Tying down a scooter

[maison]

We are about to start carrying a scooter on a Hydra trail unit.

In the past we carried a lightweight motorbike on a tow bar mounted rack.

With the m/b we used handlebar straps and two ratchet straps, one attached to each side of the pillion grab rail to keep the bike vertical.

The scooter has a moulded grab rail with no opening to feed a strap through.

My query is......

How to secure the rear end of the scooter in a vertical position?

There s a large securing arm that goes over the seat but I feel that additional strapping may be needed.

 

[Forestboy]

Just put a ratchet strap straight over from side to side. Don't rely on the securing arm I've had bike fall over relying on those.

 

[The Dudess]

Is your Hydra trail like this one? If so, after securing the arm over the bike we attach a ratchet strap to either side of the struts between the tow bar and the hydra trail making sure they go round the front rail of the hydra trail rail and then over the rubber on each wheel of the bike.

 

[funflair]

View attachment 147344
Is your Hydra trail like this one? If so, after securing the arm over the bike we attach a ratchet strap to either side of the struts between the tow bar and the hydra trail making sure they go round the front rail of the hydra trail rail and then over the rubber on each wheel of the bike.

I thought the "Hydra Trail" had wheels? or has somebody nicked yours.

Martin

 

[maison]

View attachment 147344
Is your Hydra trail like this one? If so, after securing the arm over the bike we attach a ratchet strap to either side of the struts between the tow bar and the hydra trail making sure they go round the front rail of the hydra trail rail and then over the rubber on each wheel of the bike.

Thanks for the response.

The scooter is almost identical in shape, a Honda PCX125.

What you suggest is probably exactly what we need but I don't fully understand your description.

Do you use "tyredown" type straps over the tyre or just ratchet straps? If so how do you avoid the strap slipping down the circumference of the tyre and is the attachment point high enough to steady the scooter?

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[maison]

Just put a ratchet strap straight over from side to side. Don't rely on the securing arm I've had bike fall over relying on those.

Yes, so have we.

A ratchet strap over the seat stopped the bike coming off but it was leaning outwards, dangerously, when a van flagged us down to warn us.

Having learned that lesson the hard way we are a bit anxious to get it right this time. We also have a rear view camera this time so we can keep an eye on things.

 

[zac]

when i had my hydratrail with the wheels, the first bike i carried had no side rails so i used a piece of foam and put over the back with a strap going over the top. Worked for me going to and from South of Spain

 

[The Dudess]

[/QUOTE] The scooter is almost identical in shape, a Honda PCX125.

What you suggest is probably exactly what we need but I don't fully understand your description.

Do you use "tyredown" type straps over the tyre or just ratchet straps? If so how do you avoid the strap slipping down the circumference of the tyre and is the attachment point high enough to steady the scooter?[/QUOTE]
Will ask husband to draw a picture and post it on here. Can't take a photo 'cos van in dealers at the moment having a bit of work done.

 

[The Dudess]

Yes, so have we.

A ratchet strap over the seat stopped the bike coming off but it was leaning outwards, dangerously, when a van flagged us down to warn us.

Having learned that lesson the hard way we are a bit anxious to get it right this time. We also have a rear view camera this time so we can keep an eye on things.

Here is a description/drawing of how we ratchet our bike. Hope it's helpful.

 

[Harco]

Hi
Just read your concerns on strapping down.
I carry a 250cc scooter on my trailer and ensure it's strapped down well.
At the front I strap the wheel to the trailer. This helps to stop the wheel jumping out of the main track.
I then put a strap across the scooter body. This stops the scooter rolling back, and keeps it upright. You must not strap from the handlebars, as can get damaged with to much pressure.
The rear wheel of the scooter is strapped to the main body as per front.
My scooter has side grab rails to the rear seat, and this is where I feed my strap through both sides, so as to keep the scooter upright and secure.
I have found this successful, and have traveled many miles.
Hope this helps

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[Chris51]

I also use ratchet straps from back of of rack over seat and to a bracket fastened to rear door also on front and back wheels around bottom of rims and around rack.Also I put a security chain around bike and rack/towbar so nobody gets any idea of taking it off !Rear view camera (dual) so I can keep an eye on whats going on.

 

[maison]

@Harco
We have always use handlebar straps as these can be adjusted in order to keep the bike upright. However, we use the Oxford product which does not have ratchets, therefore it is difficult to overtension them causing damage to the handlebars.

We also lash the front wheel into the holder.

Having read the above posts we will also strap directly over the seat and down to the trailer.

Knowing Mrs Maison there will also be several other straps too, " just in case".

 

[Badknee]

Have a close look at recovery vehicles, they only strap the wheels and are very secure. I have always strapped our bikes round the headstock as well and put slight pressure on the suspension not at the outer ends. There has always been handles or racks at the rear to fasten too.

 

[DBK]

If I wanted to tie down Scooter I would thread some string between his ears.