BY FAR the most informative and real world video regarding these ramps. I'm so glad I found your video. You did an amazing job covering every aspect of these ramps. I've been on the fence about them as my Street Glide is a big investment. Thank you for the video and for installing confidence in me for making the purchase of these. Outstanding job, sir.
Greg, your comment is very much appreciated, thanks for the kind words. I am one who tends to study out purchases in great detail especially for a purchase like this. These large bikes cost too much to take unnecessary risks. My conclusion is to study it out, make the purchase but even more so… prepare, prepare, prepare to load properly… the very best load angle you can find even if it is only slight to give the most confidence when loading. Thanks my friend. If you decide to purchase, I would appreciate it if you would go there the affiliate link in the video description. I recently setup my only affiliate program. Hope you subscribe and follow along with other motorcycle content I am working on!
Glad it helped! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts. I appreciate it when folks find value in what I am putting out there. Ride safe and “load safe!”
I have been in the market for some ramps and your video really made my decision to buy these ramps. I recently took a trip to Washington State to visit my folks and wanted to take my 2020 Indian Chieftain Limited but didn’t have the correct ramps. So my bike stayed home. Thank you again for your input and I will be purchasing the Black widow ramps.
Thanks brother, I have no affiliation with this company and I just share my honest opinion and experience! Look out when my subscriber-ship gets big enough to monetize and then I might get sucked into the more biased opinions on products… oh I hope not. I have to stay genuine and true to myself. Keep on riding my friend!
Clem thanks so much. Great video and very thorough explanation. I followed your video and did the same setup fror my '22 Ultra Limited. Just completed mounting the Pittsburgh (Harbor Freight) motorcycle wheel chock and cut my 2x4 to 58.5” to fit wall-to-wall in my ’22 F-150. I used ¼” 1.5” long lag bolt screws to attach the chock to the 2x4. My Black Widow 10’ ramp gets here tomorrow. I'm not one to reailer mine but it's a nice option to have. Can’t wait to try it out. Thanks again, Ride safe.
Jerry, I just used my setup this past month to take my bike from Utah to Georgia and all went well. Check out this video for a couple of shots of the bike and the truck. th-cam.com/video/R_vEZBOA_g0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=xa7_JeSqXF4cFjx-
I've been eyeballing these ramps and have been watching videos,,,yours most recent. Im now in the process of getting a set. I haul my Adventure bike mostly,,,but i have a big cruiser that weighs 900lbs wet. Its very apparent these ramps can handle the load. The truck is new, 6'4" bed and air bags in the coil springs, so I am not concerned with that. It also appears i can use these ramps to load an ATV. BTW...am in Minnesota,,,maybe see ya on the road! Thanks for the video.
Glad you got some useable information out of the video. I was just looking for a good set of ramps for my two bikes that I know are quite heavy. Like you, I did my research and I wanted “SAFETY” and reasonable quality and I didn’t want to break the bank. If I did not find something I was happy with, I was resign to the possibility that I would not buy anything and resort to a trailer as a last choice. I found these black widow ramps and decided it was the way to go and I was not disappointed. I took the bike to the Sturgis area in my pickup Memorial Day week and thoroughly enjoyed riding and the convenience of the new ramps. (See th-cam.com/video/W4DCrIwmhmY/w-d-xo.html) My review and comments are always absolutely genuine. I cannot watch or put up with disingenuous folks in videos. I say all that because a few months later, my viewership increased to the 1,000 subscriber threshold and I was able to monetize the channel and become an Amazon associate which gives a small stipend when someone buys an amazon product that I give links to in my video description. I have recently in the past 2 weeks, added the amazon link in the description for the ramps and a few other items. I still refuse to make non-stop product review videos but just for full disclosure, I now could benefit if you buy through my amazon link. Thanks for taking the time to comment and give the valuable feedback.
That middle one moving and you showing that detail , You are a great guy Sir , Much respect ....... I receive my black widow ramps tomorrow , I will be using 3 straps !!!!
Better to be safe than sorry with extra straps. Hey, Thanks for the kind words and glad you found value in the video content we are producing! Happy “Loading” and Happy Riding my friend. Hope you subscribe and hope you bought through my affiliate link, no extra cost to you. Thanks again!
Thanks for the review. I would recommend that you get some flat steel bars to secure the tailgate (attach where the cable holds the tailgate on each side) won't pancake open with the weight of a heavy bike held by two cables on the side of the tailgate.
@@sfzx54 great idea however $84 is a little steep for a couple pieces of straight steel with a slot cut in and a pin welded on. Just saying. I’ll be making some for myself being I’m a machinist. Thanks for the info however.
@@johnstein2206 Well john I bought mine at least 20+ years ago actually 1997 so it appears they have gone the way of everything else out there and it seems to be double plus some LOL
John, thanks my friend for the positive comment. I like the ramps and the biggest lessons learned is take plenty of time to determine the best truck orientation to give the flattest approach angle and second… tie-off this straps to the center ramp section to the truck bumper hitch very well. Hey, if you do buy, consider my Amazon link in the vid description. No extra cost. Thanks again and hope you subscribe!
I was confused by the center ramp moving being you put the rod through them all. Is there not bosses on the center ramp for the rod to go through? If there was then strapping could be done on any of them. Just wondering. Haven’t purchased yet of course. Lol.
John, there is the aluminum rod that slides through all three sections that does tie them together very well latterly. There is a little more “play/slop” in the direction of travel. That is what I was attempting to show in the video when I noticed the slippage on my tail gate as the bike’s back wheel is pulling the center section away from the truck as you ride up. Great question!
@@clemgriffis3446 thanks for the explanation. I’ve had that happen on wooden ramps. Learned to tie them to the truck also!! Scary realizing what could have happened. Thanks again. Have a great day and keep riding safe.
Clem, I think you did an outstanding job loading and unloading your bikes. I’ve used these for a trip to Daytona and it is not for the faint of heart but they work very well. Great job!
Thanks Tom, I did learn a valuable lesson about where to attach the straps. They should be attached to the center ramp for sure. Luckily I avoided a potential mishap. I also got a comment with a concern about load on the tailgate and the cables attached to the tailgate. I feel very comfortable with the tailgate and its ability to carry the load.
