Motorcycles are held in position longitudinally with wheel scotches similar to the type used for the front wheels on motor vehicle trailers.

Lashing is done using four securing straps (short loops made of particularly soft material) and four hook straps (elasticated straps).

The securing straps are issued to riders before to their motorcycles are loaded with the request that the straps are attached at appropriate points. Terminal staff will be pleased to advise on how to proceed.

At the front, the straps should be attached to the fork brace if possible, or the front wheel fork. Fastening points such as pillion grips, case holders, luggage racks or the pillion footrest struts should be chosen at the back - the higher the better.

Improved stability using the side stand.

Once you have ridden onto the carrier, your motorcycle should be parked on its side stand and secured with scotches. The hook straps are then attached to the loops on the securing straps and drawn tight.

The reason for using the side stand is that the contact area between the machine’s wheels and the side stand forms a comparatively large triangle, thus ensuring a high degree of stability when secured.

The main stand can be used on domestic services if the customer so wishes. However, this creates a seesaw effect between one wheel and the stand and the contact area is smaller. In this position, the straps have to be drawn much tighter towards the back to get adequate stability.

It is important to tighten the straps in the right order.

First the hook straps on the left (side-stand) side are applied but not tensioned. Then the straps on the other side are applied, in the process exerting pressure on the machine’s suspension. Ultimately, it is the motorcycle suspension that determines the degree of tensioning of the straps. When the straps on the right side are applied, the machine is pulled slightly to the right, thus taking the load off the side stand.

Using four straps prevents the bike tipping over even if the side stand jackknife’s or fails.

When attaching the securing straps and tightening the hook straps, ensure that the straps do not slip down allowing them to loosen. The straps must not be routed over parts of the motorcycle that could be damaged and the straps should not exert pressure on other attachments or panelling.

Please close the petrol tank tap when parking your motorcycle.