdown or new purchase, whatever the reason for transporting a motorcycle, you need to ensure it’s held securely in place.  Motorcycle tie-down straps are the answer. Yet, which type is suitable for the job and what are their differences? Read on, as we explain how to choose the correct motorcycle tie-down straps.

Why use Motorcycle Tie-Downs?

Transport a motorcycle on the back of a trailer or inside a van, fail to lash it down, and damage occurs. It’s that simple. However careful you are, hit the first bump or bend and your pride and joy is going over. A few well-placed tie-down straps will hold everything in place.

What are the Different Types of Motorcycle Tie-Down Straps?

Tie-down straps are made from woven polyester fabric and are strong and durable. Also, unlike a bungee, tie-downs have minimal stretch. An important feature as a motorcycle’s suspension expands and compresses during transportation. A correctly placed tie-down will prevent movement. You will often find two adjustment and tightening methods on a motorcycle tie-down. These are either a ratchet mechanism or a spring-loaded gator clip. The gator clip is best for quick adjustment and ease of use. This mechanism has limited lash-down strength and makes a better secondary strap. The ratchet tie-down is much stronger. It has the mechanical advantage of a handle and a non-slip ratchet system to exert extra force on the strap for maximum tightening. As for attachment methods, the gator clip strap has a mechanism on one end and loops through the anchor point. Alternatively, ratchet motorcycle tie-down straps feature a hook-shaped fastening. You can use this on anchor points or hook it over secure rails or structures.

How Strong are Motorcycle Tie-Down Straps?

Gator grip straps rarely offer information on strength. While ratchet straps will often give a maximum lifting weight and lash-down weight. Depending on thickness, the average 5-cm wide ratchet strap will have a max lifting weight of around 500-kg. This weight is enough to hoist two BMW R1250 GS’ off the floor. Lash down weight is calculated at one-third of the lifting weight and is the maximum stress you can exert on the strap and fittings.

Tips for Motorcycle Tie-Downs

Depending on the type of transport, you can lash a motorcycle down at four points; two on either side of the front and two at the back. It is also common to use gator straps to secure the handlebars for transportation by truck. Check the type of anchor points available (rails, D-rings or eye bolts etc.), as this will dictate the type of fasteners on your tie-down. Gator grip and ratchet-style tie-downs are available in different lengths. Make sure that the length of the straps will go through the anchor and loop back to the tightening mechanism. Don’t stress too much if you get the length wrong; most motorcycle tie-down straps can join together. When looking for anchor points on your motorcycle, use the frame rails. Pillion footrest and exhaust brackets may bend under heavy ratcheting. Also, keep straps away from gas tanks and body panels as they can dent or crack under pressure. If you can’t avoid contact with an easily marked surface, wrap-around, padded strap covers will help keep the paintwork safe. Finally, with the tie-down straps looped around your motorcycle and secured to the anchor points, compress the suspension slightly before tightening. This procedure will help prevent your motorcycle from bouncing around during the journey. Whatever type of motorcycle you’re transporting on either a trailer or in a truck, motorcycle tie-downs like the XLMOTO Pull-Up strap and the 24MX Tie Down strap will keep your two-wheel investment secure.