Safe or scary to roll a big bike up and down an 7' TH ramp?

White knuckles the first time, not so bad after that. I jack the tongue up as far as it will go, that lowers the angle of the ramp so the bike doesn't bottom out. I got an 8' 2x6 and cut it in half. I put a 4' section on each side from the ramp to the ground so I can put my feet on something stable when going in and out before both wheels are on the ramp.. One tip I learned on a HD forum was to use the friction zone of the clutch to slow the bike down instead of just the brakes. I tried it with the bike off with a little front brake when backing it out and it worked great. I've done it a few time with my Limited, and it gets easier and less stressful.

Bill, could you post those pics?

We have a Condor clone chock from harbor freight securely through bolted to the floor in our 5th wheel toy hauler and another in our enclosed Harley trailer. We bought a 12 volt remote controlled 2,500 lbs. pull ATV sized winch from harbor freight for $59 on sale. With softstraps to the forks I can slowly pull myself up the ramp-under control. Same method is used to back out using the winch brake in reverse. We have a Harley Ultra at 950 lbs. Its scary to drive it in and backing out is worse. You need a 12 tractor or car battery for this. I have pictures of how to mount the winch to the chock. Harbor Freight sells a ATV winch mounting plate and a few well placed nuts and bolts to mount to the chock is all you need.
-Bill

So just a precaution be very careful if your ramp or tires are damp our wet. If you can use a curb it would help you as well. And there's a few ramps out there that would help off set the incline as well.

JMO but I wouldn't want the engine running. Too much chance of stalling the engine and getting off balance. I prefer using both brakes since I don't want to risk turning the engine over backwards. But whatever works is all that matters.

I love backing out the wife's maxi-scooter, since it's an auto-shift both brakes are on the handlebars. Makes backing out a doddle.

Have your engine running if you're going to use the clutch for control - some engines could be damaged if you spin them backwards. Also, if you need to go back up (be ready for anything as one poster put it) you don't want to be fiddling with the starter if you get into a difficult situation on the ramp.

On our bikes the front brake does essentially nothing because it slides. Rear brake almost impossible to use as you really want to have both feet down.

Backing out is the only slight issue I have as your going backwards down the ramp. Make sure you don't stop with back wheel off and front wheel on the ramp as your feet may not touch and you could tip over...let bike roll all the way off the ramp before stopping!! Usually never have mine running when backing down the ramp.

debraindi wrote:

CarlT100 wrote:

boogie_4wheel wrote:

2112 wrote:
Ride it on. Have engine running when backing it out and ride the front brake. Be ready for anything.

I have mine shut off and in gear when backing out. Hand on front brake, and use it to hold about 50% of the bike; my front tire will slide on the trailer floor (but not the door). I then drag the clutch until the front tire gets on the grippy door lining and then the front holds a majority of the weight the rest of the way out.

800lb VTX1800T

I use that same technique and I ride it in to load it.

What happens if your get in a situation where you need to ride back up the ramp and your bike inst running? I get on it start it and use the clutch to hold the bike coming down the ramp. I want control at all times for what its worth .

I have never had the need the need to ride it back up the ramp. The ramps are wide; I just make sure I am backing down the center, or near the center, of the ramp.

boogie_4wheel wrote:

2112 wrote:
Ride it on. Have engine running when backing it out and ride the front brake. Be ready for anything.

I have mine shut off and in gear when backing out. Hand on front brake, and use it to hold about 50% of the bike; my front tire will slide on the trailer floor (but not the door). I then drag the clutch until the front tire gets on the grippy door lining and then the front holds a majority of the weight the rest of the way out.

800lb VTX1800T

X2 owned a Hd shop. This is how we did it. 1st gear, bump the clutch. Never will get away from you.

CarlT100 wrote:

boogie_4wheel wrote:

2112 wrote:
Ride it on. Have engine running when backing it out and ride the front brake. Be ready for anything.

I have mine shut off and in gear when backing out. Hand on front brake, and use it to hold about 50% of the bike; my front tire will slide on the trailer floor (but not the door). I then drag the clutch until the front tire gets on the grippy door lining and then the front holds a majority of the weight the rest of the way out.

800lb VTX1800T

I use that same technique and I ride it in to load it.

What happens if your get in a situation where you need to ride back up the ramp and your bike inst running? I get on it start it and use the clutch to hold the bike coming down the ramp. I want control at all times for what its worth .