Riding a dirt bike down the empty roads or tracks is fun and exciting, and the thrill multiplies tenfold when it is a dirt bike. While the dirt bike rides are amazing, the problem is transporting or carrying them from one place to another without causing damage.
Now, you can transport a dirt bike safely in quite a few methods, but the best way is to use a carrier to make sure that no damage reaches the bike. So, the question arises, how to tie down a dirt bike on a carrier securely?
Well, I have the solution for you. Stay tuned as I will discuss the method of securing a dirt bike on a carrier securely and several other factors relevant to the topic.
7 Simple Steps To Tie Down A Dirt Bike On A Carrier Risk-Free:
The process of securing a dirt bike on a carrier is easy and only requires a few steps, but there are risks included. You will have to properly follow every step to ensure a proper and secure tie-down of your dirt bike. The steps of tying down a dirt bike on a carrier are as follows:
Step 1: Set Up The Carrier
The first step is to set up the carrier in place. Depending on the type of carrier you use, it will either be attached to the side or rear of your vehicle. Make sure that you park the vehicle in a flat area to ensure that the dirt bike gets on the carrier smoothly without any damage.
Step 2: Connect A Ramp To The Carrier
To get the dirt bike safely, you will have to connect a ramp to the carrier. Lock the ramp securely with the carrier to ensure that it does not move or damage the bike while you are moving it up the ramp.
Once it is in place, push the bike up the ramp and onto the carrier and make sure that it is set properly.
Step 3: Assemble The Straps On The Dirt Bike
After you have placed the ramp in place, it is now time to assemble the straps on the dirt bike. These cords will help you to secure the bike to the carrier and keep it in place without tilting or falling.
A total of four straps are attached to the bike: two to the front, and two to the rear side of the bike. Make sure that you put on the belts before pushing the dirt bike up the ramp so that the bike does not tilt or endure damage while assembling the straps.
Step 4: Load The Dirt Bike On The Carrier
The next step is to load the dirt bike on the carrier. Before pushing the bike up to the carrier, check the condition of the ramp and the carrier and ensure that it is set in place.
To load the bike on the carrier, put it on neutral and push it up the ramp and onto the carrier. While it is a task that you can perform individually, do not try to ride the bike up the ramp and onto the carrier to avoid a deadly injury.
Step 5: Tie The Straps On The Front
After setting the dirt bike on the carrier, the next step is to tie the straps on the front of the dirt bike to the frame of the carrier. As we discussed earlier, we attached two straps to the front of the bike and you will have to tie them down to secure the bike in place.
Take the belts and pull them to the side of the carrier and tie it properly. To ensure better security, it is better if you use cords that come with hooks on the ends.
Step 6: Tie The Straps On The Rear End
Once you have secured the front of the bike on the platform, secure the rear end in a similar method. Pull the straps attached to the frame on the rear side of the bike and tie them down to the carrier tightly and properly.
Step 7: Tighten The Belts And Check Everything Properly
Last but not least, you will have to tighten the straps and check all the necessary steps to make sure that you have not missed any. If the belts are not tightened properly, the dirt bike will move and can tilt to the side, causing damage to the vehicle.
Not only that, but this can also cause accidents while moving and damage the dirt bike significantly.
5 Mistakes You Should Avoid While Securing A Dirt Bike On A Carrier
There are a few common mistakes that riders make when it comes to loading or securing a dirt bike on a carrier. Let us take a look at the most common mistakes and how you can avoid these:
1. Not Adjusting The Carrier And Ramp Properly
One of the frequent mistakes that the riders make is that they do not adjust the carrier and the ramp perfectly. In case the carrier is not placed properly, it will move and can fall off the vehicle, severely damaging the dirt bike.
In addition to that, adjusting the ramp and locking it in place is also essential to make sure that you can successfully load the bike up the ramp and on the carrier.
2. Not Using Quality Straps And Belts
The use of proper and high-quality straps and belts is essential when it comes to tying down the front and rear end of the dirt bike to the carrier. Using old or damaged belts to secure the bike can often result in them tearing and will cause the bike to fall over and get damaged.
3. Improperly Tightening The Straps
A common mistake riders make is that they do not tighten the straps after tying down the dirt bike. While tying down the bike secures it to a certain extent, there is still space for the dirt bike to fall off or tilt to the side. This is the reason why it is important to tighten the cords to make sure that the bike does not have space to move.
However, tying the belts too tightly for a long time can also affect the compressor and suspension system of the bike. Thus, it is important to make sure that the straps are tied properly and at the right pressure and stretch.
4. Drive The Bike Up The Ramp
Many riders prefer to drive their dirt bikes up the ramp instead of pushing them on the carrier. While it looks easier to drive the bike to the carrier, it is extremely dangerous and can be fatal.