If you do decide to buy the ramps, hope you go through the amazon link I have in the video notes. No extra cost to you but it does help my channel grow. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the heads up on fastening the center ramp. I don’t understand why with the bar lining the three together didn’t hold the center ramp where it should be. You didn’t show us why they moved.
Scottie, the diameter of the rod is quite a bit smaller than the sections of pipe that the connecting rod goes through. They are giving themselves quite a bit of manufacturing tolerance on each ramp section that translates into a large possible lateral displacement on the tailgate. Hope this helps, thanks for the question.
Hi from Fort McMurray Alberta 🇨🇦. Thanks for the review. I have been contemplating getting these ramps for my bikes. Wasn’t sure how they’d stand up. But seeing how confident you are with your heavy bikes I’m sure they’ll handle my Heritage and Fatboy just fine. I’m looking at the 10’ as well. Hoping that they are long enough so my bike doesn’t bottom out. My truck is a F450 so even at stock height it’s pretty high. Fingers crossed. I also like your idea with the wheel chock on the 2x4. Normally I just snug the tire up against the truck bed. But I like your way better. I’m gonna try that myself. Thanks again for the review.
Derek, glad the video answered some of your questions about the ramps. Thanks for the comment and taking the time to watch our content. I think you will appreciate the ramps if you decide to buy them. What I have learned is you can’t go at loading your bike “half-hearted”. You have to do all the right things in preparation for the best angle available, tie-down the straps properly and then commit when ride up. If you find that Amazon is your best option, please use my link at no additional cost. If you find a better purchase option, please take it as these are not a cheap purchase. Take care and “ride on!”
New subscriber from the Savannah, Ga area. Love your videos, friend. Found your channel looking up info about the HF lift and wheel chock. About halfway thru this video I thought, "I bet his pucker factor is pretty high", and BAM, you said it. Lol.
Robert, I grew up in Brunswick, down the road from you. Welcome aboard my friend! Now all the viewers will know where I picked up most of my euphemisms. Check out my #whyiride video and you will likely be able to relate to how ended up loving motorcycles. Thanks for watching and subscribing. I will be posting some new video very soon on a recent trip to the Sturgis area this past May instead during Rally week.
As an added security, I would add a vehicle stand under the ramps as well. That mitigated the disaster when my Indian dragged the ramp off the trailer edge. Honestly, I would still holes with bolts into the tail gate rather than trust those straps. Maybe instead of the straps, a length of metal connecting the ramps to the tow hitch. 🇦🇺
I think metal straps to the hitch are a good way to go for added security while avoiding holes in your tail gate. Thanks for the tip, even though you had to learn the hard way! Thanks my friend.
Cool loading Ramps Ive seen to many miss haps other people loadinh there bikes luckily i got a handy dandy ditch @ home & my bike shop has I think same ramps to unload
I just brought the ramps myself (12ft ones) thanks you for your video still haven't drove up them yet but glad i watch your videos im wheeling Harley Davidson FLHTCUI ultra classic
Don, great! Glad the video was helpful. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and especially comment. Comments and “Thumbs up”s are how I am trying to get the video out there and communicate with like-minded folks. Thanks Again!
Nice video. I been debating putting my Victory on the back of my truck or pulling it in a trailer up to Sturgis as the camping/riding all the way is getting old.. like me! lol! I got a couple of Harbor Freight ramps I used to pick it up when I first bought it and bring it home, but they didn't exactly fill me with confidence, but they did work.
Zebra, I totally understand. I rode to Sturgis in 2021 and several other great places around the country. I recently just got back from a May trip to ride ride the Sturgis area away from August this time. That is why I put it on the truck. I have ridden hundred’s of thousands of miles all around the country and have nothing to prove to anyone. You don’t either my friend! Thanks for commenting and please tell me where is your home base.
Just found your channel…looking forward to learning more about you all…I live in Iowa, retired USMC MGySgt…Looking to take my Harley back to the black hills as well to ride those great roads too. Considering a ramp to ride the bike into the back of my F250. How do you carry them in the back of the truck when your bike is loaded so they don’t come in contact with your bike? I have a ‘22 Road Glide CVO that I really don’t want anything touching:) Was going to go with a trailer but trailering something is such a PITA if not absolutely necessary.
Shep, thanks for the questions. I use ratchet straps to tie them up against the inside of the bed sidewalls. I have added a couple of Eyebolts in the front and back of each side wall. The ramps sit on top of the wheel wells and then strap in. I understand that if the ratchet straps come loose, the ramps would fall against your bike while driving down the road. Today is Memorial Day 2024, we used the ramps to take the bike to Rushmore camping area this time in 2023 and all went well. Checkout a couple of videos I posted on that trip.
Don't trust those straps to stop the ramps falling off when the rear wheel pulls the ramp back off the truck tray. The only method I would trust is bolting those ramps to the truck tray. I learnt this the hard way loading my Indian onto my trailer. Luckily the bike didn't get hurt when the ramp got pushed away from the trailer bed. 🇦🇺
Question for anyone who has one or has seen one in person. In the video it shows the middle piece sliding back. If it has the safety rod through it, shouldn't all pieces remain together independent of where you tie them up? Did the rod bend? Any information is greatly appreciated. I am deciding between this one and the 9' Long Black Widow Aluminum 4-Beam Folding Arched 3-Piece Motorcycle Ramp. Thanks.
Great question, the pipe welded to each section has a slightly larger inside diameter than is necessary for the connecting rod. I am sure that is to allow for fabrication tolerances between the three sections. The straps are the part to be attached to the middle section in contact with the tires to stop the ramp from sliding.
Ali, I assume you are describing unistrut or “superstrut” specific product from ABB for securing conduit and a million other things. I agree it has almost infinite applications. Ultimately I used wood as it is the cheapest thing laying around my shop and provides a good friction surface against the bed of the truck rather than metal against metal. Thanks for sharing your ideas and taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate viewers and subscribers who have a passion for motorcycling and maintaining the bikes.
It is typical 6' 7". With my front wheel in a Harbor Freight wheel chock, the rear axle is almost directly above the tailgate hinge. Check out my recent Sturgis video to see more about the ramp in actual usage from UT to SD.. th-cam.com/video/W4DCrIwmhmY/w-d-xo.html
Great review! I just ordered the 12ft version based on the height of my truck. Any issues with the rear wheel on the tailgate while traveling? I kept hearing that the tailgate could bend.
