Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: OPUS on June 27, 2011, 09:29:23 AM
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I know this has been addressed at sometime on old forum but I can't find anything. What is the best way to strap down this beast without scratching or breaking something. I know there are some products out there. Any opinions?
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I go through the lower triple tree. Just loop it over that on each side and it stays away from the fairing real well. U might need to buy strap extenders to do it. I have a nice set of straps that have a loop already on it. U can get extenders for like 5 dollars at walmart.
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Canyon Dancer and tie-downs.
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Canyon Dancer and tie-downs.
+1
It just doesn't get any easier.
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Canyon Dancer and tie-downs.
Don't Canyon Dancers use the handlebars as the tie down point? I have seen pictures of the this being a HUGE no-no! Broken handlebars pillars due to tie down forces on the handlebars....
Aaron
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The Aluminun handlebars on this bike are not sturdy enough to hold down this Bike!
I would and do use the triple tree with extenders on the straps.
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We have had at least one forum member (2 IIRC) that wound up with broken handlebars as a result of using Canyon Dancers. I have them and like them, but no longer would use them on my C14. Of course, I don't think my C14 has been on a trailer yet.
I would also recommend sticking to the lower triple tree for the front tie-down.
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I know this has been addressed at sometime on old forum but I can't find anything. What is the best way to strap down this beast without scratching or breaking something. I know there are some products out there. Any opinions?
Me too as we will hopefully be moving from OK to PA this September. Mine will be strapped to a cycleshell if that makes any difference.
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I go through the lower triple tree. Just loop it over that on each side and it stays away from the fairing real well. U might need to buy strap extenders to do it. I have a nice set of straps that have a loop already on it. U can get extenders for like 5 dollars at walmart.
How about the back?
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The Aluminun handlebars on this bike are not sturdy enough to hold down this Bike!
I would and do use the triple tree with extenders on the straps.
You base your opinion on what exactly? That they're aluminum? In other words, like about 75% of all bikes out there and probably 90% of dirt bikes?
If the handlebars aren't strong enough to support the bike with the forks partially compressed to be trailered, then they're not capable of controlling the bike when it's being ridden.
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People have been saying the Canyon Dancers stress the handlebars since I've been coming to this forum because someone snapped the handlebars.
I can destroy/bend/break the handlebars or clipons of any bike with canyon dancers if i put more pressure on the bike than it can possible take. I can also trash the forks/seals and maybe even pop the tires with canyon dancers. I never tried the "what breaks first, the handlebars or forks over-compression" trick.
I'll keep using canyon dancers till the end of time, safest way for any of my bikes (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/cheers.gif)
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I tie the front wheel into a cradle on a 6x4 box trailer then tie only the rear of the bike down using 2 straps each side to compress the rear suspension, with no straps on the front suspension - and no problems at all.
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You base your opinion on what exactly? That they're aluminum? In other words, like about 75% of all bikes out there and probably 90% of dirt bikes?
If the handlebars aren't strong enough to support the bike with the forks partially compressed to be trailered, then they're not capable of controlling the bike when it's being ridden.
This is what my opinion is based on, I broke this bar.These are not designed for the downward force unlike a dirt bike which has a cross brace.
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This is what my opinion is based on, I broke this bar.These are not designed for the downward force unlike a dirt bike which has a cross brace.
Interesting, but I'm not convinced. I have hauled a lot of bikes around with Canyon Dancers, including the Concours on one occasion, never a problem. You can bend/break anything with enough effort . . . or simply bad luck.
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I just went through this in preparation for a TDY trip (ended up they made me fly...) Remove the cover under the front of the fairing. Use 18" extender straps around the tree on each side. i put two in the middle extending straight out (the Army sailor in me securing cargo...) The two on the back slightly compressing the shock. Took it out for a spin and she didnt move an inch. Would easily have made the 1600 mile round trip.
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I've used a Canyon Dancer with the Concours with no problems. I strap down the front and rear with all straps pulling down and forward into a wheel chock. I think a lot of people have a tendency to over tighten the straps when tying down the bike. You shouldn't compress the suspension more than about half way. Unless you have a really expensive trailer, it probably doesn't have suspension and you'll need the bikes suspension to keep from jarring the bike every time you hit a bump.
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+1, that's how I do it as well in an enclosed trailer. Works great.
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Im interested in this too. In 2 weeks I will be loading it on the amtrack auto train and was wandering how they were going to strap it down.
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I've used a Canyon Dancer with the Concours with no problems. I strap down the front and rear with all straps pulling down and forward into a wheel chock. I think a lot of people have a tendency to over tighten the straps when tying down the bike. You shouldn't compress the suspension more than about half way. Unless you have a really expensive trailer, it probably doesn't have suspension and you'll need the bikes suspension to keep from jarring the bike every time you hit a bump.
+1
Thats most of us :D
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Lower triple tree is the only safe place to secure the front.....IMHO.
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I've said it before, I'll say it again. The bars ARE CAST ALUMINUM. Use the dancers at great risk, and why treat the 14 like a cruiser? If yer movin, have momma drive the truck and ride yer bike!
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I've said it before, I'll say it again. The bars ARE CAST ALUMINUM. Use the dancers at great risk, and why treat the 14 like a cruiser? If yer movin, have momma drive the truck and ride yer bike!
If I'm traveling by myself I'll take the bike every time rain or shine. If I'm going with the family, that's a wife, three kids and a dog. If I try to tell Momma that I'm riding and she has to deal with everything else...well, let's just say that's a non-starter.