5. Not Taking The Weight Of The Bike Into Consideration
One of the major mistakes that the riders make when it comes to securing a dirt bike is that they do not consider the weight of the bike. It is illegal to carry a bike on a carrier that has a larger weight compared to the suggested weight capacity of the carrier.
To avoid this issue, make sure that you take the measurements and weight of the bike into consideration before finalizing on a dirt bike carrier.
3 Useful Tips To Secure A Dirt Bike On A Carrier Firmly And Safely:
The steps we discussed above are necessary when it comes to securing a dirt bike on a carrier. However, there are a few tips and tricks that can improve the security of dirt bikes and provide you with a stress-free situation. Here, we will discuss the tips on how to secure a dirt bike on a carrier firmly and safely.
Tip 1: Use A Ramp to Walk Along With The Bike Ramp
Pushing the dirt bike up the ramp to the carrier is not always an easy task, and it is often hard to do so individually. A tip that helps riders to push the dirt bikes is to use a walking ramp along with the bike ramp.
This way, you can easily push the bike and handle it without having to worry about it falling over or causing an accident.
Tip 2: Use Belts And Straps With Hooks
A useful tip for securing the dirt bike firmly and safely is to use belts and straps that have hooks on the ends. These hooks on the straps allow the riders to secure the bike to the carrier perfectly as the knots on regular belts can come undone easily.
Tip 3: Assemble The Straps At Specific Points On The Bike
As we discussed above, four straps are connected to four points of the bike- with two belts in front and two on the rear end. To ensure a proper balance of the dirt bike, the straps must be assembled at specific points on the bike.
When it comes to the front end of the bike, connect the two straps to the handle of the bike and the other two belts on the frame at the rear end of the dirt bike.
Related Questions:
Do You Need Lights On A Dirt Bike Carrier?
The use of lights on a dirt bike carrier is not a necessity. Even though it is not an essential item for bike carriers, many riders prefer it to alert other drivers and people on the road, especially during the night.
However, the case is not the same when it comes to carriers that are adjusted to the back of the vehicles. In cases like these, the lights on the carrier are important as the bike or the carrier often prevent people from seeing or following the headlights or the number plate of the vehicle.
How Do You Use A Carrier?
Using a carrier is easy and a highly convenient way of carrying dirt bikes from one place to another. The bike carrier is adjusted to the rear or side of a vehicle and the bike is hoisted on it with the help of a ramp.
The bike is then secured to the carrier through straps to ensure that it does not tilt anywhere or get damaged while moving from one place to another.
Is Dirt Bike Carrier Legal Or Illegal?
Several factors affect the answer of whether a dirt bike carrier is legal or illegal. Driving with a bike carrier without a bike is illegal. In a few states or areas, including Arizona, California, Michigan, and many more, it is illegal to use a bike carrier that covers the headlights or number plate of the vehicle.
However, it is legal to drive with a dirt bike on a carrier if it does not cross the maximum allowed weight. Not only that, rear-mounted dirt bike carriers with lights can be used in case they cover the number plate or headlights.
How Do You Tie Down Your Dirt Bike Without Tie Downs?
An effective way of tying down a dirt bike on a bike carrier securely without tie downs is to use wheel chocks. These chocks are typically made up of sturdy metal and are placed and secured on the carrier to keep the bikes in place.
Even though it is a great replacement for the tie downs we usually prefer, it does not provide the same level of safety or security as the straps or belts do.
How Much Does It Cost To Tie Down A Dirt Bike On A Carrier?
Using a dirt bike carrier is an easy and cost-effective way of transporting a dirt bike from one place to another. The cost of the entire setup of carrying a dirt bike will cost approximately $200.
You will need a carrier depending on the weight and measurements of your bike, a bike ramp to push the dirt bike up to the carrier, and straps or belts to tie down the bike to the carrier.
What Are The Best Heavy-Duty Dirt Bike Carriers?
While there are hundreds of dirt bike carriers available in the industry, not all of them are worth the money. According to experts and enthusiasts, hitch carriers or bike carriers made up of metal with a decent maximum weight light are typically the best choices for dirt bike carriers. However, there are a lot of other factors that affect the choice or selection of dirt bike carriers.
Final Verdict:
While riding a dirt bike is adventurous and fun, we cannot say the same about tying it down and carrying it with us. Securing a dirt bike on a carrier is relatively easy if you follow the rules and steps correctly and it is essential for your safety and others.
I hope that my guide on how to tie down a dirt bike on a carrier will help you to secure your dirt bike without any hassle. Make sure that you follow all the rules properly and enjoy a safe ride.
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