Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: ARS on December 06, 2012, 07:52:03 PM

Title: Truck Ramp
Post by: ARS on December 06, 2012, 07:52:03 PM
I have a perfectly good aluminum low rider trailer/ramp combo, but I'd like to get the bike in the back of the truck.  I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive ramp system that won't put me on a ramen noodle diet for the next three years. . . and yeah I know. . ."why not ride it instead of haul it". . .my bride is great on the back, but if it rains or gets too cold, Mama ain't happy and 'course if she ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: ARS on December 06, 2012, 08:16:34 PM
Here's a ramen noodle ramp, looks like a great ramp, and it'd work for the quad, but 10 C-notes is too much for my blood. . .

http://www.scorpionramp.com/BuyNow.php (http://www.scorpionramp.com/BuyNow.php)

youtube vid:

Portable loading ramp demo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iucl8PYZX5E#)
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: stevewfl on December 06, 2012, 08:16:58 PM
Trailer a C14?  I never have mine.  But I've taken a trillion or so bikes to the race tracks and the mountains using this:

http://www.discountramps.com/black-widow-motorcycle-ramp.htm (http://www.discountramps.com/black-widow-motorcycle-ramp.htm)

Ride the bike right up it (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)

(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/R1%20stuff/the%20snake%20trip/IMG_0772.jpg)

Get a little help unloading if its raining
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/R1%20stuff/the%20snake%20trip/lisaonmybike.jpg)

and TRACK that thing!
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/R1%20stuff/prepped.jpg)
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: ARS on December 06, 2012, 08:31:41 PM
That looks about perfect!  I posted this on a local Minnesota forum and got . . .

http://www.discountramps.com/wide-atv-ramp.htm (http://www.discountramps.com/wide-atv-ramp.htm)

I like the width, but the it looks a bit steep, I'd hate to bottom out on the tailgat.

Tanks (Army Tanks)

Bill
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: ARS on December 06, 2012, 08:38:00 PM
Is that blue painters tape on the headlights??
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: ARS on December 06, 2012, 08:42:39 PM
That looks about perfect!  I posted this on a local Minnesota forum and got . . .

http://www.discountramps.com/wide-atv-ramp.htm (http://www.discountramps.com/wide-atv-ramp.htm)

I like the width, but the it looks a bit steep, I'd hate to bottom out on the tailgat.

Tanks (Army Tanks)

Bill
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: ARS on December 06, 2012, 08:44:19 PM
Too many. . . :chugbeer:

Geezus!!
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: Cuda on December 06, 2012, 09:51:18 PM
Steve the C14 is not a 400lb race bike , that extra 200+ lb up high is a accident waiting to happen  , I've loaded my share of bikes in a trucks and  vans,
 but not the C 14.
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: ARS on December 06, 2012, 10:06:27 PM
 ;D With that last post I got promoted from "nubie" to "junior" Cheers!! :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: C1xRider on December 06, 2012, 11:52:55 PM
There are 2 things not covered in that video.  First is the height and weight of the C14.  Loading a low rider cruiser that you can flat foot with bent knees is much easier than a taller, top heavy bike.  Second is they didn't show how the ramp fits in the back of the truck with the bike in it.

Be sure to consider both before going the ramp route.  I've loaded sleds into the back of trucks with ramps for years, and the hualing of the ramp after loading requires care if it's big.  Don't want to scratch up your bike.  Also, loading the C14 would require unwaivering commitment when you hit the bottom of the ramp.  Unloading would make me very uncomfortable too (at least without someone to catch me).
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: The Pope on December 07, 2012, 03:19:15 AM
Trailer.  ::) nuff said
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: Conrad on December 07, 2012, 04:48:46 AM
Trailer a C14?  I never have mine.  But I've taken a trillion or so bikes to the race tracks and the mountains using this:

http://www.discountramps.com/black-widow-motorcycle-ramp.htm (http://www.discountramps.com/black-widow-motorcycle-ramp.htm)

Ride the bike right up it (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)



