Ramps?

[Rickrod3]

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/c...image_2297.jpg

I need a set of ramps to pick up a bike this weekend.
Have any of you used these?
Each ramp is rated at 500lbs our bikes are 630lbs I'm figuring that since the bike will be leaned slightly toward the 2nd ramp some of its weight will be suported on the other ramp.
What do you guys think?

TIA
Rick

[DGXSER]

You could always add a 2X12 or something on the ramp to increase its weight carrying capacity.

from the looks of it, I would wonder if the length is enough to keep the bike from bottoming out going into the truck.

If you have a truck, and it has a trailer hitch on it, you could rent a trailer from U-Haul. They have a specific MC trailer with the front wheel slot built into it that I have rented for $15 a day.

[dbeardslee]

If you can find a convenient ditch that you can back down into, you might be able to get by with just a 2 X 12. It's going to be a real PITA to push one up ramps to the height of a pickup bed - not to mention dangerous. JAT

[prometheus578]

Oh good Lord, NO.

Those are ramps for quads.
Years back... (against my advice) saw someone collapse one of those pushing his bike into a truck. Not a good idea.

Yeah, angle is an issue, like DGXSER mentioned. It'll bottom out on the ramp... and yes, I've seen them then flip and fall.

2X12 ramps have worked for years. There's even an aluminum lip of sorts that you can bolt to the end so it sits better on the truck's tail gate. I seem to recall they can be purchased at Home Despot... (Maybe in the construction section? By the ladders and scaffolding?)

Find a ditch, like DBeardslee mentioned. A drainage culvert by the end of the driveway works nicely. (4WD helps when trying to pull back out)

As mentioned... renting the trailer is the safest and "cheapest" in the long run.

[Rickrod3]

Thanks Prom

Oh good Lord, NO.

Those are ramps for quads.
Years back... (against my advice) saw someone collapse one of those pushing his bike into a truck. Not a good idea.

Yeah, angle is an issue, like DGXSER mentioned. It'll bottom out on the ramp... and yes, I've seen them then flip and fall.

2X12 ramps have worked for years. There's even an aluminum lip of sorts that you can bolt to the end so it sits better on the truck's tail gate. I seem to recall they can be purchased at Home Despot... (Maybe in the construction section? By the ladders and scaffolding?)

Find a ditch, like DBeardslee mentioned. A drainage culvert by the end of the driveway works nicely. (4WD helps when trying to pull back out)

As mentioned... renting the trailer is the safest and "cheapest" in the long run.

For saving me from myself

[CatatonicBug]

The ramp I used to pick up my MNS was made by hand out of 2x6's and 1/2" plywood. It strained under the weight, but it worked, and I still have it. I used it to unload/load another guys XS in front of my house at one point too. It's the length of the bike itself, so it makes the angle a bit easier to deal with.

[rpgoerlich]

Got a kit for 2 - 2x12's from Lowes 10years ago for $25.
Works great for riding up or walking it down.

Lowes Ramp Kit

[prometheus578]

Yeah, that's the ramp lip thingie.
Thanks for posting that, Rpgoerlich

[DiverRay]

I use a pair of 2X12's as a ramp. They are 6' long, and are for my trailer with a 2' height. For a pickup, you will need two 10' 2X12's in order to clear the underside of the bike.
If you have a pickup, rent the trailer. If you don't have a hitch on your truck, your a WIMP!
(I have a friend with a 10 year old Toyota, and he has YET to put a hitch on it. He is also part owner in a boat, and CANNOT TOW IT!)

[lakecountrydave]

I use a 12" x 6" piece of treated lumber that I mitered the ends of. Works great, and it sure as heck ain't going to break I would not want to back it out of a truck bed by myself though. I would be worried about falling off the board trying to steer straight while also trying to slowly back the bike down the board.

[dpotter58]

If you can find a convenient ditch that you can back down into, you might be able to get by with just a 2 X 12. It's going to be a real PITA to push one up ramps to the height of a pickup bed - not to mention dangerous. JAT

damn, you mean yall don't ride 'em up the ramps????

[rpgoerlich]

I originally made mine for the 4wheelers we were running and they were 8'. When I bought another truck with a 6½' bed I cut them down so they'd fit in with the tailgate closed so you couldn't see them sticking out while we rode. It makes for a bit more of an angle, but with the truck backed into a ditch or up to my sloped drive it's not too bad. One for the motorcycle and one to walk down along side it.

[lee_dutcher]

just one more reason i love to drop my trucks no matter what size....but the ditch idea is what i use the most

[TomRodgers]

i just spit on my hands, rub them together, and lift the b!tch up

My 2001 dodge 4x4 had 13" of lift and 42" Swampers on it... still got my Vmax into the back of it.

I used 2 sections of safety steps.. the heavy duty outdoor kind. they are about 9" wide, 2" thick....mine were about 4' each.

I drilled holes in the sides and used 3/8 steel plates to 'support' brace them together.

[fredintoon]

Hi Rickrod,
years ago I was in a steel supply shop with a list of angles plates etc to weld up into a ramp.
Let us sell you an 8' length of expanded steel stair tread instead, they said.
I've been using it ever since.