There are couple of comments previous that shared similar concerns. Have a look at my comments to guyconnell & vincentcarmelli where I tried to talk about the tailgate cables and the center of my rear wheel basically right above the hinge. I have had very good luck with this configuration, no deformation and stable ride. Thanks for the question.
I've considered these ramps, but I have a Ram with a 6" lift and 35's so I'm just not comfortable with attacking this method for hauling my RGS. Considering a Kendon now or similar "fold up" trailer.
Hey, I really understand your concern. There is a certain comfort level you need to be able to haul your bike down a highway at higher speeds like you might see on an interstate highway. In my case and for many others, the bike is worth more than your truck. I can afford an enclosed trailer but currently have no place to park it at my house. I plan to pour an outside concrete pad and remove that section of my lawn in the near future and then buy a twin axle enclosed trailer that I want to convert to a camp/toy hauler. Thanks brother for watching the video and commenting. Hope you are a subscriber, we need the help to build the channel.
Great video. I like that setup. I do have a question when the middle ramp pulled back on your truck is there slack, when u insert the rods into the ramp that's let the ramp move back
Yes, take a look at time 3:20 into the video and you can see about how much play there is between the rod and the pipe sections it goes through. Thanks for watching and asking good questions.
I think I have seen a similar concerns within the comments for the video where I replied with the various working loads for the cables and the riding position of my back tire within the bed of the pickup. Sorry, I am a structural engineer and I tend to drone on, too much technical stuff, suffice it to say, I am good with the application and the truck/tailgate/cable combination I have. Everyone should be comfortable within their own setup for sure. Your comment is absolutely a good comment and well taken my friend!
I have always balked at using these types of ramps out of concern about deforming the pickup's tailgate or even breaking the cables that hold the tailgate. What are your thoughts on this?
Guy, I understand your concern and I would never advocate anyone go a route they do not feel comfortable with. I know that the 3/16” steel cable on my Chevy tailgate has a breaking strength of 4,200 lbs and times (2 cables) theoretically has 8,400 LB breaking strength. Now with that said, the “working load” is calculated with a safety factor of (5) so the working load limit divides down to 840 LB for each cable.The Working load is the force the cable or lifting device a piece of equipment is subject to in an everyday working environment. My motorcycle back wheel (axle) is almost directly over the hinge line of the tailgate when riding and is subject to ramp load extremely infrequently. I understand the steel tailgate could be subject to deformation if a constant cycling load is exerted out of the edge of the tailgate. OK, I see a lot of eyes are rolling :) Enough of a Structural Engineer’s rambling… Ultimately, I am comfortable with the rare occasion I load either of my bikes in the pickup bed with this method. There is such a large safety factory dividing the breaking strength by 5 and the fact that I am exerting about equal load between two of these cables, I am comfortable. Again, this is just the call I have made and would not recommend anyone do anything they are not comfortable with. I hope you subscribe to the Channel and I hope I have not bored you to 😭. 😀 thanks for the question 🙋
@clemgriffis3446 I appreciate your thoughts. Given the price of fuel, I have considered hauling instead of trailering as a very viable option. With gas at over $4/gallon for premium, and 8-10 mpg pulling my trailer, it becomes a very important consideration.
Better idea, put the bike in gear and use the clutch. If you let go of the brake, the bike moves, if you let go of the clutch in gear the bike doesn't move. Slightly use the clutch to descend. It's an ADV rider thing.
Very informative review Clem. I'm guessing once you get the bike in the truck bed you are then able to store the 3 ramps in your truck bed and find a way to strap them secure? I'm in Palmetto Fl with great winter riding, but we travel to our cabin in west NC mountains from June through October. I ride the bagger up there and back, about 600 miles one way. Thanks for the great review.
Brad, really appreciate your comment and kind words. Yes, the ramps can be 2 sections on one side and 1 section on the other. I strap against each wall with ratchet straps to keep away from the bike. I expect to pack a number of other items back there like a cooler and a few other items when we go over to Rushmore for Memorial weekend. I use to own a cabin lot in Blairsville GA a number of years ago when I lived and worked in Orlando, but never built, ended up selling. I have ridden in those mountains on several occasions, really enjoyed it. Actually have a video on my channel while riding there on one of our trips. th-cam.com/video/l4mlryODFVE/w-d-xo.html Hey, hope you subscribe if you are not already subscribed.
Stuart, I have had many questions on this post that are similar to yours. I understand your concern. I am pasting one of my responses here and hope this describes how I look at the load on the cables but it is really a personal choice and I am only describing my situation and I am not advocating you do anything you are uncomfortable with. Thanks for commenting! PREVIOUS REPLY POST - "Guy, I understand your concern and I would never advocate anyone go a route they do not feel comfortable with. I know that the 3/16” steel cable on my Chevy tailgate has a breaking strength of 4,200 lbs and times (2 cables) theoretically has 8,400 LB breaking strength. Now with that said, the “working load” is calculated with a safety factor of (5) so the working load limit divides down to 840 LB for each cable.The Working load is the force the cable or lifting device a piece of equipment is subject to in an everyday working environment. My motorcycle back wheel (axle) is almost directly over the hinge line of the tailgate when riding and is subject to ramp load extremely infrequently. I understand the steel tailgate could be subject to deformation if a constant cycling load is exerted out of the edge of the tailgate. OK, I see a lot of eyes are rolling :) Enough of a Structural Engineer’s rambling… Ultimately, I am comfortable with the rare occasion I load either of my bikes in the pickup bed with this method. There is such a large safety factory dividing the breaking strength by 5 and the fact that I am exerting about equal load between two of these cables, I am comfortable. Again, this is just the call I have made and would not recommend anyone do anything they are not comfortable with. I hope you subscribe to the Channel and I hope I have not bored you to 😭. 😀 thanks for the question 🙋"
Actually they are plenty wide as they consist of 3 pieces to make up the width. I plan to use them next week to take my bike on a long trip and feel confident using them. Thanks for asking!
Mark, I built a plywood false floor that fits around my bike. It gives me about 8” of clearance underneath. 2 pieces go under and one pieces lays flat on the plywood next to the bike.
