Best Dirt Bike Tie Down System: Complete Buyer's Guide

It’s the end of a long day at the track. You’re tired, the bike is caked in mud, and before you can head home you still have to wrestle a set of ratchet straps and soft loops into place without scratching anything. Transporting your dirt bike can be a hassle, with all the straps and gear. So what is the best dirt bike tie-down system?

The best dirt bike tie-down system skips the straps. The Lock-N-Load by Risk Racing clamps onto your bike’s foot pegs and holds it upright in a truck, trailer, or van with no tie-down straps or wheel chocks, and it reduces the pressure on your fork seals.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about the Lock-N-Load Moto Transport System, including which size fits your bike and how it compares to straps and hitch carriers.

Lock-N-Load Pro Overview

Your dirt bike is a precious investment, and it’s important to ensure its safety and security during travel. Transporting dirt bikes can make them prone to damage, and so a secure tie-down system is instrumental for the safety of your bike.

The Lock-N-Load Pro is a strapless transport system designed to protect and secure your bike during transport. The system is built from aluminum, sturdy enough to securely support your dirt bike. It uses a pair of locking jaws to secure your bike during transit.

The base of the Lock-N-Load Pro attaches to the bottom of your trailer, or to your truck bed itself. There are then jaws that secure around your bike’s foot pegs, keeping it in place. This method of transport is quick and simple and doesn’t crank your forks down the way straps do.

The Lock-N-Load Pro eliminates the need for straps. Using straps to tie-down your bike can be a hassle and takes up so much room in your trailer or truck. This system makes securing your bike a smooth and simple process, saves time, and frees up room in your truck or trailer.

What factors should I consider when shopping for dirt bike transport systems?

Choosing the best dirt bike transport system for you is an important task. You will want a system that is easy to use, safe, and secure. Between ratchet straps, wheel chocks, carrier hitches, and transport systems, there can be a lot to consider.

When shopping for a transport system, it is essential that you look for a durable system that will be able to withstand the weight and pressure of your bike. Some transport systems are not built sturdily enough, and cannot support the load of every bike built. Check the load ratings, and with a foot peg system, check your foot peg height and width too.

The best transport systems will be easy to use, without taking up too much time or effort. If you are going to invest in a dirt bike tie-down system, you will want one that makes your life easier, not more complicated.

Tie-down straps are effective, but they can take up precious time and can take up extra space in your truck. A good transport system should free up room in your truck or trailer for other gear and equipment.

When searching for a dirt bike tie-down system, you will also want to keep safety in mind. You will want to invest in a piece of equipment that will keep your dirt bike secure on the road.

How does the Lock-N-Load Pro work?

The Lock-N-Load Pro system can be installed in a trailer, truck, or van. The system comes complete with all the parts needed to mount it, including all four bolts. You can also purchase additional mounting plates if needed.

The system is fully adjustable and will adapt to the width and height of your bike. It’s a really versatile system that fits a wide range of dirt bikes within its listed sizes.

To use the Lock-N-Load transport system, simply set the width that you need, and then roll your bike into the system. Once your bike is in place, press down on the ratcheting jaws until the bike is secure.

The Lock-N-Load Pro works by grabbing your bike by its footpegs, thus securing the front and rear of your dirt bike. The system distributes the load’s weight to the front and rear suspension. This will lead to less pressure being placed on your fork seals.

What is the Lock-N-Load Pro made out of?

The Lock-N-Load Pro transport system is built out of aluminum. The material was chosen for its durability and will be able to bear the weight of your bike.

Aluminum is not only durable, but it is also lightweight. This will make it easier for you to remove the Lock-N-Load jaws, should you need your truck bed or trailer for other things.

Who Makes the Lock-N-Load Pro?

The Lock-N-Load Pro is made by us right here at Risk Racing. Risk Racing is a motocross company founded by James Burry. Burry is a motocross racer and enthusiast himself. He attended Colorado State University, pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also attended Purdue University and earned a BA in Industrial Design as well as several design awards including sweeping a Big Ten intercollegiate design competition.

