Motorcycle Tie Down Straps
Motorcycle tie down straps are designed to secure bikes during transport while helping protect painted, polished, and other delicate surfaces. Whether you are hauling a street bike, cruiser, dirt bike, or touring motorcycle, the right strap setup helps limit movement in a trailer, truck bed, or toy hauler.
Motorcycle Tie Down Strap Construction
Most motorcycle straps are made with 1" or 2" polyester webbing. Polyester offers high strength with minimal stretch, helping the straps maintain tension while the motorcycle is in transit. The webbing is also easy to handle, tension, and store between trips.
Motorcycle transport straps are available in several colors, making it easy to coordinate them with your bike, trailer, or other cargo control equipment.
Types of Motorcycle Straps
Motorcycle ratchet straps use a ratcheting mechanism to apply and maintain tension. Their mechanical advantage makes them a practical choice when a firm, controlled hold is needed, but care should be taken to avoid overtightening the strap or placing unnecessary pressure on the motorcycle.
Cam buckle straps offer quick, straightforward tensioning without a ratcheting mechanism. They typically apply less tension than ratchet straps, which can make them useful when securing lighter bikes or working around more delicate surfaces. Because cam straps are tightened by hand, proper tension depends more heavily on the user.
Motorcycle straps commonly use coated S-hooks or double J-hooks. A vinyl or rubber coating creates a protective barrier between the metal hook and the bike, helping reduce the risk of scratches and other surface damage.
Hook-end straps can be connected to compatible trailer anchor points or fittings used with L-track and E-track systems. Always confirm that the hook, fitting, and anchor point are compatible before securing the motorcycle.
Motorcycle Handlebar Straps and Soft Ties
Handlebar Straps
Motorcycle handlebar straps create a soft connection point between the bike and the tie-down hook. The strap loops around the handlebars so the metal hook does not need to contact the motorcycle directly, helping protect painted and finished surfaces during transport.
Soft Tie Down Straps
Soft tie down straps provide another hardware-free connection point for securing a motorcycle. Options with plush protective covers add cushioning around the handlebars or frame, while natural-colored covers help prevent dye transfer onto the bike.
How to Choose Motorcycle Tie Downs
Consider the motorcycle, transport vehicle, and available anchor points when selecting a tie-down setup. Important factors include:
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Tensioning method: Choose ratchet straps for greater mechanical tension or cam buckle straps for faster, lighter tensioning.
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Webbing width: Select 1" or 2" webbing based on the strap configuration and application requirements.
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End fittings: Match the hooks or fittings to the anchor points in the truck, trailer, or track system.
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Surface protection: Use coated hooks, handlebar straps, or soft ties to help keep metal hardware away from the motorcycle.
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Strength rating: Verify that every strap and component has a working load limit suitable for the application.
Complete Your Motorcycle Tie Down Setup
Complete motorcycle tie down systems combine properly rated straps, secure anchor points, and protective accessories into one transport setup. Motorcycle tie down accessories and custom tie down straps are also available for unique bikes, trailers, and cargo securement requirements.
Inspect the webbing, stitching, hooks, buckles, and anchor points before each use. Replace any component with cuts, excessive wear, deformation, corrosion, or other visible damage.
