Let’s be honest…I love a high-quality Tie-down, but why does it seem like my dirt bike tie-downs go missing?
Only later to find them cover in hay at my old man’s farm…
If you own a dirt bike you need to have high-quality tie-downs. That last thing you need is your dirt bike tipping over causing major damage to your bike or truck.
Being able to secure your dirt bike in the proper manner will not only help you sleep better at night it will allow you to jam out all the way to the motocross track without worrying about your dirt bike.
However…..
NOT ALL TIE-DOWNS ARE CREATED EQUAL.
There are MANY different types of tie-downs out there on the market.
One thing you need to make sure of is that you DO NOT over-tighten your straps. The goal is to keep your bike secure not bottom out your suspension.
If you tighten the tie-down straps too tight it causes lots of pressure on the oil seals and springs inside your fork. This can cause damage to your forks.
This is why I recommend not using RATCHET STYLE Tie-downs for dirt bikes. Ratchet tie-downs can really latch down the load and typically lead to over-tightening.
You DO NOT what to over-tighten the straps when hauling or transporting your dirt bike.
What matters is making sure you have the right angles to keep the dirt bike in place.
Think of it as a triangle. If the straps are at a good angle and the front tire of the dirt bike Is secure then you do not have to over-tighten the tie-downs to keep your dirt bike in place.
If your tie-downs are too close to the dirt bike you will notice that you have to tighten them WAY more than usual to keep the dirt bike from moving from side to side.
Proper angles are the key to success when using dirt bike tie-downs.
So, what types of tie-downs are there, and what tie-downs are the best for dirt biking?
Let’s start with what types of Tie downs are out there.
Table of Contents
Types of Dirt Bike Tie Downs:
- Lashing Straps
- Cam Buckle Straps
- Ratchet Straps
- S-Hook
- Snap Hook
- Flat Hook
- J-Hook
Now the list above is what the different types of tie-downs are called.
Typically most of the dirt bike tie-downs you are going to use the cam buckle straps. These cam buckle tie dows will have hooks and some even have carabineers for the hook.
But here is the kicker the best type of cam buckle tie-downs come with something extra….only for dirt bikes and motorcycles.
Not all tie-downs are built right for securing dirt bikes.
Using tie-downs that just have a hook can cause damage to your handlebars. After a time the hook can scratch your the paint on your handlebars. With lots of dirt bike handlebars coming with black handlebars this, in my opinion, a big deal.
You do not want a bunch of scratches.
The other thing with using hook type of tie-downs as they do not sit completely flat on your handlebars. This risks the hooks slipping off the handlebars of the dirt bike we transporting.
Soft Loop Dirt Bike Tie-Downs
In my opinion, there is ONLY 1 type of tie-downs for dirt bikes….
The tie-downs that come with a soft loop.
These soft loop tie-downs have an extra strap that will loop around and hook to another hook. This allows your dirt bike handlebars to not get abused. Soft loop tie-downs are flexible which means you have a nice safe contact with the dirt bike. This is the best way to secure your dirt bike.
Soft Loop Dirt Bike Tie-Downs Advantages:
- No Scratching your handlebars
- Most secure tie-downs for dirt bikes
- Handlebar mountable
- Fork mountable
- More versatile than standard tie-downs
Ok, so now that we know that soft loop cam buckle tie-downs are the best type of tie-downs to use for dirtbikes.
Who makes the VERY best dirt bike soft loop tie-downs?
BEST DIRT BIKE TIE-DOWNS IN THE WORLD
So far I haven’t been able to find a better tie-down for dirt biking then the tie-downs I mention below. These tie-downs come with a soft loop and a patented rotating carabiner hook….
YES, a rotating carabiner hook!
ProTaper Swivel-Hook/Carabiner/Soft Loop Tie Downs Black
These swivel hook carabiner soft loop tie-downs are the best dirt bike tie downs out there! The ProTaper tie-downs by far beat out the other soft hook dirt bike tie-down straps.
The patented swivel carabiner hook on the ProTaper Tie-downs is amazing.
- No more twisted straps.
- No more hooks coming loose
- Easy to just clip on….
- Thicker straps
- Great soft loop
A combination of all the things mentioned below makes the ProTaper Swivel-Hook/Carabiner/Soft Loop Tie-Downs the VERY BEST dirt bike tie-downs.
Personally I own quite a few pairs of these tie-downs and feel like every dirt biker needs a set.
Other Dirt Biker Reviews:
Where have these been all my life?