After college Burry designed mountain bikes for Decathlon, a French sporting company. He went on to design several popular and award winning products within several different industries including sporting goods, hand tools, and even medical equipment. Soon James’ passion for motocross led him to start Risk Racing right out of his own garage.

Risk Racing designs racing products like the Lock-N-Load Pro transport system.

The company is headquartered in North Carolina. We sponsor riders through our sponsorship program and are very invested in the racing community.

The Lock-N-Load is definitely Risk Racing’s most popular product, but we sell all kinds of racing adjacent products, from starting gates and grips to stands. All of our products are carefully engineered and tested for performance.

What comes with the Lock-N-Load Pro?

When you order the Lock-N-Load Pro, you will receive everything you need to install the system. This includes the floor plate mount, a pair of jaw arms, and the mounting hardware.

The hardware for mounting the plate is in the box; you’ll supply the drill and a wrench or socket. We also sell extra mounting plates for the Pro, Pro HD, and Pro Mini, as well as rubber jaw replacements for the Pro and Pro Mini (there are two jaw sizes, and the product page shows how to tell which one you have).

What sizes does the Lock-N-Load Pro come in?

The Lock-N-Load Pro transport system comes in three sizes: the Lock-N-Load Pro Mini, the standard Lock-N-Load Pro, and the Lock-N-Load Pro HD.

• Lock-N-Load Pro Mini: intended for bikes in the range of 50cc Jr to 110cc. The maximum weight that the Lock-N-Load Pro Mini can handle is 200 lbs.
• Lock-N-Load Pro: designed for 85cc to 450cc MX bikes, or bikes with similar geometry. The maximum weight that the standard Lock-N-Load Pro can take is 270 lbs.
• Lock-N-Load Pro HD: built for heavier trail, MX, and enduro bikes, up to 400 lbs. It can haul a full-size MX bike, but because of the taller foot peg height you’ll have to compress the suspension a little to roll the bike in. On an MX bike the HD holds the suspension partly compressed, so if your bike fits the standard Pro, that’s the better choice. The same goes for a lightweight competition enduro built on an MX chassis.

All three Pro sizes take foot pegs from 12 to 21 inches wide, tip to tip. We also still make the original Lock-N-Load with fixed jaws, in two sizes: the Lock-N-Load Full Size fits full-size MX bikes with a foot peg height of 15 to 17.5 inches, and the Lock-N-Load Junior fits 85cc MX bikes with a foot peg height of 12.5 to 14.75 inches.

It is recommended that you carefully measure your bike to see which system will work best for you. Have someone hold the bike perfectly vertical and use two tape measures at the same time to measure foot peg height, making sure both sides read the same.

How do you install the Lock-N-Load Pro?

Installing the Lock-N-Load Pro is easiest if you have another set of hands to help you out. Here is a step by step set of instructions for how to install the Lock-N-Load Pro into your truck bed. (For more on hauling in a pickup, see how to secure a dirt bike in a truck.)

The Risk Racing YouTube Channel has a step by step video (see above) that shows you how to install the Lock-N-Load Pro system, in case you have any further concerns or questions.

• Bring your bike up onto your truck bed. Have a friend hold your bike where you want it positioned in your truck.
• While your friend holds the bike steady, slide the Lock-N-Load Pro and its plate into position against the footpegs.
• Using a pen or pencil, mark the location of the mounting plate. Mark the holes, too.
• Remove the bike from your truck bed, as well as the Lock-N-Load.
• Now it’s time to drill into your truck bed. Drill into the holes that you have marked. Look under your truck bed before you start drilling so you don’t hit the fuel tank, fuel or brake lines, wiring, or the spare tire winch.
• Use the supplied hardware for the truck bed mount. Take the 4 bolts and drop them through the holes that you have just drilled.
• Now go under the truck. You may need to lower the spare tire for this.
• Locate the 4 bolts, and place the provided washer and locknut on the 4 bolts.
• Have a friend in the truck bed hold each bolt head still with a wrench.
• While your friend holds the bolts, go underneath and tighten the lock nuts onto the bolts.
• Now you can install the jaw arms, slide them into the slots on the mounting plate.
• Raise the jaws.
• You are now ready to load your bike!

