Transporting your prized 2007 Honda Gold Wing requires careful attention to ensure it arrives safely at its destination without any damage. Proper tie-down techniques are crucial for securing your motorcycle on a trailer, preventing it from shifting, tipping, or falling during transit. This guide, drawing upon expert advice from resources like the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) and experienced riders, will provide you with a step-by-step method to confidently tie down your 2007 Honda Gold Wing for transport.
Preparing Your 2007 Honda Gold Wing for Transport
Before you begin securing your Gold Wing, preparation is key. Gathering the right equipment and inspecting your trailer will make the tie-down process smoother and safer.
Gather Necessary Equipment
You’ll need the following items to properly tie down your 2007 Honda Gold Wing:
- Soft Ties (x4): These fabric loops protect your motorcycle’s frame and components from scratches and abrasion caused by tie-down straps. Ancra soft ties are a recommended brand, known for their durability.
- Adjustable Tie-Down Straps (Ratchet or Buckle type x4): Heavy-duty straps with ratchet or buckle mechanisms are essential for firmly securing your motorcycle. Ensure they are in good condition, without any frays or damage.
- Flatbed Trailer or Motorcycle Trailer: Choose a trailer appropriate for the weight and size of your Honda Gold Wing. Ensure the trailer is also in good condition with secure anchor points.
- Protective Pads (Optional but Recommended): Using pads between tie-down straps and your motorcycle’s bodywork can further prevent scratches, especially on painted surfaces.
Inspect Trailer and Anchor Points
Before loading your Gold Wing, take a moment to inspect your trailer:
- Anchor Point Strength: Confirm that the trailer’s anchor points are robust and capable of withstanding the tension of the tie-down straps.
- Trailer Condition: Check for any signs of damage or wear on the trailer bed, ramps, and overall structure.
- Cleanliness: Ensure the trailer bed is clean and free of debris that could scratch your motorcycle.
Step-by-Step Guide: Tying Down Your 2007 Honda Gold Wing
The 2007 Honda Gold Wing falls under the GL1800 model range (2001-2017). This method focuses on securing your bike using soft ties around the lower triple clamp and frame, as recommended by experts for this model.
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Position the Motorcycle: Carefully push or ride your Gold Wing onto the flatbed trailer. Position it where you want it for transport, ideally centered and balanced over the trailer axle. Engage the motorcycle’s transmission (put it in gear) to prevent rolling. It can be helpful to use the sidestand temporarily during initial strap placement.
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Front Tie-Downs – Left Side: Loop a soft tie around the left lower triple clamp, ensuring it’s securely positioned. Pass one loop of the soft tie through the other to create a snug loop around the triple clamp, leaving a free loop accessible.
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Attach Left Front Tie-Down Strap: Connect the hook of an adjustable tie-down strap to the free loop of the soft tie on the left front fork. Attach the other end of the strap to a secure anchor point on the left front side of the trailer floor.
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Initial Tightening – Left Front: Begin tightening the adjustable tie-down strap. Aim to compress the front left fork about halfway. Do not fully tighten at this stage.
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Repeat Steps 2-4 for the Right Front: Mirror steps 2-4 on the right front side of the Gold Wing. Use a second soft tie on the right front fork and another adjustable tie-down strap connected to the right front trailer floor. Tighten this strap to compress the right front fork approximately halfway as well. At this point, your Gold Wing should be standing upright, supported by the tension of the two front tie-down straps.
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Raise Sidestand: Once the front tie-downs are in place and providing stability, raise the Gold Wing’s sidestand.
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Rear Tie-Downs – Left Side: Remove the left side cover of your Gold Wing to access the frame. Loop a third soft tie around the motorcycle’s frame, ensuring you are securing it to a robust part of the frame, and hook an adjustable tie-down to the soft tie. Attach the other end of this strap to a secure anchor point on the left side rail of the trailer, positioned slightly forward and outward from the motorcycle. Important: Ensure the strap avoids contact with the saddlebag to prevent scratches.
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Tighten Left Rear Tie-Down: Tighten the left rear tie-down strap until it is snug. The purpose of the rear straps is to stabilize the rear of the motorcycle and prevent side-to-side movement.
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Repeat Steps 7-8 for the Right Rear: Repeat steps 7 and 8 on the right side of the motorcycle. Use the fourth soft tie around the right side frame, and the fourth adjustable tie-down strap, connecting it to the right side rail of the trailer, again avoiding contact with the saddlebag. Tighten this strap snugly.
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Secure Front Wheel (Optional but Recommended for Long Trips): For added security, especially on longer journeys, use a final soft tie to secure the front wheel. Loop the soft tie through the front wheel and attach it to a vertical member of the trailer. This prevents the front wheel from turning during transit.
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Secure Loose Strap Ends: To prevent the loose ends of the adjustable tie-down straps from flapping in the wind and potentially damaging your motorcycle’s paint, secure them by tying them to themselves using a half hitch knot or tucking them away.
Important Tie-Down Tips and Precautions
- Avoid Handlebars and Engine Guards: Never attach tie-downs directly to the handlebars or engine guards of your Gold Wing. These components are not designed for downward force and can be damaged.
- Use Frame and Triple Clamp: Focus on securing tie-downs to the robust frame and lower triple clamp as described in this guide.
- Passenger Hand Grips (GL1000-GL1500): For older Gold Wing models (GL1000-GL1500), passenger hand grips bolted to the frame can be used as tie-down points for rear straps. However, for GL1800 models (2001-2017), using the frame directly is a more secure and recommended method.
- Do Not Use Centerstand: Never use the centerstand when transporting your motorcycle on a trailer. Vibrations during travel can damage the centerstand or the trailer.
- Regular Checks: During long transports, periodically check the tie-down straps to ensure they remain tight and secure.
Conclusion
Properly tying down your 2007 Honda Gold Wing is essential for safe and damage-free transport. By following these step-by-step instructions and adhering to the important precautions, you can confidently secure your motorcycle for travel. Remember to always double-check your tie-downs before starting your journey and at regular intervals during transport to ensure your prized Gold Wing arrives in perfect condition. Safe travels!