Nice video. Just subscribed. Question: Is your Silverado a Crew Cab or Double Cab? I can't tell from the video. I'm trying to figure out the bed length in term of where your rear tire is landing. Thanks!
It’s just a double Cab with the shorter rear leg room. I think the bed is about 6 1/2 feet. My bikes’s rear axle sits about at the tail gate hinge. Good question, thanks for subscribing, really appreciate you taking the time to ask a question and watching the content we are putting out.
@clemgriffis3446 Excellent. I have a double cab too with a Bak Flip hard tonneau cover. I would probably have to remove the cover so my Ultra Limited would sit as yours does. When the cover is all the way up, there is about 4-6" of space to the front of the bed. That would probably put my rear wheel on the tailgate versus in the hinge crease. Not ideal in my opinion. Thanks for the info and be well!!!
Dan, yes no doubt about that. The trade-offs are endless like how convenient is loading vs. how convenient is a trailer to manage at my camping destination… ideally I suspect I will own both. Thanks for the comment and taking the time to watch the content. Hope you find it worthwhile to subscribe.
I will say that I my rear-end does “pucker” a bit riding up the ramp. One cannot go up or down half committed or you will get into trouble. There are enough “fail” videos out there with Luke-warm attempts. 😆. Thanks for watching and commenting. It really helps the channel.
The rod ties them together laterally but there is still a fair amount of “play” length wise that is just enough to create a disaster if the tie straps are not connected to the center section. Perhaps I will do a short video expanding on this subject. Be on the lookout for a new ramp video.
I see those ramps come in 8, 9, 10, and 12’. Which one do you have? Also, are you able to fit the ramps in a 5’5” bed with the bike in the bed and the tailgate down?
Mine is a 10 footer. I believe there is a link in the notes to an affiliate link. I think I was having trouble finding access to the 12 footer. They fit inside the pickup when folded over but I do strap both of them against one side’s wheel-well. Check out mine and Roxy’s subsequent trip to the Sturgis area spring of 2023 where we used the ramps for the first time. Thanks for the great question.
I have a couple of extra ratchet straps I use to tie them collapsed on their side on top of the wheel well. As long as you cinch them up good with a QUALITY SET of ratchet straps, you will be good to go. Thanks for the question.
We actually did this on a trip to the Sturgis/Mt. Rushmore area this past Memorial Day. We have a video to Sturgis in that time frame I published about 6 m on this ago. Check it out. Hey if you do decide to buy these ramps, check out the affiliate link in the description section of the video. Thanks again for watching!
I have a Chevy Silverado 1500 (1/2) ton and absolutely no issue with handling. I brought my bike across country from Ohio to Utah and no problem. If you have a Harley, I would recommend that you disable the motion security motion sensor (“Transport Mode”) that causes the warning lights to continue flash and will eventually kill your battery. Thanks for the question. What state/province/country are you in? Hope you will subscribe if you are not already. Thanks
Clem, what box length is your Chevy? Any issues with the weight of the bike rear wheel sitting on the tailgate. I have the Black Ultra as well and thinking of transporting this way, I have not purchased a truck or ramps yet.
@@wayneglabais1208 I just have a 6 foot bed. With the Limited front wheel in the HF wheel check, the rear wheel axle is directly above the tailgate hinge. I had no issues with the street glide on a trip from Ohio to Utah. Really not a problem.
Welcome! Thanks for sharing your location. Banff and Jasper is as far north as I have been on my yellow bike so far. I plan to ride further north when I retire soon. Take care and thanks fir watching our videos. Hope you subscribe.
You don't need a ramp if you ride it 3 reasons a you truck or trailer a bike if it is stolen, broken or moving I am 74 been riding since 16 have had several bikes currently have a shovelhead I bought new 1980 with well over 750,000 miles also a wide glide I rode 900 miles for a cheeseburger I rode from LA to Chicago to meet up with a friend of mine to go for a ride into Wisconsin I rode with a club for 5 years my only transportation for 6 years was my bike see you on the road FKH
@@clemgriffis3446 I am 74 been riding since I was 16 I have had several bikes I have a shovelhead I bought new 1980 with over 750,000 miles I also have a wide glide I am no johnny come lately road with a club, for 5 years I only had a bike for transportation one time I rode 900 miles for a cheeseburger I rode from LA to Chicago to meet a buddy so we could go for a ride so there you go FKH
BY FAR the most informative and real world video regarding these ramps. I'm so glad I found your video. You did an amazing job covering every aspect of these ramps. I've been on the fence about them as my Street Glide is a big investment. Thank you for the video and for installing confidence in me for making the purchase of these. Outstanding job, sir.
Greg, your comment is very much appreciated, thanks for the kind words. I am one who tends to study out purchases in great detail especially for a purchase like this. These large bikes cost too much to take unnecessary risks. My conclusion is to study it out, make the purchase but even more so… prepare, prepare, prepare to load properly… the very best load angle you can find even if it is only slight to give the most confidence when loading. Thanks my friend. If you decide to purchase, I would appreciate it if you would go there the affiliate link in the video description. I recently setup my only affiliate program. Hope you subscribe and follow along with other motorcycle content I am working on!
Hi from St.louis. I've been thinking about buying this ramp, you're video helped my decision alot. Also, making a front wheel device is a great idea.
Glad it helped! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts. I appreciate it when folks find value in what I am putting out there. Ride safe and “load safe!”
Like these ramps
May all your days be Harley days
💪🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤💪
Safe travels 🙏♥️🐾🐾🇦🇺
Thanks Tex… Appreciate the positive vibes coming from a Harley brother… Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great detail video. I needed that to make sure i made the right purchase. Thankyou
Glad to help and thanks for watching! I have a link in the video if you choose to buy that route. No extra cost to you on amazon.
I have been in the market for some ramps and your video really made my decision to buy these ramps. I recently took a trip to Washington State to visit my folks and wanted to take my 2020 Indian Chieftain Limited but didn’t have the correct ramps. So my bike stayed home.
Thank you again for your input and I will be purchasing the Black widow ramps.
Thanks brother, I have no affiliation with this company and I just share my honest opinion and experience! Look out when my subscriber-ship gets big enough to monetize and then I might get sucked into the more biased opinions on products… oh I hope not. I have to stay genuine and true to myself. Keep on riding my friend!