I don't know about the weight capacity of the tailgate on your truck Steve but I would NEVER trust the tailgate on my Silverado with Connie's weight. Hell, I wouldn't even trust my tailgate with half as much as Connie's weighs.   :o
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: Caffeinated on December 07, 2012, 07:54:36 AM
My buddy has those ramps and loads his K1300GT, and now his 1600GT onto his F150 all the time.  I borrowed them and loaded my C10 (in the rain/snow-scared the  :yikes: out of me BTW) onto a guys pickup when I sold it. 
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: VirginiaJim on December 07, 2012, 08:05:15 AM
I don't know about the weight capacity of the tailgate on your truck Steve but I would NEVER trust the tailgate on my Silverado with Connie's weight. Hell, I wouldn't even trust my tailgate with half as much as Connie's weighs.   :o

Totally understandable with a GM product.  That's why I have a Dodge truck.  I wouldn't even think of not loading something heavy on it.   ;D
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: stevewfl on December 07, 2012, 08:13:04 AM
Steve the C14 is not a 400lb race bike , that extra 200+ lb up high is a accident waiting to happen  , I've loaded my share of bikes in a trucks and  vans,
 but not the C 14.


The ramps are rated over 600 pounds
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: Conrad on December 07, 2012, 08:13:08 AM
Totally understandable with a GM product.  That's why I have a Dodge truck.  I wouldn't even think of not loading something heavy on it.   ;D

Plus my truck is black, so it has that going against it.    ;)
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: Kazairl on December 07, 2012, 08:25:14 AM
I've rolled 1200lb bales of hay off a tailgate before. As long as the cables are in good shape it shouldn't be a problem.
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: VirginiaJim on December 07, 2012, 10:24:21 AM
Plus my truck is black, so it has that going against it.    ;)

There is that, of course.  Double whammy.  ;D
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: Rhino on December 07, 2012, 10:38:13 AM
I haul a Polaris Ranger 500 in the back of my short bed Titan with the rear wheels on the tailgate no problem. And that's heavier than a C14 by far. But I'm with a lot of people here and would have a lot of trepidation riding my C14 up my ramps. I have a 5' by 14' trailer with ramp gate on the back that cost $1000 brand new. I have hauled a VTX and a Valkyrie on that several times and would have no problem putting the C14 in that. Costs about the same as the ramps in the video. The only problem is you have to have some place to store the trailer.
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: Conrad on December 07, 2012, 10:54:41 AM
I'm gonna have to dig out my truck's owner's manual when I get home and see what the tailgate weight rating is now. I remember that it had that info but I just don't remember the number. 
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: just gone on December 07, 2012, 11:39:29 AM
That looks about perfect!  I posted this on a local Minnesota forum and got . . .

http://www.discountramps.com/wide-atv-ramp.htm (http://www.discountramps.com/wide-atv-ramp.htm)

I like the width, but the it looks a bit steep, I'd hate to bottom out on the tailgat.

Tanks (Army Tanks)

Bill

Did you notice the three hinges running right up in the middle?..great for an ATV where the weight will be on the outside part of the ramp. Not so good for 750+ lbs running right up the middle. Better go with the Black Widow ramps that Steve put up, their hinges are in a much better orientation. (IMHO) ;)
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: Gumby on December 07, 2012, 11:52:56 AM
Is that blue painters tape on the headlights??
Yes, that is tape. You have to cover all lights when you are out on the track. Lights in your mirror on the track can be annoying and dangerous.

;D With that last post I got promoted from "nubie" to "junior" Cheers!! :chugbeer:

You just got demoted to Newbie again with that question....  :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: The Pope on December 07, 2012, 11:54:57 AM
Totally understandable with a GM product.

This is also why I have a Ford!  :P

I've rolled 1200lb bales of hay off a tailgate before. As long as the cables are in good shape it shouldn't be a problem.

My truck (1977 F250) has the older two bar hindge setup on both sides of the tailgate. No issues at all.  8)
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: stevewfl on December 07, 2012, 12:09:51 PM
Yes, that is tape. You have to cover all lights when you are out on the track. Lights in your mirror on the track can be annoying and dangerous.

