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Introduction
For anyone who loves the freedom of motorcycle riding but also needs the carrying capacity of a pickup truck, a collaboration of the two could be worth considering. There are several advantages and drawbacks to having your motorcycle in a short bed pickup.
The most obvious benefit is that you get the storage capacity and hauling power of a pickup truck with the convenience and enjoyment that comes from owning and operating a motorcycle. The ability to leave your house for long trips with all of your necessary items on board is certainly an advantage. Furthermore, because motorcycles require limited space in comparison to cars, they can easily fit into small pickups without taking up much luggage room, leaving plenty of space for other items or passengers.
On the downside, transporting a motorcycle in a short bed pickup can be difficult due to size constraints. Securing it properly and ensuring there’s enough room between each item can be tricky since the bed length is relatively small compared to larger full-size trucks. Also, safety concerns are important when driving around town with a large vehicle like a pickup; making sure other drivers understand what is going on around them ahead of time would be essential for avoiding accidents. Drivers must also consider additional expenses like gas prices which may prove difficult for someone relying solely on their own vehicle for transportation.
Overall, though there are pros and cons associated with keeping your motorcycle in a short bed pickup truck, it can still be an excellent option if you need both vehicles’ utility. With proper planning and preparation beforehand, this combination could become beneficial to both cyclists and motorists alike as it offers lots of versatility while giving people the opportunity to explore new places in an exciting way!
Benefits of Combining the Two
Motorcycles and pickup trucks have been paired together since the early 1900s, when Harley-Davidson popularized their motorcycles by teaming up with Ford to transport the motorcycle in a truck. The pairing of bikes and pickups serves many purposes – from practical convenience to historical nostalgia – and is still a popular combination today.
The most obvious reason one might choose to combine an SUV with a motorcycle is for convenience. For example, when driving long distances on a weekend getaway or while taking your bike off-roading, having the extra space in the back of the pickup can be helpful when it comes time to park or just store your gear away from prying eyes. Additionally, hauling your bike in the back of your pickup will allow you to securely hold everything you will need for the ride in one place instead of having to worry about keeping separate bags for clothing, tools, and other items.
Along with being practical, this arrangement has deep historical significance as well. From iconic companies like Ford combining forces with Harley-Davidson all those years ago –to giving riders a sense of freedom and independence as they hit the open highways — folks who embrace this style are tapping into that nostalgic spirit of motorcycling’s heyday while still enjoying modern benefits.
Considerations for Successful Combination
The combination of a motorcycle and a short bed pickup can be an effective way to transport the former. When considering this possibility, it is important to carefully evaluate the logistics involved. Cost, time and effort need to be taken into account before making any decisions. Additionally, it is essential to be aware of applicable laws and regulations related to transporting motorcycles in the bed of pick-up trucks. The vehicle itself must have suitable cargo control systems installed, such as anchors or s-hooks that are possibly attached through the existing hardware at truck bed ties downs. Furthermore, being aware of local safety rules regarding securing your load can prevent potential accidents or other damaging issues along the way. It is also important to consider convenience since loading and unloading a motorcycle out of a short bed pickup may require additional help from someone outside the vehicle’s cabin. Integrating proper planning and understanding the relevant legal requirements can help ensure successful transportation for your motorcycle via a short bed pickup truck.
Ideal Motorcycles for a Short Bed Pickup
When looking for the ideal motorcycle to fit in your short bed pickup, size is a major factor to consider. Generally, anything over 1200cc or 81 inches (length) will be too large for a standard short bed truck. The ideal bike should also weigh no more than 750 pounds so it can be lifted in and out of the truck without much hassle.
In order to decide what the right bike is, you’ll need to research the length, width, and height specifications of each one. Most street-legal cruisers have an overall length range between 66 and 74 inches, with widths no greater than 34 inches and heights around 44 inches. If your selection doesn’t fall within these parameters, then you can likely expect it won’t fit either horizontally or vertically in a standard 6-foot bed pickup truck
Some lighter styles of motorcycles might require extra gear such as a tailgate ramp along with some special straps and tie downs installed on your truck in order to securely transport them. And when setting up straps and tying down your motorcycle in the pickup bed make sure the tie-down areas are not near any vulnerable parts because this could easily damage them during transportation.
If you would like to transport multiple motorcycles or a bigger bike such as a two-wheeled adventure model then using a larger yet lightweight trailer may be necessary instead of trying to fit them into a shorter bed truck.
Installation Techniques
One of the most common methods for safely hauling a motorcycle in a pickup bed is called the “pulling” method. To secure your motorcycle, you’ll need several cargo straps and ratchet tie-downs that can attach to the hooks located in the inside of the pickup bed. Place two straps on either side of your motorcycle’s front fork, now go ahead and pull those tight to frame so it won’t tip over during transit. Depending on size, you may also need to place a few extra straps on the back of your bike and secure them tightly against any obstructions. To ensure that your motorcycle does not budge an inch during transit, add a lined blanket or some other heavy padding material between it and truck bed body. This will lessen any damage or shocks from bumps or curbs while traveling. Once everything is secured and tightened, inspect all knots and straps one last time before getting on your way!
Safety Tips
Theft Prevention:
1. Lock the motorcycle every time you leave it in the back of a pickup bed, even for an extended period.
2. Use a heavy-duty chain and padlock to secure the vehicle.
3. Utilize GPS tracking to locate stolen vehicles.
4. Install an alarm system on the motorcycle that will sound if the bike is touched or moved without permission.
Riding Safety Tips:
1. Make sure there is sufficient space between items strapped down in the bed of a pickup truck to safely maneuver around them while riding a motorcycle in short bed pickup.
2. Wear protective gear such as DOT certified helmet, gloves, jacket and boots when riding in a pickup truck’s short bed with a motorcycle.
3. Secure all loose items before driving off with your bike in tow; even small items can become dangerous projectiles if they fall out while rolling down the road.
4. Be aware that drivers behind you may be unable to see your motorcycle when backing out or changing lanes; hang a bright flag with caution symbols on its side or affix bright reflective tape visually alerting others about cargo present inside of your truck’s bed containing your motorbike for added safety measures..
Conclusion
The combination of the motorcycle in a short bed pickup brings with it both a practical solution and an incredible sense of freedom. Belting your bike down in the back of your truck can give you the convenience to carry enough belongings, food, and gear to go on longer trips with much less of a hassle than traditional cycles. It also provides exceptional flexibility as you’re no longer limited by range when it comes to planning rides or trips. With extra storage space, riders can explore further into untouched roads or trails without needing to restock every few miles.
On top of that, the raw power and sensation of sitting behind a large engine such as what is typically found in a pickup truck combined with a motorcycle is an experience like no other. The thrill that comes from starting up the engine and hitting the open roads presents an undeniable rush for riders who want something unique and different than what more traditional offerings bring. Ultimately, adding a motorcyle to a pickup truck allows for limitless exploration and offers up an unbeatable blend of practicality and feeling that really needs to be experienced to appreciate its true value