Clem thanks so much. Great video and very thorough explanation. I followed your video and did the same setup fror my '22 Ultra Limited. Just completed mounting the Pittsburgh (Harbor Freight) motorcycle wheel chock and cut my 2x4 to 58.5” to fit wall-to-wall in my ’22 F-150. I used ¼” 1.5” long lag bolt screws to attach the chock to the 2x4. My Black Widow 10’ ramp gets here tomorrow. I'm not one to reailer mine but it's a nice option to have. Can’t wait to try it out. Thanks again, Ride safe.
Jerry, I just used my setup this past month to take my bike from Utah to Georgia and all went well. Check out this video for a couple of shots of the bike and the truck. th-cam.com/video/R_vEZBOA_g0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=xa7_JeSqXF4cFjx-
I've been eyeballing these ramps and have been watching videos,,,yours most recent. Im now in the process of getting a set. I haul my Adventure bike mostly,,,but i have a big cruiser that weighs 900lbs wet. Its very apparent these ramps can handle the load. The truck is new, 6'4" bed and air bags in the coil springs, so I am not concerned with that. It also appears i can use these ramps to load an ATV. BTW...am in Minnesota,,,maybe see ya on the road! Thanks for the video.
Glad you got some useable information out of the video. I was just looking for a good set of ramps for my two bikes that I know are quite heavy. Like you, I did my research and I wanted “SAFETY” and reasonable quality and I didn’t want to break the bank. If I did not find something I was happy with, I was resign to the possibility that I would not buy anything and resort to a trailer as a last choice. I found these black widow ramps and decided it was the way to go and I was not disappointed. I took the bike to the Sturgis area in my pickup Memorial Day week and thoroughly enjoyed riding and the convenience of the new ramps. (See th-cam.com/video/W4DCrIwmhmY/w-d-xo.html)
My review and comments are always absolutely genuine. I cannot watch or put up with disingenuous folks in videos. I say all that because a few months later, my viewership increased to the 1,000 subscriber threshold and I was able to monetize the channel and become an Amazon associate which gives a small stipend when someone buys an amazon product that I give links to in my video description. I have recently in the past 2 weeks, added the amazon link in the description for the ramps and a few other items. I still refuse to make non-stop product review videos but just for full disclosure, I now could benefit if you buy through my amazon link. Thanks for taking the time to comment and give the valuable feedback.
That middle one moving and you showing that detail , You are a great guy Sir , Much respect ....... I receive my black widow ramps tomorrow , I will be using 3 straps !!!!
Better to be safe than sorry with extra straps. Hey, Thanks for the kind words and glad you found value in the video content we are producing! Happy “Loading” and Happy Riding my friend. Hope you subscribe and hope you bought through my affiliate link, no extra cost to you. Thanks again!
Thanks for the review. I would recommend that you get some flat steel bars to secure the tailgate (attach where the cable holds the tailgate on each side) won't pancake open with the weight of a heavy bike held by two cables on the side of the tailgate.
Great idea, thanks for sharing. Basically it creates a rigid extension of the bed surface that does not bounce, correct?
@@clemgriffis3446 It will prevent the cables on each side of the tailgate from being overstressed and breaking.
Look up DG Manufacturing tailgate supports guys they fill the need
@@sfzx54 great idea however $84 is a little steep for a couple pieces of straight steel with a slot cut in and a pin welded on. Just saying. I’ll be making some for myself being I’m a machinist. Thanks for the info however.
@@johnstein2206 Well john I bought mine at least 20+ years ago actually 1997 so it appears they have gone the way of everything else out there and it seems to be double plus some LOL
Great video. I have been looking to purchase some ramps and this video just made up my mind on which ones I am purchasing. Thanks, John
John, thanks my friend for the positive comment. I like the ramps and the biggest lessons learned is take plenty of time to determine the best truck orientation to give the flattest approach angle and second… tie-off this straps to the center ramp section to the truck bumper hitch very well. Hey, if you do buy, consider my Amazon link in the vid description. No extra cost. Thanks again and hope you subscribe!
I was confused by the center ramp moving being you put the rod through them all. Is there not bosses on the center ramp for the rod to go through? If there was then strapping could be done on any of them. Just wondering. Haven’t purchased yet of course. Lol.
John, there is the aluminum rod that slides through all three sections that does tie them together very well latterly. There is a little more “play/slop” in the direction of travel. That is what I was attempting to show in the video when I noticed the slippage on my tail gate as the bike’s back wheel is pulling the center section away from the truck as you ride up. Great question!
@@clemgriffis3446 thanks for the explanation. I’ve had that happen on wooden ramps. Learned to tie them to the truck also!! Scary realizing what could have happened. Thanks again. Have a great day and keep riding safe.
Clem, I think you did an outstanding job loading and unloading your bikes. I’ve used these for a trip to Daytona and it is not for the faint of heart but they work very well. Great job!
Thanks Tom, I did learn a valuable lesson about where to attach the straps. They should be attached to the center ramp for sure. Luckily I avoided a potential mishap. I also got a comment with a concern about load on the tailgate and the cables attached to the tailgate. I feel very comfortable with the tailgate and its ability to carry the load.
Thanks for the review now I know which ramps to buy.
If you do decide to buy the ramps, hope you go through the amazon link I have in the video notes. No extra cost to you but it does help my channel grow. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the heads up on fastening the center ramp. I don’t understand why with the bar lining the three together didn’t hold the center ramp where it should be.
You didn’t show us why they moved.
Scottie, the diameter of the rod is quite a bit smaller than the sections of pipe that the connecting rod goes through. They are giving themselves quite a bit of manufacturing tolerance on each ramp section that translates into a large possible lateral displacement on the tailgate. Hope this helps, thanks for the question.
@@clemgriffis3446 Thanks for the information. I guess they want the ramps to still be usable even if they do bend.
Hi from Fort McMurray Alberta 🇨🇦. Thanks for the review. I have been contemplating getting these ramps for my bikes. Wasn’t sure how they’d stand up. But seeing how confident you are with your heavy bikes I’m sure they’ll handle my Heritage and Fatboy just fine. I’m looking at the 10’ as well. Hoping that they are long enough so my bike doesn’t bottom out. My truck is a F450 so even at stock height it’s pretty high. Fingers crossed. I also like your idea with the wheel chock on the 2x4. Normally I just snug the tire up against the truck bed. But I like your way better. I’m gonna try that myself. Thanks again for the review.
