TOPIC:

Finally got it assembled and installed into truck bed. Still learning it, and have yet to put a super tanker heavy Harley Ultra up... until I get more confidence and run time. For now, I'm pretty stoked and think it will work out fine.

Certainly easier than trailering out...

Can't wait to see the video where you load the front wheel on the cart and support the bike upright while you strap down the handlebars. Maybe practice with a 125 motocross before attempting with a 700 lb touring bike. I foresee trouble.

nice lift, to expensive for me right now.  Hopefully you haul enough bikes to make it worth your investment.

My contribution to this thread.

I have a ramp fabricated from a rack of a construction site scaffold, it works for me at a reduced cost.

Kawboy wrote:

Can't wait to see the video where you load the front wheel on the cart and support the bike upright while you strap down the handlebars. Maybe practice with a 125 moto?cross before attempting with a 700 lb touring bike. I foresee trouble. 

KB correctly identified one of two crucial steps. And YES I did practice with my 125 Yamaha Enduro. I've learned the best method for CS-1 (critical step 1), is to first connect a tie down the the bike's upper point. Have a 2x6x12" block and pre-positioned where the side stand lands after pushing the bike into the cradle.

Don't have to ride the bike into the cradle, it's an easy push, even for heavier bikes. If needed, walk it in using engine power... but stay on the LHS, no need to try a dismount maneuver. I use conventional tie downs, Pro Taper, quality stuff, for the initial tension then double up with a ratcheting strap tie down for extra security.

Pro Tapers


CS-2 is to have the cradle correctly sized for tire OD and have it bolted firmly in place. It's adjustable for various tire sizes. When loading the first bike I really did NOT want to flop, the CBX, the cradle was misadjusted, too large. About a 1.5" gap from tire front to cradle 'stop' point. When the ramp went from tilted to horizontal, the bike rolled forward the 1.5 inches, loosening the straps.

Luckily, the CBX tilted towards me, not away. If it hadn't been to me, it would have flopped.

Now, I'm in what's called a situation.

The CBX is in the air, at Dodge 3500 dually tail gate height, and with loose straps. Can't reach the strap I need to cinch, on the other side. Can't lower the ramp cause the electrical motive force device (drill motor), is too far away. Had to kind of push the bike away from me, then quickly walk around the 2 or 3 foot extension past the tailgate, grab the CBX,  tighten the strap.

All is well that ends well... 

Going to modify the cradle so that the front has either a clamp or some kind of 'chock' to better capture, stabilize, the front tire. My little trailer has a Condor Chock, I can ride my Rally Bike FJR1300 into it, dismount, and the bike is captured. Need that stability level here.The other mod will be to extend the arms that secure the bike to the cradle and inner rails. They are only about 6" long, meaning the pull is more vertical than to the side, which would offer better stability when bouncing down my 3 mile long dirt road...