You just got demoted to Newbie again with that question....  :rotflmao:

what mirrors on the track?  Those go off the bike too and blockoff plates replace them (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: Gumby on December 07, 2012, 12:11:05 PM
what mirrors on the track?  Those go off the bike too and blockoff plates replace them (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
My bad, I have to demote myself now.  :'(
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: reesedp on December 07, 2012, 01:15:17 PM
Is that blue painters tape on the headlights??

For track day.
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: stevewfl on December 07, 2012, 01:18:45 PM
Attention: 

1) anyone who worries about the tailgate of their truck supporting a C14 TRADE IT

2) anyone worried about the weight of a C14 on their ramps GO BUY REAL ONES


That is all (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/kneedragvl3.gif)

Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: VirginiaJim on December 07, 2012, 01:34:14 PM
 :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: Conrad on December 07, 2012, 01:50:56 PM
Attention: 

1) anyone who worries about the tailgate of their truck supporting a C14 TRADE IT

2) anyone worried about the weight of a C14 on their ramps GO BUY REAL ONES


That is all (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/kneedragvl3.gif)

Actually Steve, I was worried about your lil Tundra's tailgate. I've never had my C14 in the back of my BFT.

The BFT will haul a mess of firewood though.

(http://www.zggtr.org/MGalleryItem.php?id=250)

A few tires and a 4 ton 5th wheel camper from time to time.

(http://www.zggtr.org/MGalleryItem.php?id=243)

 ;D
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: stevewfl on December 07, 2012, 02:01:05 PM
^^^^^^^^NICE
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: jimmymac on December 07, 2012, 03:49:39 PM
I took my Connie 750 miles away in my 4X4 F150. Just park the rear wheels in a ditch or low spot, and you can walk next to the bike while dialing the clutch up the ramp. It's all about where you load it. Loading or unloading on even ground is asking for trouble.
Then I used soft ties around the lower tree, a Canyon Dancer just snug enough, and of course the 2 at the rear to control side to side motion.

It never affected the handling a bit.

My ramp is around 18'' wide or so. So I can't ride up the ramp anyway. I don't recommend the short ATV ramp either. They space the rungs too far apart, and like was said, it folds in all the wrong places. I've looked into it.
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: ZG on December 07, 2012, 05:26:36 PM
Motorcycle load crash - fail (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMBbzzfkQbs#ws)
 
Motorcycle load FAIL! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPu6YwitIRo#ws)
 
Motorcycle Ramp Loading FAIL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWOYfguXrLQ#ws)
 
 
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: stevewfl on December 07, 2012, 05:43:48 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^ FUNNY!!!!!
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: Gumby on December 07, 2012, 06:25:51 PM
 :rotflmao:

Almost had beer out the nose on the slow mo' one.
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: Cuda on December 08, 2012, 03:09:18 AM

The ramps are rated over 600 pounds





OK Steve I'm comming to the Cape Coral bike night tonight , I'll bring my camera and show everone you loading and unloading your C 14 into your pickup, You can show everyone the proper way to do it,  It's a no brainer!
EasyPeasy ;)
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: ARS on December 08, 2012, 04:36:33 PM
Yes, that is tape. You have to cover all lights when you are out on the track. Lights in your mirror on the track can be annoying and dangerous.

You just got demoted to Newbie again with that question....  :rotflmao:
[/b]

 :banghead:

No too many tracks up here in Minnesota.  Makes sense though.

b.t.w I have the same Tundy.  Those tie down rails rock!!

Thanks all for your suggestions and concerns.  Much appreciated.
Title: Re: Truck Ramp
Post by: stevewfl on December 09, 2012, 06:24:33 PM




OK Steve I'm comming to the Cape Coral bike night tonight , I'll bring my camera and show everone you loading and unloading your C 14 into your pickup, You can show everyone the proper way to do it,  It's a no brainer!
EasyPeasy ;)

Why would I drive my Tundra from Tampa to Cape Coral, FL?  And where is this bike night? Might ride the bike down and shake your hand, i blow by there often on the C14 going from Tampa to Naples and back.  Occasionally Tampa to Southbeach/Key West.