Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: redst on March 01, 2012, 06:42:56 PM
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I have just purchased a 2010 C14 and need to trailer it home. OK, my wife does not ride - it is a family issue!
Does anyone have photos of where and/or how to attach the tie down straps so as to be effective and not touch any plastic parts?
I have a trailer with a Harbor Freight roll in chock.
Thanks,
Redst
2010 Blue C14
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I wrap 2 ratchet tie downs through the lower tripple tree nearly straight down to the floor, ratchet them tight. Then I use a third through the rear wheel and out to the rear corners of the trailer, like a triangle, and ratchet that snug. No wheel chock needed, make sure to protect the rear wheel.
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Welcome to the forum and congrats on the bike.
Canyon Dancers are a possibility. Don't overtighten.
Taking some soft towels to act as a buffer between the straps & the plastic is an option.
Even if your wife doesn't ride, she might be able to drive the cage while you ride home.
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If YOU feel safe with the canyon dancers follow Clydes directions closely. The bars are cast. I would use the lower trips to snug things down. And by far the best advice? Have the misses drive the cage, just be sure to hide your smile as you pull away ;D
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Thanks for you help.
This sounds pretty simple.
Redst
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I've got a HF 4x8 trailer with a HF chock on it, too. Great bike hauler, plus a hundred of other uses. Only problem is the bed does flex a bit over rough roads. I lost a strap hauling a ZX10R home. Since then, I've replaced all the open S-hooks with closed D-rings. This way, they may loosen momentarily, but they won't pop loose.
Also, don't put metal hooks directly on the bike, even if they are plastic coated. Instead, get some soft straps like these: http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/extreme_duty_soft_hook/web1007448 (http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/extreme_duty_soft_hook/web1007448)
I pull two straps up front, slightly angled forward so as to draw the bike tight against the chock. two more on the rear, straight to the side. I also use a fifth one to cinch the front wheel tight on the wheel chock. This way, even if you lose a strap or two. The bike still stays captured in the chock.
For as little as $25 on sale at HF, a wheel chock is a must have in my book. Make loading and unloading much easier and safer. I just bought a second one so i can tie down two bikes to take to the track.
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Canyon Dancers FTW, never gave me a problem (truck or trailer) although I hear tell some have OVERTIGHTENED to the point they did damage. Snug 'em up and roll!
I don't have a pic of my C14 on the dancers, but this is an eloquent way to haul yo ride:
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/R1%20stuff/prepped.jpg)
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el·o·quent adj \ˈe-lə-kwənt\
Definition of ELOQUENT
1: marked by forceful and fluent expression <an eloquent preacher>
2: vividly or movingly expressive or revealing <an eloquent monument>
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Canyon Dancers FTW, never gave me a problem (truck or trailer) although I hear tell some have OVERTIGHTENED to the point they did damage. Snug 'em up and roll!
I don't have a pic of my C14 on the dancers, but this is an elegant way to haul yo ride:
Fixed it for you Steve.
Is that better Clyde? ;)
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I'll second the canyon dancers! First time I used them, I damaged one grip a little. Actually, it was the dealer that strapped the bike down. I have since used a few rags to pad the area where they mount and haven't had any issues.
Matt
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Here is a tie down procedure published by Pingel
http://www.pingelonline.com/recommended_tiedown.htm (http://www.pingelonline.com/recommended_tiedown.htm)
I'm not a fan of the canyon dancer for the reasons already detailed.
I use a wheel chock (just started using a Condor) plus 2 soft-tie extension loops on the lower triple clamp, attach to a ratchet strap on each side going forward and outside the bike. The soft ties get the metal ends of the straps away from the plastic. For the rear all that is needed is a method to keep the rear wheel in place and inline with front.
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Taxi, hitch hike, walk, get a friend to drive you...(there must be 50 ways to get to your dealer) then ride it home!
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Fixed it for you Steve.
Is that better Clyde? ;)
Much better. :thumbs:
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It's not a Harley, so it doesn't belong on a trailer. They do enjoy being ridden. Enjoy it!!!
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Sounds safer to ride it home, and more fun too. Get a buddy to take ya, leave the wife at home. ;D
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Sounds safer to ride it home, and more fun too. Get a buddy to take ya, leave the wife at home. ;D
She might as well start getting used to it since you will be out tooling about on the bike alot. :)
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It's not a Harley, so it doesn't belong on a trailer. They do enjoy being ridden. Enjoy it!!!
I needed a good laugh this morning! That did it, thanks!
As for the thread, I dont have a C14, but the C10 was fairly hard to tie down. I dont like grabbing handlebars that far out and when they are extended so far away from the top clamp.
I had a tough time tying it down when I got it (It was January in Michigan/Indiana), but I went up through the front fairing, and went from the left side of the bike to the right side of the trailer, and vice versa.
Keeps the straps off the plastic, and holds the bike nice and tight.
Now my old Z1000, Id grab the real bar and have at it....but these dont have a full bar....