How do you use the Lock-N-Load Pro?

To use the Lock-N-Load Pro moto transport system, wheel your bike into your truck bed, trailer, or moto van. Set the width, then roll the bike in until the footpegs of your bike sit in the open jaws of the Lock-N-Load.

Making sure that the red ratchet switch is in the down position on both sides, press each jaw down onto the foot peg. You will hear the ratchet click as it locks. Press down only as far as it takes to hold the bike.

Once you get to wherever you are going, releasing your bike is simple. Hold the bike, since it has no kickstand to lean on, and flip both red switches to the up position. This releases the jaws, freeing your motorcycle.

The Pro HD adds sliding auto-lock pins on reinforced arms, made for heavier bikes, small trailers, and rough roads to the riding spot.

Is the Lock-N-Load Pro heavy?

No, the Lock-N-Load Pro is not heavy. It is made out of durable aluminum, and the standard Pro weighs about 13 lbs. This makes it easy to move, and the arms come off for storage if you need to use your truck bed or trailer for other tasks.

Will I need to purchase any accessories, like wheel chocks, with the Lock-N-Load Pro?

No, the Lock-N-Load Pro stabilizes your bike, eliminating the need for wheel chocks.

You may want to purchase an extra mounting plate or a replacement rubber jaw, but those accessories are optional. The mounting hardware comes with the Lock-N-Load Pro; bring your own drill and wrench.

What alternatives are there to using the Lock-N-Load Pro?

There are a variety of ways to secure your dirt bike for transport. One of the most common ways to secure your dirt bike is through the use of tie-down straps. There are also a few other dirt bike transport systems on the market.

Another way in which you can transport your dirt bike is through the use of a hitch. A dirt bike hitch carrier will attach to the back of your car, van, or SUV. You can secure your dirt bike directly to the back of your vehicle and you are ready to go.

Dirt bike hitch carriers can be quick and simple to use, freeing up valuable time and allowing you to get going on the road in a matter of minutes. While hitch carriers may be ideal for some, they do pose some problems.

Why is using the Lock-N-Load Pro better than using a dirt bike hitch carrier?

A hitch carrier is the answer if you drive an SUV or car and don’t tow. The bike rides on the back, still strapped down, so it takes road spray and rock chips, and you need to check your receiver’s tongue weight rating and how far the bike hangs past the bumper.

Also, purchasing a low-quality hitch carrier can lead to a poor product that may not be able to bear the weight of your dirt bike. Be careful when purchasing hitch carriers, and be sure to invest in a quality one that can support the load of your dirt bike.

The Lock-N-Load Pro goes in a truck bed, trailer, or van, where the bike rides out of the weather with no straps at all. Not sure what to tow? Here’s what size trailer you need for a dirt bike, or 2, or 3.

Why is using the Lock-N-Load Pro better than using tie-down straps?

Every rider has their own preference when it comes to transporting their bikes. Using ratchet straps is a tried and true method of securing your bike, and is sure to keep your bike safe and secure. It is also a cheaper method. However, it does have some downfalls.

For example, straps can get tangled or lost. The complicated ritual of tying your bike down, ratcheting the straps, and checking the suspension every single time you want to transport your bike can become quite a hassle.

If you use your bike frequently and are transporting it often, you may want to invest in a system that makes the whole process quick and easy. A transport system like the Lock-N-Load Pro eliminates a lot of time and effort that would’ve been eaten up by all that tying and ratcheting.

