[klarowe]

After a long wait, I finally got a chance to pick up an enclosed trailer. A good buddy of mine and I both went halves and found a nice enclosed 6 x 12 a couple hours away. We went for a drive and it ended up being a little dirty, but in overall great condition for the price ($1100)

We went out and picked up 2 harbor freight wheel chocks with the full craddle (hold the bike up to easily be able to strap it down). I actually have to modify mine slightly because the Stryker front wheel is too big and the cradle doesn't allow it to sit on the ground.

Anyways, what is the best way to strap down the Stryker. With my R6, I used a canyon dancer handlebar tie-down and strapped the front down until the front forks were fully compressed. Some said this was the best way, but to me it seemed like it was putting a lot of stress on the fork seals. I would prefer a way to strap it down that didn't put stress on the forks / seals.

So, how do you properly tie down a Stryker???

 

[strykenshane]

I use ratchet tie downs and compress the forks about 60%

 

[klarowe]

Where do you attach the straps? I was thinking around the 'fork bracket' where the turn signals are but I wasn't sure how strong it was...

 

[Raven]

I use a canyon dancer type strap on the handlebars and compress the forks maybe half way. You never want to compress fully because it can blow out the fork seals . I also strap around the passenger peg mounting brackets just to stop the rear end from bouncing around. I also just picked up a locking front wheel chock.

 

[klarowe]

The problem I will have with using the canyon dancer is that with how wide the handlebars already are, and how narrow a space I have to strap it down (fitting 2 bikes wide in a 6' width) the straps will actually be angled inward... which is why I would prefer to go off the forks somewhere.... just not sure where is safe to strap to.

 

[strykenshane]

I also strap mine to the handlebars, when my buddy and i tow ours we typically back one bike in put 2 straps on both front and rear, never had had a problem

 

[immortal13]

I also strap mine to the handlebars, when my buddy and i tow ours we typically back one bike in put 2 straps on both front and rear, never had had a problem

Very good idea, Shane. I use the Cycle-cinch strap kit....attaches to handlebars.

 

[ROADKILL]

The problem I will have with using the canyon dancer is that with how wide the handlebars already are, and how narrow a space I have to strap it down (fitting 2 bikes wide in a 6' width) the straps will actually be angled inward... which is why I would prefer to go off the forks somewhere.... just not sure where is safe to strap to.

As long as the straps are pulling forward it shouldn't matter - as far as compressing the forks I usually pull them down about an inch - I also use two straps on the rear off the sissy bar - since it is a 12ft trailer you might consider moving 1 chock back a few feet so the bikes are staggered

 

[klarowe]

The bikes are actually pretty well staggered already because of the rake on the Stryker (other bike is a Honda CBR1000). I'll have to play around with the straps a bit... I might be able to get the canyon dancer to work... I was just kinda hoping to find something a little easier.. lol.

 

[kraaazymike]

What ever you do, check the integrity of the staps you use. You dont want to end up like Megabuddys....
http://www.yamahastarstryker.com/index.php/topic,3485.msg54787.html#msg54787

 

[klarowe]

lol... I even go a little overboard with the straps sometimes. I've had a strap snap on me and put a bike on its side. Luckily it was my first bike (83 GS550E) that I really didn't care too much about. Replaced the brake lever, rattle canned the fairing, and it was good to go.