Derek, glad the video answered some of your questions about the ramps. Thanks for the comment and taking the time to watch our content. I think you will appreciate the ramps if you decide to buy them. What I have learned is you can’t go at loading your bike “half-hearted”. You have to do all the right things in preparation for the best angle available, tie-down the straps properly and then commit when ride up. If you find that Amazon is your best option, please use my link at no additional cost. If you find a better purchase option, please take it as these are not a cheap purchase. Take care and “ride on!”
New subscriber from the Savannah, Ga area. Love your videos, friend. Found your channel looking up info about the HF lift and wheel chock. About halfway thru this video I thought, "I bet his pucker factor is pretty high", and BAM, you said it. Lol.
Robert, I grew up in Brunswick, down the road from you. Welcome aboard my friend! Now all the viewers will know where I picked up most of my euphemisms. Check out my #whyiride video and you will likely be able to relate to how ended up loving motorcycles. Thanks for watching and subscribing. I will be posting some new video very soon on a recent trip to the Sturgis area this past May instead during Rally week.
Was wondering if it would be easier with the seat off. This would keep the feet planted.
As an added security, I would add a vehicle stand under the ramps as well. That mitigated the disaster when my Indian dragged the ramp off the trailer edge. Honestly, I would still holes with bolts into the tail gate rather than trust those straps. Maybe instead of the straps, a length of metal connecting the ramps to the tow hitch. 🇦🇺
I think metal straps to the hitch are a good way to go for added security while avoiding holes in your tail gate. Thanks for the tip, even though you had to learn the hard way! Thanks my friend.
Cool loading Ramps Ive seen to many miss haps other people loadinh there bikes luckily i got a handy dandy ditch @ home & my bike shop has I think same ramps to unload
I just brought the ramps myself (12ft ones) thanks you for your video still haven't drove up them yet but glad i watch your videos im wheeling Harley Davidson FLHTCUI ultra classic
Don, great! Glad the video was helpful. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and especially comment. Comments and “Thumbs up”s are how I am trying to get the video out there and communicate with like-minded folks. Thanks Again!
Nice video. I been debating putting my Victory on the back of my truck or pulling it in a trailer up to Sturgis as the camping/riding all the way is getting old.. like me! lol! I got a couple of Harbor Freight ramps I used to pick it up when I first bought it and bring it home, but they didn't exactly fill me with confidence, but they did work.
Zebra, I totally understand. I rode to Sturgis in 2021 and several other great places around the country. I recently just got back from a May trip to ride ride the Sturgis area away from August this time. That is why I put it on the truck. I have ridden hundred’s of thousands of miles all around the country and have nothing to prove to anyone. You don’t either my friend! Thanks for commenting and please tell me where is your home base.
@@clemgriffis3446 I'm located on the Florida/Georgia border.. northwest of Tallahassee.
@@ZebraActual Very cool, I grew up and graduated high school in Brunswick, GA. Still have family there.
I like the way you do things.
You bet! Thanks Again my friend.
Very good content I will buy a black widow ramp thx for the review
Thanks for the kind words, my friend!
Just found your channel…looking forward to learning more about you all…I live in Iowa, retired USMC MGySgt…Looking to take my Harley back to the black hills as well to ride those great roads too. Considering a ramp to ride the bike into the back of my F250. How do you carry them in the back of the truck when your bike is loaded so they don’t come in contact with your bike? I have a ‘22 Road Glide CVO that I really don’t want anything touching:) Was going to go with a trailer but trailering something is such a PITA if not absolutely necessary.
Shep, thanks for the questions. I use ratchet straps to tie them up against the inside of the bed sidewalls. I have added a couple of Eyebolts in the front and back of each side wall. The ramps sit on top of the wheel wells and then strap in. I understand that if the ratchet straps come loose, the ramps would fall against your bike while driving down the road. Today is Memorial Day 2024, we used the ramps to take the bike to Rushmore camping area this time in 2023 and all went well. Checkout a couple of videos I posted on that trip.
Don't trust those straps to stop the ramps falling off when the rear wheel pulls the ramp back off the truck tray. The only method I would trust is bolting those ramps to the truck tray. I learnt this the hard way loading my Indian onto my trailer. Luckily the bike didn't get hurt when the ramp got pushed away from the trailer bed. 🇦🇺
Great Advice!
Question for anyone who has one or has seen one in person. In the video it shows the middle piece sliding back. If it has the safety rod through it, shouldn't all pieces remain together independent of where you tie them up? Did the rod bend? Any information is greatly appreciated. I am deciding between this one and the 9' Long Black Widow Aluminum 4-Beam Folding Arched 3-Piece Motorcycle Ramp. Thanks.
Great question, the pipe welded to each section has a slightly larger inside diameter than is necessary for the connecting rod. I am sure that is to allow for fabrication tolerances between the three sections. The straps are the part to be attached to the middle section in contact with the tires to stop the ramp from sliding.
You didn’t need wood. You could have used superstrut. It’s a Swiss knife. You can then add eye bolts for anchors….
Ali, I assume you are describing unistrut or “superstrut” specific product from ABB for securing conduit and a million other things. I agree it has almost infinite applications. Ultimately I used wood as it is the cheapest thing laying around my shop and provides a good friction surface against the bed of the truck rather than metal against metal. Thanks for sharing your ideas and taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate viewers and subscribers who have a passion for motorcycling and maintaining the bikes.
Great video. Thank you for sharing. It certainly gave me more confident in going this route. What size is your truck bed?
It is typical 6' 7". With my front wheel in a Harbor Freight wheel chock, the rear axle is almost directly above the tailgate hinge. Check out my recent Sturgis video to see more about the ramp in actual usage from UT to SD.. th-cam.com/video/W4DCrIwmhmY/w-d-xo.html
New subscriber from Canada. 🍻🇨🇦
Awesome Gary, thanks for watching and subscribing!I Appreciate you letting me know where you are from as well. Hope you find the content interesting!🤔
Great review! I just ordered the 12ft version based on the height of my truck. Any issues with the rear wheel on the tailgate while traveling? I kept hearing that the tailgate could bend.