The Lock-N-Load Pro makes the process of transporting your dirt bike so much easier. It frees up the space that would have been taken up by straps, which gives you more room to store your gear.

If you are transporting multiple bikes, straps can become tangled and cross-hatched, making the whole situation a complicated mess. The Lock-N-Load eliminates the need for straps and makes transporting multiple bikes a smooth and streamlined process.

The Lock-N-Load also takes a lot of pressure off the fork seals while you are transporting your bike. Plenty of riders ratchet the front end down until the forks are nearly bottomed so nothing shifts, and that is exactly what you shouldn’t do. Honda’s owner’s manual says to stop at about half compression, because more than that can damage the fork seals.

Can you remove the Lock-N-Load Pro from your truck bed?

Yes, the Lock-N-Load Pro can be removed from your transport vehicle’s floor. You have a couple of options if you need more room in your transport vehicle.

You could just remove the arms and leave the low profile mounting plate. Simply loosen the two screws that secure the jaws, and remove the arms.

Or if you absolutely needed to you could remove the whole thing but you would be left with four holes. That is the idea behind the mounting plate having such a low profile so that it can be left in the transport vehicle and not be in the way during other truck/trailer uses.

Whenever you need to reinstall the Lock-N-Load Pro, simply slide the arms back in and thumb-screw them back into the mounting plate.

Will the Lock-N-Load put pressure on my fork seals?

Far less than straps do. The Risk Racing Lock-N-Load Transport system is designed to reduce pressure on your fork seals. The Lock-N-Load works through its floor-mounted locking jaws. The jaws clamp around your motorcycle’s footpegs, securing your bike during transit.

As the foot pegs are tightly secured, your bike will remain upright and secure. It will be stabilized during the entirety of transit. And because the bike is secured through the foot pegs instead of being pulled down by the bars, there is far less pressure on your fork seals than with straps.

If I leave my bike in the Lock-N-Load Pro overnight, will it cause any damage?

No. The Lock-N-Load is designed to put minimal pressure on your suspension, so you can feel free to leave your bike in it for extended periods of time. The rubberized jaws secure your bike near the footpeg.

While in the Lock-N-Load, your bike sits at less than its preload height, and the pressure is shared by the front and rear suspension.

How does the Lock-N-Load Pro compare to other transport systems?

The Lock-N-Load Pro transport system holds the bike by the footpegs instead of pulling it down by the bars. While it is more expensive than traditional ratchet straps, it eliminates a lot of the hassle.

Can I transport multiple bikes with the Lock-N-Load Pro?

Yes, you can transport multiple bikes with the Lock-N-Load Pro. You will simply have to install more systems into your truck bed or trailer.

Once the Lock-N-Loads are installed into your truck bed or trailer, you can mount all your bikes side by side. It is advised to stagger the handlebars in order to fit all your bikes, and to leave 7 inches on one side of each floor plate so you can slide the uprights in and out. Here’s how to load 3 dirt bikes in a truck.

How does the switch release work?

The switch release on the Lock-N-Load Pro makes securing and releasing your bike a breeze. To use the switch release, just flip the red switch to lock or release the arm ratchet system.

Flipping the switch down will lock the bike down while flipping the switch up will cause the jaws to release.

This easy to use switch release system will save you time and energy that would’ve been spent fiddling with tie-down straps.

Will the Lock-N-Load Pro work for my 2-stroke?

Yes, the Lock-N-Load Pro, Pro Mini, and Pro HD will work for both 2-strokes and 4-strokes. If you’re looking at the original Lock-N-Load for a 2-stroke, the large collector area of the pipe can be in the way; the fix is to lower a jaw when loading or put the bike in backwards.

Does the Lock-N-Load Pro only work for trailers?

The Lock-N-Load Pro will work for a wide array of transportation vehicles including trucks, trailers, vans, toy haulers, motorhomes, and factory trucks.

