ramps

phozed · 03-10-2009, 10:10 AM

Apologies if there's a thread already - I looked and couldn't find a general-questions one.

Anyone have any advice they'd like to share on ramps? In the past I just used a 2x8 w/some tack strips on it to load bikes into a FS pickup truck. However, I'm keen on doing it alone (or at least being able to have that option if circumstances [read:wife] dictate). I could always just grab another board but since I've started looking I figure aluminum is the way to go.

So, without spending 2 grand for some automatic contraption meant more for a show bike does anyone have any suggestions? Has anyone ever seen a truck tailgate fail while loading a sportbike? Do I need to buy a ramp that is so big it's going to take up the rest of the bed space?

Any recommendations? Thanks a bunch!

nhfirefighter13 · 03-10-2009, 11:17 AM

A couple of curved, aluminum ramps will do the trick quite nicely even by yourself. There are some that fold, as well. You're probably looking at $200-300 or so for a pair (although it's been a while since I shopped them.)

ND4SPD · 03-10-2009, 11:28 AM

I have an arched one piece(non folding) aluminum ramp that I bought for about $90 several years ago. It's about 8-10" wide and does fine to hold the bike and has a steel rope with a hook on the end that you can adjust and hook into the bumper so it doesn't slide out with the bike on it. If I was loading the bike by myself, I would do it with the engine on and the bike in first gear slowly powering it up the ramp and have a cooler to step on so I could walk with it without issue. Backing it down by yourself is a bit trickier, but can be done. I have a trailer now so not much use for the ramp but if I had to go back to using it, I'd buy a second one, or at least have a 2x8 laying down next to it that I could use to walk on.

Jetbdude · 03-10-2009, 11:29 AM

I have a folding aluminium ramp that I really like. Real light and compact, it folds in 3 sections compare to the usual 2. I'll try to get the brand and let you know. The price was right too.

SheepOfBlue · 03-10-2009, 11:34 AM

Saw one at the trade show that was real cool (can't remember the brand) in had a spot up half way that would be a great pause for going from ground to truck

luvtolean · 03-10-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

I have an arched one piece(non folding) aluminum ramp that I bought for about $90 several years ago.

That's what I have.

Folding or non-folding, they're always a freaking pain to stow.

In a non-full size truck, I'd get a folder. My non-folding barely fits in my bed sideways with the tailgate up.

I've never seen a tailgate fail, but a friend's did. It wasn't with a bike, and it was an older truck. I always watch the straps on the gate. (my D-Max actually had a recall due to failures, and one of my straps was broken.

)

DrHall · 03-10-2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetbdude

I have a folding aluminium ramp that I really like. Real light and compact, it folds in 3 sections compare to the usual 2. I'll try to get the brand and let you know. The price was right too.

Something like this: Tractor Supply Company - Better Built Tri-Folding Aluminum Loading Ramp ?

Course, I am sure Jetb got his at Canadian Tire...

I have the 2 panel version of this and like it a lot. Makes it very easy to walk beside the bike going up and down. Downside is, as LTL stated, they take up some serious room.

CBR929RE · 03-10-2009, 12:29 PM

I almost hate to suggest this because I had such a bad experience with the company but in the end after getting a call from the VP of the company I did get them to refund all my money. ended up buying it on ebay a year later for cheaper than what the maker wanted. at ReadyRamp.com it really is pretty damn awesome. folds into a bed extender so now you don't have to worry about putting it anywhere in the bed. I usually carry a board still just so I can walk up/down that while loading/unloading.

Jetbdude · 03-10-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrHall

Something like this: Tractor Supply Company - Better Built Tri-Folding Aluminum Loading Ramp ?

Course, I am sure Jetb got his at Canadian Tire...

Not like this, you've seen it at Jennings. It's the one Brett liked so much.

I did get it at Canadian Tire

you're just jealous!

TornadoBait · 03-10-2009, 01:43 PM

I load and unload alone 99.9% of the time. In fact I prefer to do it myself. I don't like trying to control the bike with someone else pushing on it from the back or side. That way I only have to anticipate the weight of the bike and my own inputs. Two curved Al ramps work great, one for me and one for the bike. I simply walk beside the bike. During loading I use the power of the engine to "drive" it up while I walk up on the other ramp. During unloading I leave the engine off with tranny in gear and use the clutch to control the rate of descent.

bwhip · 03-10-2009, 01:44 PM

I've had a Ready Ramp for several years now and been VERY pleased. Converts to a nice tailgate bed extender.

smkeatr · 03-10-2009, 10:00 PM

No regrets with these. I think Chain turned me onto them and I got them from Ohio steel or something. Saw the exact same ones at Sears for the same price. With the curve, I could get my 929 up into my 4x4 F-150 without the bottom touching the ramp. ALWAYS use 2 ramps, one to walk on. I've used them for about 6 years every week for the trip to the MX track.