There are couple of comments previous that shared similar concerns. Have a look at my comments to guyconnell & vincentcarmelli where I tried to talk about the tailgate cables and the center of my rear wheel basically right above the hinge. I have had very good luck with this configuration, no deformation and stable ride. Thanks for the question.
I've considered these ramps, but I have a Ram with a 6" lift and 35's so I'm just not comfortable with attacking this method for hauling my RGS. Considering a Kendon now or similar "fold up" trailer.
Hey, I really understand your concern. There is a certain comfort level you need to be able to haul your bike down a highway at higher speeds like you might see on an interstate highway. In my case and for many others, the bike is worth more than your truck. I can afford an enclosed trailer but currently have no place to park it at my house. I plan to pour an outside concrete pad and remove that section of my lawn in the near future and then buy a twin axle enclosed trailer that I want to convert to a camp/toy hauler.
Thanks brother for watching the video and commenting. Hope you are a subscriber, we need the help to build the channel.
Great video. I like that setup. I do have a question when the middle ramp pulled back on your truck is there slack, when u insert the rods into the ramp that's let the ramp move back
Yes, take a look at time 3:20 into the video and you can see about how much play there is between the rod and the pipe sections it goes through. Thanks for watching and asking good questions.
@@clemgriffis3446 still looks like a great setup
I would be a little worried about these tailgate support cables struts I’ve seen those broke
I think I have seen a similar concerns within the comments for the video where I replied with the various working loads for the cables and the riding position of my back tire within the bed of the pickup. Sorry, I am a structural engineer and I tend to drone on, too much technical stuff, suffice it to say, I am good with the application and the truck/tailgate/cable combination I have. Everyone should be comfortable within their own setup for sure. Your comment is absolutely a good comment and well taken my friend!
I have always balked at using these types of ramps out of concern about deforming the pickup's tailgate or even breaking the cables that hold the tailgate. What are your thoughts on this?
Guy, I understand your concern and I would never advocate anyone go a route they do not feel comfortable with. I know that the 3/16” steel cable on my Chevy tailgate has a breaking strength of 4,200 lbs and times (2 cables) theoretically has 8,400 LB breaking strength. Now with that said, the “working load” is calculated with a safety factor of (5) so the working load limit divides down to 840 LB for each cable.The Working load is the force the cable or lifting device a piece of equipment is subject to in an everyday working environment. My motorcycle back wheel (axle) is almost directly over the hinge line of the tailgate when riding and is subject to ramp load extremely infrequently. I understand the steel tailgate could be subject to deformation if a constant cycling load is exerted out of the edge of the tailgate. OK, I see a lot of eyes are rolling :) Enough of a Structural Engineer’s rambling… Ultimately, I am comfortable with the rare occasion I load either of my bikes in the pickup bed with this method. There is such a large safety factory dividing the breaking strength by 5 and the fact that I am exerting about equal load between two of these cables, I am comfortable. Again, this is just the call I have made and would not recommend anyone do anything they are not comfortable with. I hope you subscribe to the Channel and I hope I have not bored you to 😭. 😀 thanks for the question 🙋
@clemgriffis3446 I appreciate your thoughts.
Given the price of fuel, I have considered hauling instead of trailering as a very viable option. With gas at over $4/gallon for premium, and 8-10 mpg pulling my trailer, it becomes a very important consideration.
Better idea, put the bike in gear and use the clutch. If you let go of the brake, the bike moves, if you let go of the clutch in gear the bike doesn't move. Slightly use the clutch to descend. It's an ADV rider thing.
Thanks for the reminder. Keeping in gear is certainly the way to go.
Very informative review Clem. I'm guessing once you get the bike in the truck bed you are then able to store the 3 ramps in your truck bed and find a way to strap them secure? I'm in Palmetto Fl with great winter riding, but we travel to our cabin in west NC mountains from June through October. I ride the bagger up there and back, about 600 miles one way. Thanks for the great review.
Brad, really appreciate your comment and kind words. Yes, the ramps can be 2 sections on one side and 1 section on the other. I strap against each wall with ratchet straps to keep away from the bike. I expect to pack a number of other items back there like a cooler and a few other items when we go over to Rushmore for Memorial weekend.
I use to own a cabin lot in Blairsville GA a number of years ago when I lived and worked in Orlando, but never built, ended up selling. I have ridden in those mountains on several occasions, really enjoyed it. Actually have a video on my channel while riding there on one of our trips. th-cam.com/video/l4mlryODFVE/w-d-xo.html
Hey, hope you subscribe if you are not already subscribed.
How much do you trust the cables on the tailgate of the truck?
Stuart, I have had many questions on this post that are similar to yours. I understand your concern. I am pasting one of my responses here and hope this describes how I look at the load on the cables but it is really a personal choice and I am only describing my situation and I am not advocating you do anything you are uncomfortable with. Thanks for commenting! PREVIOUS REPLY POST - "Guy, I understand your concern and I would never advocate anyone go a route they do not feel comfortable with. I know that the 3/16” steel cable on my Chevy tailgate has a breaking strength of 4,200 lbs and times (2 cables) theoretically has 8,400 LB breaking strength. Now with that said, the “working load” is calculated with a safety factor of (5) so the working load limit divides down to 840 LB for each cable.The Working load is the force the cable or lifting device a piece of equipment is subject to in an everyday working environment. My motorcycle back wheel (axle) is almost directly over the hinge line of the tailgate when riding and is subject to ramp load extremely infrequently. I understand the steel tailgate could be subject to deformation if a constant cycling load is exerted out of the edge of the tailgate. OK, I see a lot of eyes are rolling :) Enough of a Structural Engineer’s rambling… Ultimately, I am comfortable with the rare occasion I load either of my bikes in the pickup bed with this method. There is such a large safety factory dividing the breaking strength by 5 and the fact that I am exerting about equal load between two of these cables, I am comfortable. Again, this is just the call I have made and would not recommend anyone do anything they are not comfortable with. I hope you subscribe to the Channel and I hope I have not bored you to 😭. 😀 thanks for the question 🙋"
Hey bro,,,, Asian here,,,, and big ZZ Top fan !!! Good review! Edit= Would you've preferred them a tad wider?
Actually they are plenty wide as they consist of 3 pieces to make up the width. I plan to use them next week to take my bike on a long trip and feel confident using them. Thanks for asking!