There is even a step-by-step tutorial on the Risk Racing website demonstrating how to attach the Lock-N-Load Pro’s mounting plate onto a wooden floor. This product is extremely versatile, and will help you secure your dirt bike just about anywhere you can bolt a plate down.

How do reviewers respond to the Lock-N-Load Pro?

You can read what riders say in the reviews on the Lock-N-Load Pro page. The questions riders ask most, like fitment, front tire movement, and leaving a bike clamped overnight, are answered in the FAQ on that page too.

Will the Lock-N-Load scratch my motorcycle?

The jaws that hold your motorcycle in place are rubberized, and they grip the foot pegs, not your plastics or frame. Sharp motocross pegs do wear the rubber over time, which is why replacement jaws are available.

What else does Risk Racing sell?

Risk Racing sells a variety of racing equipment.

In addition to the Lock-N-Load transport system, Risk Racing sells durable starting gates for practice, plus stands, grips, and other dirt bike gear. Pretty much anything that is dirt bike or racing adjacent, you can find on the Risk Racing website.

Will the Lock-N-Load Pro work for transporting street motorcycles?

Generally, no, the Lock-N-Load Pro will not work for transporting street bikes. The Lock-N-Load transport system was designed and created with dirt bikes in mind. The answer to this question will depend on the size of your motorcycle.

It is hard to generalize, but the Lock-N-Load tops out at 400 pounds, and many street bikes are heavier than that or have floorboards instead of foot pegs the jaws can clamp. If you ride a dual sport or small adventure bike that fits the HD’s peg and weight range, look at the Lock-N-Load Pro HD.

How much does the Lock-N-Load Pro cost?

The Lock-N-Load Pro costs more than a set of tie-down straps, and you’ll find the current price of each size on its product page. The original Lock-N-Load with fixed jaws is the lower-priced option.

The price is on the premium side of this type of equipment, especially when you are comparing it to cheap tie-down straps. But for a one time purchase and one-time installation, it can make your life a lot easier!

Do I need to use wheel chocks with the Lock-N-Load Transport system?

No. The Lock-N-Load Pro holds the bike very secure and stable on the road without wheel chocks. The front tire may shift a little side to side, held in place by the rake of the forks, and that doesn’t affect how well the bike is held.

Pros of the Lock-N-Load Transport System

• The system frees up valuable space in your truck bed or trailer
• Eliminates the need for complicated tie-down straps and wheel chocks
• Puts much less pressure on the fork seals
• You can quickly release your bike from the jaws and get to riding
• The Lock-N-Load Pro is fully adjustable, and the three Pro sizes fit bikes from 50cc youth models up to 400 pounds, as long as the foot pegs fall in the listed range

Cons of the Lock-N-Load Transport System

• More expensive than standard tie-down straps
• Mounting plate will remain drilled into your truck bed floor (non-issue for many)

Summary of the Lock-N-Load Pro Moto Transport System

• The Lock-N-Load Pro is a strapless dirt bike transport system that will save you time and energy when transporting your dirt bike
• The standard Lock-N-Load Pro handles 85cc to 450cc MX bikes up to 270 pounds; the Pro Mini covers 50cc Jr to 110cc, and the Pro HD is rated to 400 pounds
• The mounting plate of the Lock-N-Load secures to the base of your truck or trailer bed
• Rubberized jaws keep your bike secured during transit
• The system allows you to adjust to the height and width of your dirt bike

Conclusion

Back to that muddy bike at the end of the day. Straps work, and plenty of riders will keep using them, but every trip means another round of ratcheting and checking, with the forks cranked down all the way home. The best dirt bike tie-down system is the one that holds the bike by its foot pegs and lets you skip all of that. Pick the size that matches your bike, the Pro Mini, the Pro, or the Pro HD, bolt the plate down once, and loading up comes down to rolling in and locking the jaws. See you at the track.

Related Articles