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Tying down the BMW GS 1250 in an electric 4ft bed

What would you do?

  • Put the bike in the truck, it's not that big of a deal

    Votes: 7 70.0%

  • I'd not, but if you do it, consider this point...

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Leave the bike at home; rent something fun in Canada

    Votes: 3 30.0%
  • Total voters
    10
  • Poll closed .
needles

needles

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 2, 2004
Location
Workin' 9-2-5
Moto(s)
2019 BMW GS 1250
Howdy wisdom of BARF,

I feel like the protoge of @motoproponent with this one....

I'm headed to Vancouver, Canada for a bit (longer than your average moto tour) and need to bring enough stuff that requires me taking the truck. The Rivian has a 4ft bed, and can fit the GS1250 straight in if the rear wheel sits on the tailgate when open. It's a 3 day drive, with charging. I've got some constraints to work with:
  • The Rivian does not like to tow that distance, so putting it in the bed is the only option
  • The GS suspension does not like getting compressed, so I've got to use ratchet straps on the lower fork brace.
  • And I've never carried this sort of bike, that sort of distance

Curious what option you'd do in the polls.... And if you've strapped the GS in truck bed, would love to know how you did it and what straps you used (if there is a trick there).
 
augustiron said:
Isn't the whole point of a truck to haul stuff in the bed?

Put it in there and drive, strap it down well front and rear and go.
Click to expand...
I mean it is; the discussion at home is that particular bike’s weight, height, and distance of the drive.
 
Only thing I would be concerned with is the weight on the tailgate. What is it rated for? I bet it's not much.
 
This thread makes me wanna step into the garage and kiss my Dodge on the hood.
I'll be right back......
 
how much does the GS weigh and what is the truck rated for?
 
I am a just do it guy. So I am with augustiron.
 
If you have ride leveling, you can do this. I've hitch-carried several bikes in the 500-600 lb range, including my two GSs, many thousands of miles over many years, all with compressed suspension, with no issues.

Though usually I'm hauling multiple bikes and stuff rides in the cargo trailer, again with compressed suspension / Condor chocks over e-track.

1751289543097.jpeg

What is the origin of the "does not like to be compressed" meme? Should we park GSs on stands, wheels off the ground, to counteract the Harsh Mistress gravity? It's ok to beat the f out of the suspension on washboard and babyheads, but not ok to gently press down?

1751292125864.jpeg

I think you hear me knocking...
 
FLH03RIDER said:
Wait a sec... I'm confused!
What is all this "extra stuff" you say you gotta take and why?

How about this: JUST RIDE THE GS, PROBLEM SOLVED !!! :ride
Click to expand...
I mean, really? Problem is I gots to bring more stuff than the luggage will carry, lol.
 
I know I'm overthinking this, but with a heavy bike and 2,000 miles on the road up and down Interstate 5, I want to make sure i'm doing it right. BMW mentions doing it this way. Since the suspension isn't compressed and I don't have a front wheel chock, am I inviting problems in?1751297931650.png
1751297909490.png
 
So, is all this "stuff" staying in the land of mooses and lumberjacks or is all this "stuff" coming back to 'Merica" with ya?
 
My crystal ball says that Meandad is going to recommend UPSing the stuff that wont fit on the bike. If you're going to a predetermined location that would be best to retain the ability to actually adventure on the bike. :rofl

When I used to have a GS I would strap it down by the crash bars and rear subframe. I think the logic behind using the lower fork mounts is that you can really imobilize the bike, as only the tire is compressible from that point. Maybe the mono shock under the telelever front end can be damaged if you gorilla tighten the ratchet straps to the shock bumpers and then do a few thousand miles. :dunno
 
Running the front tire in against the front of the bed is fine, without a chock, and then strap like that.
They show a chock in that picture because it's not a pickup bed with a wall to pull the bike against.

Use quality ratcheting straps and soft straps around the bike parts .

Good to go

You are WAY overthinking this. But if you've never strapped something down before, I guess it can seem daunting.

As far as the impact on your trip, yes your EV range may take a small hit due to weight and aerodynamics, But that's what you signed up for when you went EV
 
Also...When are you in Vancouver?

For me it will be Monday night September 1 and Tuesday September 2. Leaving Wednesday AM.
 
Put the bike in at an angle\ the front wheel on the corner will provide a secure hold. Also this will prevent bending the cargos strong—back center.
 
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I wish I could find that picture of the Civic with the dirtbike mounted over the trunk with the sunroof as a wheel chock.
Still searching....stand by....
 
gixxerjeff said:
I wish I could find that picture of the Civic with the dirtbike mounted over the trunk with the sunroof as a wheel chock.
Still searching....stand by....
Click to expand...
374499


this the one? from southbayriders
 
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