Suspension and tie down question

BlackRaptor · Jul 5, 2004

Hey guys,
This may be kind of a dumb question but i figured i would ask.
When i transport my bikes i tie them down in the back of my truck and compress the suspension so they don't fall out the back if i go over a bump going down the road.
My question is will is harm or mess up the suspension to have it compress for a long time say over 15 hours if i leave them in the back of the truck from time to time over night.

like i said it's a dumb one but i don't want to have to rebuild my shocks any sooner then i have to.

BSWIFT · Jul 5, 2004

You may get some leakage from your seals and over time may get some squash of the springs. If you are leaving you bike in your truck I hope you have insurance on your bike. Your auto insurance will not cover theft of the bike nor will your home owners insurance. If you must leave the bike in your truck overnite, loosen the tension and retighten before you travel again.

Speeed · Jul 5, 2004

I cut a lenth of 2x4 and I put it in between the tire and the fender where it bolts to the bottom triple clamp. the suspention only compresses a little and the bike is secure. added bonus = $cheap$

Can Can Kev · Jul 5, 2004

PC racing makes a plastic device that is made to go inbetween the front tire and the fround fender it fits flawlessly on any full size bike ( i think they make um for minis now too) i love mine and wont transport it without it, well i will but its nicer with it, you can sinch down the tie straps as hard as u can to make the bike as stable ass possible because it doesnt just keep pulling down on the suspension, have your local dealer look in parts unlimited i believe they carry them they run 20 bucks or so but it has a lifetime guarante, u break it they replace it no questions asked...

BlackRaptor · Jul 6, 2004

Thanks for the info guys. Thats what i guessed it would do if you tied them down tight for a long time. I've never done it i was just making sure. if my bikes aren't being ridden there on stands with the weight off the shocks.
(Can Can Kev) Thanks for the info on that holder that goes in between the tire and the fender that would work great
I'll have to stop over it my dealer this week and get one ordered.

Yup my 00 CR250 has full coverage on it so I don't have to worry about it being taken. but if i ever have to keep it in the truck for a long time i would lock it in the back with a cable or something. I've got too many mods on that thing to have insurrance replace it with a stocker bike.

JPIVEY · Jul 6, 2004

Here's a cool setup, put some flush mounted D-rings in the bed of the truck, set your bike on your bike stand and use some tie-downs or shackles from the D-rings to your pegs., then just soft tie off your bike like you normaly do; The bike is secure and no weight on the suspension at all.

a454elk · Jul 7, 2004

Not a stupid question, better to ask I say. I use the suspension saver, molded plastic that takes the strain off the forks. You can get them anywhere, check the links on DRN for parts and stuff.

BlackRaptor · Jul 7, 2004

Does anyone know the name of these molded plastic thingies?
I've been search on some of my normal places i pick up parts for my ATV's and Bikes but i'm not finding what i'm looking for.
Thanks again.

Detonator · Jul 7, 2004

Mine's made by Thor and is made of metal (aluminum, judging by its weight). I highly recommend getting one. About $25 Canadian. It fits well, works well. Can't find it on their website, but I own one, so they do exist.
Another little trick I accidentally invented is to get some cheap bungee cords with those plastic clips on the ends.First, tie your bike down as usual. Then, grab a bungee; one end is attached to the loose tie-down strap, and the other is attached to the eye-hook of the tie down where it meets the bed/trailer.Repeat on the other side. Why bother? If you've ever had the occasion to hit a really nasty bump with your truck/trailer, you'll understand. The bike suspension/tires can compress just enough to create some slack in the tie-down, and the jolt can cause the tie-down hook to pop out of the trailer/bed. The stupid bungees serve to not only keep the loose tie-down ends from flapping and fraying, but they hold tension along the tie down in those white-knuckled emergency situations. No, it doesn't beat bolting the tie-downs to the bed/trailer, but some of us don't want permanent attachments.

MXSparx · Jul 7, 2004

BlackRaptor said:
Does anyone know the name of these molded plastic thingies?

PC Racing fork support

darringer · Jul 7, 2004

I made on with a piece of 4x4 wood with a small section of a used rear tire nailed on one end ( to keep it from moving on the front tire). Works perfectly. Bike stays nice and tight, with no suspension strain. I wrapped mine with colored tape to match my bike. Total cost: $0. About half an hour worth of labor.

BlackRaptor · Jul 7, 2004

Awesome. Thanks Bro.

MikeT · Jul 8, 2004

darringer said:
with a small section of a used rear tire nailed on one end ( to keep it from moving on the front tire).

Dude, that is a FANTASTIC Idea! I never thought of using an old knobby to hold it inplace. I think I might make one. GREAT Idea.

What is the OVERALL length you guys are making yours???

RM_guy · Jul 8, 2004

You guys are wasting your time and money. You won't damage your seals by cinching the forks down tight in the back of your truck. Here's a good thread on the subject. http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?t=80255&

JPIVEY · Jul 8, 2004

seals never crossed my mind, I was more worried about the suspension (springs) being compressed for 2-4 hrs at a time, everytime I ride ( long drives ).

RM_guy · Jul 8, 2004

No problem with the springs either. I think it's in the thread but spring failure is tied more to the number of compression cycles than with static compression.

Papakeith · Jul 8, 2004

RM guy hit the nail on the head. It's not that it's compressed, it's how many times it's compressed.
for you gun guys, think of your magazine springs. they can be loaded and left for a long long time with no ill effect. but continued use will wear them down.

JPIVEY · Jul 8, 2004

No problem with the springs either..............spring failure is tied more to the number of compression cycles than with static compression.

:cool: :cool:

:bang: <------------------ Me, trying to get this info in my thick skull

darringer · Jul 8, 2004

I will take a picture, measure it and post it later this evening. RM _Guy and Papa Keith, the main reason I use the holder is to keep the bike more secure. Funny thing though, before I started using my holder, my seals would weep slightly. But since I have been using it every time I transport the bike, I have had zero leakage in 2 years.

darringer · Jul 8, 2004

The holder is approx. 10" long. Used a small section of old rear tire to keep it centered on the front tire during transport. Also added a piece of rubber to cushion underside of fender.

a454elk · Jul 8, 2004

Suspension saver is what mine is called.

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Cha...alse&mscssid=0C4AEDAEE080471C9573861DDE63D1E3

try that one.

Suspension and tie down question

BlackRaptor

BSWIFT

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Speeed

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Can Can Kev

BlackRaptor

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a454elk

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JPIVEY

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