Motorcycle loading and unloading tips and tricks

[orbiker]

I am very new to hauling my motorcycle around. In the 300,000 to 400,000 mile that I have ridden, the motorcycles that I've had have only been hauler twice. The year that gas went way out of sight, my wife and I took my brother's motorcycle trailer behind the pick-up camper to 2 different times. We saved on food and lodging to help pay for gas and fuel.
It is very easy to load a large motorcycle into a low motorcycle trailer. Not so, with the Momentum 380TH. Going up was easy. Coming down was very spooky. It was skidding most of the way down.

What's the trick?

[Mikes145]

I haven't tried loading mine yet, but what I thought I would do is leave it in gear, engine off, and used the front brake and clutch to slow it down. Providing the ramp is dry, it doesn't seem like it would skid this way.

[orbiker]

I haven't tried loading mine yet, but what I thought I would do is leave it in gear, engine off, and used the front brake and clutch to slow it down. Providing the ramp is dry, it doesn't seem like it would skid this way.

That's what I though about too, AFTER I got it down off the ramp. I tried using the clutch on a steep driveway out off a country road and only need the clutch. I ride a 2013 Victory XCT and it's a BIG BIKE. I had a 2005 Road King before the Victory. They are very close in weight.

[Mikes145]

Nice looking bike. I want to get rid of my Honda Shadow 1100 and get a bigger bike. Something more comfy and a fairing. The windshield doesn't cut it, especially on the freeway.

[orbiker]

Nice looking bike. I want to get rid of my Honda Shadow 1100 and get a bigger bike. Something more comfy and a fairing. The windshield doesn't cut it, especially on the freeway.

I love the Road King. It went to Alaska and also across the USA. The Victory is a step above the Road King. Less maintenance and a way smoother ride.



US 12 in Idaho


Camping after a quick trip to Glacier NP

[orbiker]

I installed Lock N Load Deluxe Wheel Chock and CargoBuckle G3 retractable ratchet tie downs for the Victory XCT in the garage. Best motorcycle wheel chock tie down kit

The toyhauler is in the driveway up (almost) against the house, so the bike is not going to be in the picture yet.

[tmm2good]

I back down with the engine running, in 1st gear. I use the clutch to slow me down. I skid on the ramp way less than using the brakes alone. I feel much more in control.

My bike is a Kawasaki Concours. about 600 lbs.

[Big Mike]

I unload my bike (Harley Ultra Limited) engine off in 1st gear, use the clutch and front brake, but mostly the clutch...come down slow. No problem.

Big Mike

[joestaz]

Yes it's best to back out with engine off, in 1st gear founder the clutch and brake to back out. Don't hold the front brake or the front wheel will slide. Good luck. Always a little scary.

[orbiker]

Thanks everyone for confirming that the clutch is the ticket to backing down the ramp.

Ride Safe