Hi,
Im finally taking my zx14 for valve cover leak fix, Im putting the bike on the trailer, Im considering buying a handlebar strap, im concerned the strap runs across from one side to the other, It looks like it may "pull down"
onto the tank fairing where the screw is, has anyone used this method? do you think the fairing will be strong enough, Ive got my doubts, what do you guys think?
Dave

I've used the "Canyon Dancer" tie down straps. On my bike the straps cinch mainly on the grips, the middle part doesn't press down on the tank much at all. Haven't seen any scratches or anything like that.

Mad

Thanks Maddevill, Yea I suppose its more of a "sliding action" rather than a pressure downwards action then?
If I pull the straps forward will they miss the horn button? sorry about questions but I wont have them till Thursday, and my bikes going Friday morning early so haven't got a lot of time to work out best position..

+1 with Mad on the canyon dancers

Canyon Dancer got my Ninjee from WV to scenic PA with no problemas.

do you think the fairing will be strong enough, Ive got my doubts, what do you guys think?

If it ratchets down on any fairing, I wouldn't do it. Fairings are expensive. If it were me, I'd buy a cheap wheel chock and get a Pit Bull trailer restraint. Costly but useful in the future too.

Go to CycleGear have package deal for 29.95. Works great.

Hagrid's username makes a lot more sense now...

If you are concerned about the straps rubbing and damaging the fairings/tank you could just put a soft cloth under the strap to stop it from rubbing. I've tied a few bikes down over the years and never had an issue with the straps touching the bodywork.

With Canyon Dancers the straps are outboard enough to clear the fairings. You do NOT want any part of the straps
rubbing on the bodywork.

Mad

As Nightmare stated a soft cloth, like Micro Fiber polishing towels work great if your straps lightly touch the fairing. Just fold the towel and slide it under the strap. My buddies and I have done this many times without any damage or scratches.

Get the Canyon dancer strap that has the plastic cups that slide over the grips. That may be all they sell now though?

Great info everyone, nice bike hagrid ! Yep picked up some straps very similar to canyon ones, They have a
protective sleeve on them, good idea a towel under as well, doesn't seem to put much pressure down on tank.

Do I need to compress the forks much? Will chock the front wheel as rook suggested, may even take seat off and run another couple of ratchet straps down to foot peg hangers.

Dave

Just compress the forks enough to keep the bike stable. No need to crush them down. For sure use some straps on the rear. It can move around. 2 straps in the front, 2 in the rear, coupled with some kind of wheel chock and it will be fine for all kinds of towing shenanigans.

Mad

Great will do, I was going to ride it to dealership but they wanted me to leave it overnight so they could have a cold engine to do valve clearances and leaking valve cover, but its 70 miles away and the weather is bad!!

Thanks again!

update: Thanks everyone for info, handlebar strap worked a treat, chocked front wheel, extra ratchets on foot peg
hangers, nerve racking but really stable

Another vote for Canyon Dancer straps. They work great. Mine also have that soft protective cover across the middle, but it doesn't actually touch anything. I'm not willing to secure my bike in any way that lets the straps touch any shiny parts of the bike.

As to compressing the forks, I compress them down pretty good, working side to side, back and forth a little at a time until there's not much play left. Then when driving I watch the bike on the trailer in my mirror, and if it bounces more than about 1/2" I stop and compress them a little more. I'm not crushing them or hurting anything ... hey they're made to compress (picture guys doing stoppies) ... but to me bouncing around means a strap or hook could pop loose or break.

Next time I'll try to remember to measure how much fork is still showing when I have them secured.

Oh, also, sometimes I see crazy basterdz using only 1 strap on each side on the front to secure their bike. I just can't do that. I picture a strap breaking and lots of easily avoidable damage. I have a box of various ratchet straps and bungees, and I use a bunch of 'em, front and back. If any one of them breaks, I probably won't even know it until I go to unload the bike.

Good luck!