Tying down motorcycles

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Droid

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I've seen people ask a few times here about tying down motorcycles in a Raptor. I just got back from a trip to Mammoth with my Dad with our two FZ-1s in the back. Mounted a 1/2" eye bolt through the bed, dead center, just over 6" aft of the front bed wall for a center tie-down point. Placing it 6" aft makes it equal with the other tie downs and clears the front bed support (underneath). Unfortunately it means that if you're tying down only one bike you'll now have to place it slightly off-center.

The fit was very tight, and you're only going to be able to load two sportbikes or dirtbikes like this. You're not going to get a pair of R1200GSes or Harley baggers in there.

If you're ordering a Raptor and plan to load bikes a lot, get the tailgate step. I used to think it was a pretty stupid overpriced option...no longer...at least on the first part. The bed extender is probably better off removed, but we managed to make it work.

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For reference, an FZ1 has a 57.5" wheelbase, is 84.3" long and 30.3" wide (wikipedia specs).
 

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Ruger

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I only transport one bike at a time, position it diagonally thereby trapping both tires in the corners of the bed, and can therefore close the back gate. I think that closing and locking the back gate provides a significant security advantage in a truck as tall as a Raptor. The factory cargo loops are sufficient for a motorcycle transported this way.
 

Wilson

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I just hope it don't fall out don't even use the extender anymore and slide the gate under has stayed in so far.

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---------- Post added at 10:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:48 PM ----------

looks to me like I could put the stick up to ensure it stays in.
 

jondle

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I use a 4' ATV ramp because I needed it "now" and that was the only one the bike shop had in stock. It is flat, not arc'd like a normal motorcycle ramp. I DO NOT recommend it. I have to find a curb or something to put the front tires on so I don't scrape on the tailgate.
 

lathrash

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I only transport one bike at a time, position it diagonally thereby trapping both tires in the corners of the bed, and can therefore close the back gate. I think that closing and locking the back gate provides a significant security advantage in a truck as tall as a Raptor. The factory cargo loops are sufficient for a motorcycle transported this way.

I transport my bike like this too.
 
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I have dirt bikes, and i can put two bikes in like you have pictured, and then take the strap that holds your tailgate and wrap it around the prong so your tailgate is about half way down.
Hard to explain but I will take a pic next time, if I only have 1 bike in there I put it in sideways and close the tailgate :)

BTW, I feather the clutch and walk them up. No riding it up for me :)
 
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