Loading Ramps: Somewhat OT

roger albert · 12-04-2002, 08:07 AM

Hi all,

I'd like to hear this very widely experienced gangs recommendations on loading ramps. My effective,
but overbuilt (can't even carry it myself) was borrowed/
stolen so I think it's time for a nice new one before
the tax-year ends. Ideally something stable and
lightweight/Aluminum, but I'm open to any suggestions.
Mine should work not only on the S and various airheads,
but also Ks, ducs, and random Japanese bikes.

Thanks
Roger

ckcarr · ckcarr's Garage

I have a nice wide center folding aluminum ramp. About 4 feet wide. Unfortunately it is built like two ladders hinged side by side (with rungs). I ended up also building a plywood top for it which folds in the middle too that I lay on it before use. That way there are no gaping holes to put a foot through or get a bike stuck in. I would also recommend rubber protectors on the part that lays on the pickup bed so as not to scratch excessively.

Eron Flory · 12-04-2002, 12:18 PM

I got my folding ramp about a year ago through JC Whitney. I've been quite happy with it.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/product.jhtml?CATID=62998&BQ=mot

Eron

Nita · 12-04-2002, 02:07 PM

I bought mine from JCWhitney. Same one that Eron tagged. But I would go for a wider one if I have to buy another one. The narrow 12in ramp doesn't inspire confidence when I ride my S onto the PU or back it down.

Nick.

badbilly · 12-04-2002, 04:56 PM

I got kind of a neat ramp--its that high-impact plastic (it yellow, or sorry, mandarin orange) and it can expand to about 8-8-1/2 feet or slide in to about 4 '-ish or so for when you're done loading. Probably the one accessory I got the most comment on with my old Buell! Anyway...it was from I believe, Northern Tool Company for about $100 2 years ago.

Only problem is if it is only you loading; ie. I had to buy a couple of wood planks to put one per side so I could ride the bike up (easy), but more used for unloading it (less easy, but doable).

There's a place in New England that sells a collapsable aluminum ramp that's wide enough to allow you to ride the bike in the truck! Its way cool! but alas... I was too cheap (or too wise as I figured if the ramp only lasted twice, that'd be one more trip than the Buell would last at the drags as it turned out

).

Later, BB

roger albert · 12-05-2002, 07:01 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys. Longterm, I think I'll have the nice one (doublewide) that Eron mentioned. Right now, things are tighter, so I've opted for a more downscale (but still wide and aluminum) one from Harbor Freight. It's cheap to begin with at 109, and just happens to be on sale for 79. It is mostly to be used for old bikes, the vast majority of which I see are old airheads, or vintages hondas, and thus pretty light. (the customers with nicer/newer/heavier bikes always ride them in while they still run, or at least pay for a commerical bike lift service, so this shouldn't limit me too much, if my own S doesn't need any service

Thanks again all, and I'd still be glad to hear any other ideas.

regards
roger