How do you pack the ramp sections for the trip?
Mark, I built a plywood false floor that fits around my bike. It gives me about 8” of clearance underneath. 2 pieces go under and one pieces lays flat on the plywood next to the bike.
Nice video. Just subscribed. Question: Is your Silverado a Crew Cab or Double Cab? I can't tell from the video. I'm trying to figure out the bed length in term of where your rear tire is landing. Thanks!
It’s just a double Cab with the shorter rear leg room. I think the bed is about 6 1/2 feet. My bikes’s rear axle sits about at the tail gate hinge. Good question, thanks for subscribing, really appreciate you taking the time to ask a question and watching the content we are putting out.
@clemgriffis3446 Excellent. I have a double cab too with a Bak Flip hard tonneau cover. I would probably have to remove the cover so my Ultra Limited would sit as yours does. When the cover is all the way up, there is about 4-6" of space to the front of the bed. That would probably put my rear wheel on the tailgate versus in the hinge crease. Not ideal in my opinion. Thanks for the info and be well!!!
nice ramps but for a little more you could have a trailer that would be easer to load .
Dan, yes no doubt about that. The trade-offs are endless like how convenient is loading vs. how convenient is a trailer to manage at my camping destination… ideally I suspect I will own both. Thanks for the comment and taking the time to watch the content. Hope you find it worthwhile to subscribe.
Bravo! I just do not have the guts to do that.
I will say that I my rear-end does “pucker” a bit riding up the ramp. One cannot go up or down half committed or you will get into trouble. There are enough “fail” videos out there with Luke-warm attempts. 😆. Thanks for watching and commenting. It really helps the channel.
Doesn’t that rod tie them all together?
The rod ties them together laterally but there is still a fair amount of “play” length wise that is just enough to create a disaster if the tie straps are not connected to the center section. Perhaps I will do a short video expanding on this subject. Be on the lookout for a new ramp video.
I see those ramps come in 8, 9, 10, and 12’. Which one do you have? Also, are you able to fit the ramps in a 5’5” bed with the bike in the bed and the tailgate down?
Mine is a 10 footer. I believe there is a link in the notes to an affiliate link. I think I was having trouble finding access to the 12 footer. They fit inside the pickup when folded over but I do strap both of them against one side’s wheel-well. Check out mine and Roxy’s subsequent trip to the Sturgis area spring of 2023 where we used the ramps for the first time. Thanks for the great question.
Oh BTW, my truck bed is 6’ but the ramps should still load just fine in your truck bed. With tie-down rachet straps.
@@clemgriffis3446 Thank you sir.
Jump to 8:00 for the ramps
Thanks for the index!
Where do you put the ramps when the bike is in the bed?
I have a couple of extra ratchet straps I use to tie them collapsed on their side on top of the wheel well. As long as you cinch them up good with a QUALITY SET of ratchet straps, you will be good to go. Thanks for the question.
We actually did this on a trip to the Sturgis/Mt. Rushmore area this past Memorial Day. We have a video to Sturgis in that time frame I published about 6 m on this ago. Check it out. Hey if you do decide to buy these ramps, check out the affiliate link in the description section of the video. Thanks again for watching!
THANKS FOR THE VIDEO. I WENT TO AMAZON AND THEY ONLY HAVE 9 FT TO ORDER....I HAVE A 2020 ROAD GLIDE...IS THE 9FT RAMP SAFE?
Mine are 10’, I don’t know that I would go any shorter. You may have to buy from Black Widow direct or from Discount Ramps to get the 10 footers.
@@clemgriffis3446 Thanks for responding....BE safe.
Is that a half ton pick up? I have a F-150 and a RGL. Do you know of any weight issues or handeling of your pickup?
I have a Chevy Silverado 1500 (1/2) ton and absolutely no issue with handling. I brought my bike across country from Ohio to Utah and no problem. If you have a Harley, I would recommend that you disable the motion security motion sensor (“Transport Mode”) that causes the warning lights to continue flash and will eventually kill your battery. Thanks for the question. What state/province/country are you in? Hope you will subscribe if you are not already. Thanks
Clem, what box length is your Chevy? Any issues with the weight of the bike rear wheel sitting on the tailgate. I have the Black Ultra as well and thinking of transporting this way, I have not purchased a truck or ramps yet.
@@wayneglabais1208 I just have a 6 foot bed. With the Limited front wheel in the HF wheel check, the rear wheel axle is directly above the tailgate hinge. I had no issues with the street glide on a trip from Ohio to Utah. Really not a problem.
Ok, so the rear wheel is only partially resting on the tailgate then
@@wayneglabais1208 Yes, Have a look at 10:28 in the video for a good side shot of the rear wheel of the street Glide and 12:16 of the Limited.
A mans garage is never big enough, you have a good size for all those fun toys.
You got that right! But now am I buying table saws and miter saws to build furniture and the poor pickup truck is the odd toy out…
Go down in gear while holding clutch in n out
Thanks for the recommendation. Hope you find the content worthy of subscribing!
grande prairie alberta canada
Welcome! Thanks for sharing your location. Banff and Jasper is as far north as I have been on my yellow bike so far. I plan to ride further north when I retire soon. Take care and thanks fir watching our videos. Hope you subscribe.
I can see how this would be useful
Thanks for watching Hooligan, now that the weather is changing I can get outside and create better content.
You don't need a ramp if you ride it 3 reasons a you truck or trailer a bike if it is stolen, broken or moving I am 74 been riding since 16 have had several bikes currently have a shovelhead I bought new 1980 with well over 750,000 miles also a wide glide I rode 900 miles for a cheeseburger I rode from LA to Chicago to meet up with a friend of mine to go for a ride into Wisconsin I rode with a club for 5 years my only transportation for 6 years was my bike see you on the road FKH
I appreciate your thoughts. Come back and share your thoughts again after riding two up for 50 years.
@@clemgriffis3446 I am 74 been riding since I was 16 I have had several bikes I have a shovelhead I bought new 1980 with over 750,000 miles I also have a wide glide I am no johnny come lately road with a club, for 5 years I only had a bike for transportation one time I rode 900 miles for a cheeseburger I rode from LA to Chicago to meet a buddy so we could go for a ride so there you go FKH