Here are tips on buying the best pickup motorcycle tie downs.We have all needed to load bikes in the back of pickups and we need good pickup motorcycle tie downs. Unfortunately, not all tie downs are the same. Several years ago a buddy of mine was taking his bike in for service. This seemed like a simple enough task, throw it in the back of the pickup, tie it down, and off you go...WRONG! The cheapie tie downs that he had were cumbersome to tighten (and loosen). And, as you might guess, halfway to the dealer one slipped and his bike went right over. Fortunately for him it stayed in the pickup and was only slightly scratched. Moral of the story-DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR TIE DOWNS! There are a couple of key components to keep in mind when purchasing pickup motorcycle tie downs. Firstly, you want to get tie downs that are strong enough to do the job. Most come with a weight rating that should give you a pretty good idea of their strength. It's better to go heavier than lighter-typically the cost difference is minimal. Another consideration is length. Try to get the straps that are long enough to do the job, but not so long that you have an extra ten feet of strapping blowing all over the place. The tightening system is another consideration. Most good quality tie downs have a racheting system that is easy to use and will not slip. Finally, you want to look at the hooks on either ends. The hooks need to be significant and strong-ideally coated with vinyl as well to prevent scratches. Consider the mounting points on your bike and your pickup. Make sure the strap ends are the best fit for both. For more info on motorcycle tie downs including new tie down reviews join our e-zine, Ultimate Biker.
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