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How to Unload a Bike off a pickup truck?

41K views 28 replies 19 participants last post by  Ikeman 
#1 ·
Hey Guys.. This is probably a stupid question, but I'm gunna ask anyways.

I'm picking up my new bike next week used V-Star Classic.. totally pumped..

To save a couple hundred bucks, I'm going to borrow my buddy's F-150 to pick it up instead of having it delivered. The guys at the dealer are going to load it up and strap it down for me, but is there an easy way to unload it (without buying a $300 ramp?).

I'm a newbie rider, so I don't want to ride the bike 100 miles on the 5-lane highway to get it home..

The only thing I can think of was a 2x6.. But I'm not sure a 2x6 would be able to support 500+ lbs?

Any hints? :confused:
 
#2 ·
I think it'd be cheaper if you rent a trailer, like U-Haul. And I think 2x6 can hold a sportbike if properly supported, but not sure about a V-Star
 
#3 ·
It will be easier to unload if you can back up to an embankment of some sort that is close to the height of the truck bed. The angle of a board ramp wouldn't have to be as steep.

If you have access to a low loading dock, that would be ideal, since you could just roll it right off.
 
#4 ·
i just use 2 2x6 boards about 10' long clamped together so the ramp is wider. got a couple of ramp end things at lowes and screwed them on. my family used it for lawn mowers and such before i got a bike. it should hold the vstar.

and take dodsfall's advice. i can handle my dual sport by myself on the ramp, but anything heavier takes at least two people. UNLESS i've got some way to reduce the slope. taking the slope down makes it much easier.
 
#6 ·
Not sure about where you live, but around my parts, there's plenty of closed stores, most have a loading dock out back. Theres also a couple out by the railroad spur where there used to be some grain silos. Take a look around your town and see what's available. Either way, ramps or dock, have a helper or two with you just in case.
 
#10 ·
hahha.. thanks guys for the tips.. and yeah, I may need to bring a vid camera.. just in case a youtube moment comes up like Dodsfall mentioned..
Heck, I may get $10k from America's funniest home videos, and then I could buy a new bike instead of the 9 year old one.
 
#12 ·
If you can't find an appropriate loading dock that works for you, consider using a ditch (assuming you're in an area where you have ready access to ditches, and your ditches are easily driven into/out of).

Pull the truck down into the ditch. Try to angle it so the rear of the truck is faced towards one side of the ditch, while still keeping the truck fairly level. If you're lucky, the dropped tailgate of the truck will be all you need to unload the bike. If not, you can use the boards and there shouldn't be too much of an angle.

Regardless, make sure you have a swarthy friend helping you out.
 
#14 ·
I know this sounds like a stupid question, but why don't you just ride the bike home and not worry about putting it in the truck at all?

Edit: I re-read your post. never mind. My bad. Are there back roads you can take instead of the freeway?

As for unloading it, good luck. Reduce theslope as much as possible and take it slow and easy. Get as many people as you reasonably can. You and a buddy aren't going to be able to hold the bike up if it starts to go. It's too heavy.
 
#19 ·
a makeshift ramp would do. my brother, neighbor, and i loaded, and unloaded a 77 cb750 into a ford f-150. one in the truck to guide the bars/front wheel, and two to lift the bike onto the truck. if you have a couple buddies, it would be a piece of cake! just be careful not to drop it.
 
#20 ·
Tractor Supply Store sells ramps fairly reasonable. I think you can buy a single ramp still. I bought a set of tri fold ramps ( go from like 15" or so wide folded to almost as wide as a tailgate unfolded) for about $130 4 or 5 years ago.
 
#26 ·
Hey Guys. Wanted to say thanks for all the advice..
I ended up finding out that a buddy had a ride-up/down trailer I could borrow.. Got my bike, and I didn't have to use the methods in the 2 above youtube videos.. LOL.

Thanks for the advice.. :D

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