How to Strap Down a Dirt Bike
Dirt bikes have been around for over 100 years, but the technology behind them has changed dramatically. There are now dozens of manufacturers that offer dirt bikes in all kinds of different shapes, sizes, and configurations.
To get your new dirt bike ready for riding, you will need some basic tools as well as an understanding of how it should be strapped down while transporting it or storing it when not in use. Today, I will discuss some easy techniques on how to strap down a dirt bike, which will help you keep your bike in good condition.
Required Materials to Strap Down a Dirt Bike
- A ratchet strap.
- A couple of bungee cords.
- Duct tape/electrical tape to secure the straps and then cover them with dirt or sand so that they are not visible from a distance but still strong enough for use.
- Personal safety equipment like gloves and goggles.
Processes on How to Strap Down a Dirt Bike
The Ratchet Method
To keep your bike stationary while you’re tightening the straps, use a board or other object to keep the bike from moving. If you have a partner, this is also an excellent time for them to hold down one of your tires with their foot as you tighten it on both sides.
A ratchet strap can be used if there are no objects around that will help stabilize the bike while tightening and loosening. This method takes more strength than using bungee cords because they need to apply constant pressure without letting go of the dirt bike’s wheels not to lose traction and slide outwards into something else (or someone!).
The Bungees Method
Use two bungee cord loops at opposite ends of the vehicle frame – these should be near where the bike starts under its handlebars and where the bike ends under its seat.
The first loop should be as far from the front wheel as possible and on top of that same side’s frame, while the second loop should go over the opposite end of the vehicle near where it starts to curve upward towards the handlebars.
Please make sure both loops are close up against each other so they can provide a strong grip around your dirt bike without slipping down onto any part of it! The cord itself will need to wrap tightly enough around either end (though not too tight!) for it to hold pressure when you take out one strand at a time to tighten them – this means starting with no strands left inside but only wrapped ones on the outside.
A bungee cord is ideal because they’re thicker and less likely to break, but a rope will work as well. A good knot is essential for the first loop because you want it to securely hold its grip around your dirt bike without letting go even if some of the strands end up breaking off.
So make sure that when you wrap it over one side or another, there’s enough distance from either wheel or handlebars (ideally) to ensure this won’t happen!
The third loop should go under where the seat is and secure itself by wrapping tightly around those same two points on the opposite frame before attaching them to any other part of your vehicle.
Ensure all three loops are tight against each other and safe from getting caught in moving parts like wheels! Now take a look at your work, and tug at it to make sure all the knots are secure.
It can be tough to keep your dirt bike from moving around while you’re trying to strap down each side – so consider parking it on flat ground or even putting one of those foot-long pieces of wood beneath either wheel. This will make things much easier for any person who has never strapped up their own vehicle before!
The first loop should go over where the seat is and secure itself by wrapping tightly around both sides (one point securely in front of the handlebars, another behind!) before attaching to anything else on your dirt bike.
The second loop should go underneath where the motorcycle’s frame meets its wheels and attach back onto whichever loop it came from. Finally, the third loop should go over the gas tank, and then you can finally attach that point to a secure place on your dirt bikes, like the rear passenger seat or even just another part of the frame.
The fourth loop is what’s called an “up-down,” and this one goes around both sides of where your front wheel meets its forks before attaching onto either side (depending which way they’re pointing) for extra protection against any moving parts. When you strap down a dirt bike! For these last two loops.
You have to make sure all the knots are tight and let out as much slack on each rope as possible without making them too short to be useful – but not so long they’ll wind up getting caught in something else.
The final step is to tie the end of the rope in a knot as well. This one should be close to where you started, and just make sure it’s tight enough that even if someone tried, they wouldn’t be able to get your dirt bike loose. The same goes for all those loops – make them secure before you go about your day.
Precautions While Strapping Down a Dirt Bike
- Keep your hands free to work by wearing gloves, not carrying anything else while strapping down the dirt bike.
- If you’re doing it in a space where there’s no surface to attach straps directly onto (a garage floor or driveway), look for places on the floor that have been exposed and are most likely sturdy enough to hold up under the weight of something heavy like a motorcycle – usually cracks around objects such as heater vents will do just fine.
- A car jack can be used to raise one end of the bike, so both ends are off the ground, which makes strapping easier but keeps an eye out for changes in height before loosening all fasteners since this is when motorcycles are at their most vulnerable from falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Strapping a Bike?
Strapping a bike is the process of securing it to another solid object. There are two types of strapping: tie-down straps and bungee cords, which can be used separately or in conjunction for extra support.
Why Should You Strap Down Your Bike?
If your motorcycle falls over without being strapped down, it could get scratched up by other objects such as rocks and sticks on the ground. This will cause permanent damage that might not be covered under warranty unless you have an accidental damage plan.
Which Rope is Best for Strapping A Dirt Bike?
The type of rope you should use to strap down your dirt bike depends on where you plan to store it. For example, if the truck bed is flat, then ratchet tie-down straps are perfect for keeping things secure and in place while driving. There’s no need to worry about them coming loose or moving around at all – if tightened correctly, and these will stay put until they’re unclipped again.
On the other hand, if you have an open trailer with ramps so the bike can go inside more easily than sliding through, webbing straps (like those included with most bikes) are best as there isn’t enough room for using a ratchet set up in this situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we hope that this article has given you a good, general idea of how to strap down your dirt bike. We recommend investing in the right tools and/or equipment for the job before starting, as this will make things much easier.
The number one thing is safety! No matter what you do when securing a dirt bike down, all straps must be tight enough so they don’t come loose or snap under pressure.
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Darren Matlock
Hi, I'm Darren. I love dirt bikes and everything about the off-road lifestyle. I'm passionate about motorbikes, cars, racing sports and going on adventures. If you're like me and enjoy extreme sports, you've come to the right place! I like to write articles about dirt bikes to help beginners get started. Whether you're interested in buying a dirt bike, ATV, motorcycle or want to ride for hobby, I hope my articles will inspire you to learn more about how this machine can be used to ride.
