| Author | Message | ||
     Snackbar64 |
Ramps are so doggone expensive although the cost of one compared to the value of the bike is miniscule. I don't want to have a back/bike breaking experience for failure to use a ramp, but is there an alternative. Will a thick wood board hold it long enough to get on the bed of a GMC Sierra? (Message edited by snackbar64 on June 21, 2010) | ||
| Buelltroll |
lol I personally wouldn't try it. Especially considering I've dropped mine OFF my ramps n the cost to repair it was way more trouble than moving the truck 3 feet like I thought I probly should  I seriously doubt a 2x4 would hold the weight. But whats the worst that could happen right.... lol (Message edited by buelltroll on June 21, 2010) | ||
| Snackbar64 |
Damn! That's what I needed to hear. I don't think I'll try it now. | ||
| Buelltroll |
n thinkin about it now I still haven't replaced the broken headlight bezel OR the 300$ undertail  | ||
| Scheetz31 |
look into this one...might build one this summer, but tweek one or two things http://www.bikercamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/ 02/DIY-bike-Ramp.pdf | ||
| Xb984r |
A 2x10 will hold it just fine. | ||
| Hughlysses |
A 2x10 will hold it just fine. +1 to that. If you want to go a little better, you can buy a kit that has an extruded aluminum piece to go on the end so that it sits flush on your tailgate. Works fine for my Uly or 1125CR. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Alex and I wrestled my Uly up a dubious looking 2x8 he had in the back of his truck. Worked fine, but there was a bit of pucker involved. I made a ramp from a 2x6 with a 2x4 on each side, pretty much making kind of an I-beam, but really a U-beam. Lots of screws in the sides. It's insanely strong, doesn't really even flex. | ||
| Badrap |
My concern with using wood planks is that can be a little slippery. Be careful. | ||
| Reepicheep |
The "U" is up on mine as well, which is good as you can feel the tire you aren't watching getting close to the edge, and bounce it down easily to line it back up. Probably would be too slick to use if it is wet. | ||
| Shinook69 |
you could just lift it they are not that heavy | ||
| 1324 |
I recommend buying a decent set of ramps. You'll use them for ATV's, lawn tractors, and motorcycles. Plus, they don't bend as much a a 2x8/10...unless you build a custom ramp like the guys above are talking about. http://www.tractorsupply.com/vehicle-ramps/better- built-arched-aluminum-loading-ramp-1035016 | ||
| Nuerburgringer |
Pretty danged fundamental piece of equipment; is it really worthwhile to cut corners? CMP has a nice wide steel ATV ramp with 950 pound capacity for a little over $100. Its all I've used for ten years. Indestructible, and I can easily load bikes into my GMC solo, including the Firebolt. If that seems like overkill, their motorcycle ramp is about $80. Geez, just buy the ramp, and live without your paddock neighbors' snickering. | ||
| Jaylightnn08 |
dont know where your at, but in florida i use publix supermarkets parking lot cause the one here has a little grass gully for the rain to drain into, basically a drainage ditch. All i do is pull my truck into the ditch till the tailgate is touching the side of the ditch then i just drive my bike into the truck bed  Justun | ||
| Fast1075 |
Trailer with a drop rear door....roll the bike in and out....when I was racing, I had a 16 foot trailer with drop door, strip curtains, a/c and generator....it cost less than you would think...and the bikes stayed dry, secure, and I had room for all my supplies and spares. | ||
| Poppinsexz |
I've used 2x8's for years to load my 4 wheeler. Take a can of paint and throw sand on the board while you paint it. Great wet weather traction aid. Also cut an angle into the bottom of the board so that more board surface touches the ground. I took some 1/4 inch steel plate and bent it, then bolted it to the board so that it will sit on the tail gate. | ||
| Krueger08xb12s |
Use hills to your advantage. I have a hill in my yard that if I ride the bike on, back the truck up to it, and lay a 2x10 FLAT to the bed and roll it on. I usually find a hill at destination B as well. | ||
| Drkside79 |
I'm sure it would depending on the length but Why would you try to roll it down a 4 in plank? | ||
| Black |
If you are considering buying a ramp, don't forget to ensure that the underside of your bike (muffler etc.) will clear the ramp when it is on the tailgate of a truck. I think you will need an eight foot ramp at a MINIMUM for a normal sized motorcycle onto an F-150, for example. Go to your dealer and drag a ramp out into the parking lot and look at it on your truck. Trust me. The dealer will be happy to oblige. I used to use a board when I was a kid loading a dirt bike, but as the good book says, "When I became a man, I put away childish things." Another thing....I wear a helmet when loading a bike with any ramp. Had a friend catch his foot and fall bike and all off the back of a truck. He smacked his head hard on the pavement....fortunately, he had on a helmet. You just never know when you will need safety gear. | ||
| 1324 |
Excellent point, Black. You can also calculate your length based on a few measurements: http://www.ramp-master.com/calculator.html | ||
| Blake |
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200 318225_200318225 Been using one like the above for years now. Works great for four wheel stuff too, like mowers if needed. Look locally for sales. Atwoods had 'em here for even less. I think they're made in Louisiana. | ||
| Blake |
Or the ramp kit ends work okay too, but you might have to scan and bag 'em yourself. You're hilarious, "Walmart scouts."  | ||
| Blake |
You have email. | ||
| Snackbar64 |
Thanks for reaching out and checking out my site Blake. Yes, I was discovered at Wal-mart! And to everyone else thanks for the suggestions, I really appreciate the help and the stories. Black, don't you worry, I will surely use your helmet advice. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I have the "ramp kit ends" posted above on a 2x10. The thing has held numerous 1000 harley ultra-touring beasts over the past 5 years. We covered it in chicken wire like this:  and stapled it on with a staple gun. Never had a traction issue. | ||
| Walrus2004 |
me and a friend got my buell into a colorado using a single 8ft 2x4. without me on it of course. although it did bend quite a bit... looked more like a parabola | ||
| Hootowl |
"All i do is pull my truck into the ditch till the tailgate is touching the side of the ditch then i just drive my bike into the truck bed" Done that MANY times. | ||
| Firebolt32 |
All i do is pull my truck into the ditch till the tailgate is touching the side of the ditch then i just drive my bike into the truck bed Exactly what I do. I just don't need to go to Publix. The ditch running next to my road is just fine. | ||
| Jaylightnn08 |
word  | ||
| 2008xb12scg |
what ever you use make sure you tie it to the truck. otherwise when the front tire hits the bed of the truck the wheel will push it away from the truck. ending in you and your bike on the ground as everybody just stares and says what a dumb@$$... damhik... |