They fold and fit under the MX bike stacked on top of each other. My 929 fit in my stepside, tailgate up, with the rear of the bike off to one side and both ramps secured beside it.

Craftsman Loading Ramps - 24659 at Sears.com

seamus · 03-10-2009, 10:09 PM

I have two folding, curved aluminum ramps I picked up from Lowe's. I've loaded and unloaded the VFR several times without much issue except when it was raining once.

G-ForceJunkie · 03-10-2009, 11:59 PM

I have an curved, 8 foot non folding Oxlite aluminum ramp. As ltl said, a pain to haul around, but sturdy as hell. For dirtbikes, I just push it up with a cooler or 2 stroke bike stand used as a step stool. With a sport bike or my fat pig GS, I use tiedowns to strap the ramp to the safety chain loops on my hitch and motor it up in first gear, again standing off to the side and using a cooler as a step stool. If possable, put the rear wheels of the truck in the gutter or a low spot to lessen the tailgate height.

phozed · 03-15-2009, 06:18 PM

thanks for all the advice! I ended up getting a pair of ramps for ease of storage. I'll post up my thoughts on these after I get a chance to use them.

Highland Aluminum Loading RampsCenter Fold Ramp Set
Highland Group Industries

phozed · 06-27-2009, 01:48 PM

well finally got around to loading up the bike and actually using the ramps. My thoughts:

1 ramp was missing hardware - had to contact customer service and they shipped the replacements to me at no additional cost.

ramp has a high arc - was a bit intimidating for me to load it alone but after too many tries I finally got it. Did it with the bike in 1st and feathering the clutch and a finger on the front brake.

Two small ramps are a little on the dicey side for me. I might have been better off going with a full-size width.

Seems solidly built and didn't flex at all when I loaded. Good stuff.

Finally - I had to spend extra to buy some grip pads, as I didn't want my tailgate to get too shredded.

03-10-2009, 10:10 AM	#1
phozed made it back Join Date: 06-18-2008 Location: In Constant Fear Bike(s): cbr929 rs125 Posts: 160	ramps Apologies if there's a thread already - I looked and couldn't find a general-questions one. Anyone have any advice they'd like to share on ramps? In the past I just used a 2x8 w/some tack strips on it to load bikes into a FS pickup truck. However, I'm keen on doing it alone (or at least being able to have that option if circumstances [read:wife] dictate). I could always just grab another board but since I've started looking I figure aluminum is the way to go. So, without spending 2 grand for some automatic contraption meant more for a show bike does anyone have any suggestions? Has anyone ever seen a truck tailgate fail while loading a sportbike? Do I need to buy a ramp that is so big it's going to take up the rest of the bed space? Any recommendations? Thanks a bunch!

03-10-2009, 11:17 AM	#2
nhfirefighter13 P90X RAGE! Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Concord, NH Age: 34 Bike(s): The Mighty Nissan! Posts: 4,497 Images: 58	A couple of curved, aluminum ramps will do the trick quite nicely even by yourself. There are some that fold, as well. You're probably looking at $200-300 or so for a pair (although it's been a while since I shopped them.) __________________ http://www.kezerphotography.com http://www.kezerphotography.com/blog "Holy Jesus God. My teeth taste like street." -Unknown

03-10-2009, 11:28 AM	#3
ND4SPD Join Date: 12-12-2006 Location: MCADX World Headquarters Bike(s): '99 F4, '00 VFR Posts: 11,261 Images: 28	I have an arched one piece(non folding) aluminum ramp that I bought for about $90 several years ago. It's about 8-10" wide and does fine to hold the bike and has a steel rope with a hook on the end that you can adjust and hook into the bumper so it doesn't slide out with the bike on it. If I was loading the bike by myself, I would do it with the engine on and the bike in first gear slowly powering it up the ramp and have a cooler to step on so I could walk with it without issue. Backing it down by yourself is a bit trickier, but can be done. I have a trailer now so not much use for the ramp but if I had to go back to using it, I'd buy a second one, or at least have a 2x8 laying down next to it that I could use to walk on. __________________ "This is your life - are you who you want to be?" Learn all you need to know about Mac OS X The Motorcycle Addict's Magazine - MCADXmag

03-10-2009, 11:29 AM	#4
Jetbdude #20 Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Canada eh! Age: 35 Bike(s): 07 600RR Posts: 3,664	I have a folding aluminium ramp that I really like. Real light and compact, it folds in 3 sections compare to the usual 2. I'll try to get the brand and let you know. The price was right too. __________________ Happy wife, happy life.

03-10-2009, 11:34 AM	#5
SheepOfBlue Vote Sheep Or Else Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 47 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 10,444	Saw one at the trade show that was real cool (can't remember the brand) in had a spot up half way that would be a great pause for going from ground to truck __________________ Find one in every car. You'll see.

