How Do You Secure a Dirt Bike in a Truck?

I love taking my dirt bike to the track. It’s the perfect place to put my skills to the test. The challenge is getting the dirt bike there safely and securely. So, how can you secure a dirt bike into a truck properly? 

There are two options to secure a dirt bike in a truck. One, you can tie it down using ratchet straps from the corners of the truck to the bike and tighten accordingly. Secondly, you can install a Lock-N-Load Pro from Risk Racing that has jaw arms that become a quick-release for your dirt bike.

When you are transporting an expensive dirt bike, the last thing you want is for it to fall off the truck. Because of this, it’s essential to make sure that you have secured it tightly. Let’s take a closer look at how you can do this. 

What Can You Use to Secure Your Dirt Bike? 

There are a few ways that you can use to secure your dirt bike. You can use the tie-down method. This is an older tried-and-true way of securing your bike involving multiple straps and a lot of front suspension compression. Some of the newest ways of getting the job done include using an MX transport system like the Lock-N-Load Pro. This is a newer method, making it easier to secure your dirt bike.

Before you start securing it, you will want to make sure that the truck is flat.This will make the job a lot easier and safer. It will make it a lot easier to secure it into the truck if there is already some balance happening. Don’t make it any harder than you have to.

Getting the Bike into the Truck

For many people, one of the most challenging things is getting the dirt bike up into the truck. They are too heavy to lift yourself.The easiest solution is using a ramp for the bike and a ramp or step for you to walk up. Simply roll the bike up and onto the truck as you follow up next to it on your ramp. If you don’t have two ramps, just use your MX stand as a step up onto your tailgate as you walk your bike up and in. 

Tying Down a Dirt Bike

If you absolutely have to use straps, then there are a few steps that you will need to go through to make sure that you have tied down the bike properly. First, you will need to make sure that you have secured the straps onto the truck/truck bed. You will need to use four straps. Two will go in the front and two will go in the back. They should be in each corner of the truck bed. 

Then, you will need to attach the straps to the bike. You will need to consider where you do this.You want to attach them to a solid part of the frame. This ensures that they won’t come loose during the trip or hurt the bike.  At the front of the bike, you might want to put them around the handlebars. 

It’s also important to think about the type of straps you are using. It’s a good idea to use soft straps. These will ensure that you aren’t damaging the bike. 

Before you tighten them up, you will need to make sure that you have secured the front wheel. You don’t want this to be shifting around during the drive. It could make the bike unstable, causing it to fall over. Thankfully, there is an easy solution.You can use a wheel chock.You will need to install this in your truck bed. But, if you’re transporting your bike regularly, it will be worth the money. 

When strapping, you have to compress the suspension down to get the nylon straps to hold the bike in a rigid state. This will ensure that the bike doesn’t bounce around and become unstrapped when you go over a bump in the road.To try and save your forks from unnecessary strain from strapping, you will need to use a device known as a dirt bike fork saver.This only takes a few minutes to install but can help extend the life of your suspension. 

Finally, you will need to tighten up the straps.You want to make sure that they are all at the same tension. Before you leave, give the bike a quick test. You shouldn’t be able to move it around easily.

This is not the most graceful process and definitely left room for improvement.

Using a Motocross Transport System

The other option that you might want to explore is the Lock-N-Load Pro from Risk Racing. This is an easier alternative to tying down a dirt bike and doesn’t put unnecessary force on your fork seals. If you regularly travel with your bike, this can be a great way of keeping it secure. It’s also faster than the tie-down method.  

Installing the Lock-N-Load Pro is easy. First, you will need to load your bike into the truck.Then, mark where you want the mounting plate to go. Remove the bike. Next, you will need to screw the mounting plate down into the truck bed. Before you do this, you will need to check under the truck. You don’t want to screw through any important parts. 

All the parts needed to assemble and install the mounting plate are included. You will need to follow the instructions to fit it to your truck properly. The video below goes into more depth about the installation process. 

Once the plate is on, you will need to add the mounting arms. These should slide into place in the rails of the mounting plate. Then, you will need to roll the bike up and adjust the mounting arms to sit just over your bike’s footpegs. You want them to be able to firmly grip the bike.The rubber jaws will lock down onto your bike’s footpegs, holding it in place.When you arrive, you flick the switch release and you can remove your bike and start riding. This can be done in a matter of seconds.

It should be noted that there are two types of Lock-N-Loads. You can purchase the Pro. This is best for adult bikes. It is designed for anything between 80cc to Enduro. There is a maximum weight of 315 pounds. You can also choose the Mini Pro. These are designed for smaller bikes. These will be able to handle the 50cc Jr to the 110cc Trial. They can take a maximum weight of 200 pounds. 

How to Tie Down 2 Dirt Bikes in a Truck?

Sometimes, you will want to take multiple bikes with you on your adventures.If this is the case, it’s best to use two Lock N Load Pros.As long as your truck bed is big enough, you will be able to put two mounting plates on either side of the truck. This will let you transport two bikes at the same time. 

There is another option. In this case, you will need to walk the bike onto the truck.Try to keep it as close to the edge of the bed as possible. When you reach the front, angle the handlebars. This should stop them from moving. Repeat the process with the bike on the other side. 

If you have done this properly, the handlebars shouldn’t be touching each other. When you are happy with the positioning, you can tie them in. In most cases, you will be able to close the tailgate. 

In some cases, this will leave enough space between the tires for a third bike. You can slot it down the middle. This video shows you how you can do this. If you are doing this, you’ll need to pay close attention to how you tie them. You don’t want the handlebars to collide during the trip. 

Final Thoughts

It’s important to make sure that you can transport your dirt bike properly. This will ensure that they arrive at the track safely. There are a few ways that you can do this. You can either tie it in place using nylon straps (the old way). Or you can use the Lock-N-Load Pro system from Risk Racing (the new way). Using these methods, you can tie two, or possibly three, bikes in place during your journey.