You can get cheaper tie downs, but those carabiners make all the difference — no more worrying if that other strap’s S-hook will come out of the truck or trailer tie-down points on a bump or rough road. The swivel is pretty robust and doesn’t appear to be a weak point. Webbing loop keeps scratches at bay, too. No question, these straps will be replacing my tangled assortment of various tie downs & bucket of softies. Great gift for anyone who hauls bikes!
Awesome!! Would/Will buy again
Bought these to tie down a KLR 650 and CRF 250 in an enclosed two-bike trailer. They worked perfectly. PLEASE NOTE: I did buy “extender straps” (not sure that’s what they’re called) to make sure the metal parts of the tie-downs did not harm the bikes. I’m not 100% sure that the extenders were needed, but it made the usage much easier and gave me peace of mind. So far, two cross-country trips with the tie-downs (8 in total) and they have worked perfectly. WARNING: They will pinch the heck out of your fingers if you’re an idiot like me and get your fingers in the way of the carabiner pivot points.
Best Tie-Down Straps you can buy!
After a year of struggling with those cheep ratchet straps and worrying about them failing, I finally bought these for my use after I saw how easy these were to use when I went riding with some friends. Thankfully I never lost a bike to a failed strap, but really, If I did, that would have been the dumbest thing…trusting a $4000 bike to a $5 strap! Do yourself a favor, loose the cheap straps and get a set of these for each bike, no fumbling with the separate soft tie and the swivel hook eliminates the twisted tie problem. Just clip them on and one pull on the strap and the bike is secure, no need to thread the tensioning strap.
Key factors to consider
When delving into the critical aspects of choosing tie-downs for your dirt bike, it’s imperative to leverage the expertise of a seasoned dirt biking aficionado, someone who has navigated numerous trails and tested a variety of tie-down systems firsthand.
The soft loop tie-downs emerge as a standout choice, ingeniously crafted with an additional strap that loops back and securely fastens onto itself. This innovative design is crucial for manifold reasons.
Foremost, it guarantees that the tie-down’s contact with your dirt bike is buffered, markedly minimizing any likelihood of inflicting damage on your handlebars or any bike component encased by the strap.
This soft loop serves as a protective shield, warding off any direct interaction between the tie-down’s rigid hook or metallic constituents and your motorcycle, thus averting potential abrasions, scratches, or more severe, any undermining of your handlebars’ structural integrity.
The adaptability of soft loop tie-downs transcends mere material flexibility; it extends to their capability to securely anchor your bike in diverse scenarios and across a spectrum of transport modalities.
Conclusion
The journey of selecting the perfect tie-downs is laden with considerations — from the type of straps that will hug your bike securely without inflicting damage, to the peace of mind that comes with knowing your bike won’t budge, irrespective of the road’s caprices.
Having experimented with a plethora of tie-down options, I’ve observed firsthand the difference that quality tie-downs make. Those of us entrenched in the dirt biking culture know our bikes are more than just machines; they are extensions of our adventurous spirits.
Thus, securing them with subpar equipment is out of the question. The ideal tie-downs, like the ones I’ve come to trust, should boast robust durability, possess ample strength to withstand the rigors of transport, and feature a design that safeguards our bikes against scratches, pressure points, and the strain of relentless vibrations.
In my seasoned journey through dirt tracks, rugged landscapes, and countless competitions, the reliability of my gear has always been my cornerstone. Hence, when I recommend tie-downs, it’s with the assurance that they’ve been tested in the most demanding conditions.
The right tie-downs are those that balance a firm grip with gentle care, ensuring that your bike remains immobile, yet unscathed, ready for the next ride the moment it’s unloaded. They are an investment in your biking future, an essential tool in your arsenal, and a non-negotiable component in the realm of off-road motorcycling.
FAQ About Best Dirt Bike Tie-downs
What should I look for in the material of dirt bike tie-downs?
Look for tie-downs made from high-quality, durable materials like polyester or nylon that can withstand heavy use without fraying, stretching, or breaking. The material should also be resistant to weathering, UV damage, and moisture.
How do I ensure my dirt bike is securely tied down?
Ensure the tie-downs are tightly fastened and the bike is stable with minimal movement. The straps should form a solid triangle from the anchor points to the bike, and the bike should not shift when gently rocked. Regularly check the tension during transport as vibrations can loosen the straps.
How often should I replace my dirt bike tie-downs?
Inspect your tie-downs regularly for signs of wear, tear, or damage. Replace them if you notice any fraying, cuts, or deterioration of the material, or if the buckles or hooks are damaged.