03-10-2009, 12:29 PM	#8
CBR929RE posing for the camera Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: at home Age: 29 Bike(s): 01 R/B/W CBR929RR Posts: 5,473	I almost hate to suggest this because I had such a bad experience with the company but in the end after getting a call from the VP of the company I did get them to refund all my money. ended up buying it on ebay a year later for cheaper than what the maker wanted. at ReadyRamp.com it really is pretty damn awesome. folds into a bed extender so now you don't have to worry about putting it anywhere in the bed. I usually carry a board still just so I can walk up/down that while loading/unloading. __________________ "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough" - Mario Andretti

03-10-2009, 01:43 PM	#10
TornadoBait Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: KC Bike(s): 2005 600RR Posts: 1,452	I load and unload alone 99.9% of the time. In fact I prefer to do it myself. I don't like trying to control the bike with someone else pushing on it from the back or side. That way I only have to anticipate the weight of the bike and my own inputs. Two curved Al ramps work great, one for me and one for the bike. I simply walk beside the bike. During loading I use the power of the engine to "drive" it up while I walk up on the other ramp. During unloading I leave the engine off with tranny in gear and use the clutch to control the rate of descent. __________________ CCS#27, CMRA#271, ASRA Pro#271 Dunlop, Vortex, Vesrah, Silkolene, PitBull, TRW Web Design Cafe Racer Inc. Tornado Bait Racing Last edited by TornadoBait; 03-10-2009 at 01:48 PM..

03-10-2009, 01:44 PM	#11
bwhip An addiction no rehab can cure Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Idaho, USA Bike(s): A modest variety Posts: 5,540	I've had a Ready Ramp for several years now and been VERY pleased. Converts to a nice tailgate bed extender. __________________ My Gallery http://www.latebraker.com

03-10-2009, 10:00 PM	#12
smkeatr Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Central Florida Age: 39 Bike(s): 2-06' VT750DC, CRF250R Posts: 276	No regrets with these. I think Chain turned me onto them and I got them from Ohio steel or something. Saw the exact same ones at Sears for the same price. With the curve, I could get my 929 up into my 4x4 F-150 without the bottom touching the ramp. ALWAYS use 2 ramps, one to walk on. I've used them for about 6 years every week for the trip to the MX track. They fold and fit under the MX bike stacked on top of each other. My 929 fit in my stepside, tailgate up, with the rear of the bike off to one side and both ramps secured beside it. Craftsman Loading Ramps - 24659 at Sears.com Last edited by smkeatr; 03-10-2009 at 10:11 PM..

03-10-2009, 10:09 PM	#13
seamus Turning is for p***ies Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Rocket City Age: 35 Bike(s): 1KRR; VFR; FMX650 Posts: 8,077	I have two folding, curved aluminum ramps I picked up from Lowe's. I've loaded and unloaded the VFR several times without much issue except when it was raining once. __________________ Ducit Amor Patriae Richard Herald, The Gentle Giant For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. ---Leonardo Da Vinci

03-10-2009, 11:59 PM	#14
G-ForceJunkie Who's driving? Join Date: 12-15-2006 Location: Castaic, CA Bike(s): BMW GS1150 ADV, DRZ400 Posts: 1,280 Images: 1	I have an curved, 8 foot non folding Oxlite aluminum ramp. As ltl said, a pain to haul around, but sturdy as hell. For dirtbikes, I just push it up with a cooler or 2 stroke bike stand used as a step stool. With a sport bike or my fat pig GS, I use tiedowns to strap the ramp to the safety chain loops on my hitch and motor it up in first gear, again standing off to the side and using a cooler as a step stool. If possable, put the rear wheels of the truck in the gutter or a low spot to lessen the tailgate height.

03-15-2009, 06:18 PM	#15
phozed made it back Join Date: 06-18-2008 Location: In Constant Fear Bike(s): cbr929 rs125 Posts: 160	thanks for all the advice! I ended up getting a pair of ramps for ease of storage. I'll post up my thoughts on these after I get a chance to use them. Highland Aluminum Loading RampsCenter Fold Ramp Set Highland Group Industries

06-27-2009, 01:48 PM	#16
phozed made it back Join Date: 06-18-2008 Location: In Constant Fear Bike(s): cbr929 rs125 Posts: 160	well finally got around to loading up the bike and actually using the ramps. My thoughts: 1 ramp was missing hardware - had to contact customer service and they shipped the replacements to me at no additional cost. ramp has a high arc - was a bit intimidating for me to load it alone but after too many tries I finally got it. Did it with the bike in 1st and feathering the clutch and a finger on the front brake. Two small ramps are a little on the dicey side for me. I might have been better off going with a full-size width. Seems solidly built and didn't flex at all when I loaded. Good stuff. Finally - I had to spend extra to buy some grip pads, as I didn't want my tailgate to get too shredded.