Secure Straps Tie-Downs

SECURE STRAPS TIE-DOWNS

Suspension for tie-downs

CW EVALUATION

SECURING YOUR MOTORCYCLE FOR transport can be a worrisome proposition. Under heavy loads or when improperly fitted, standard tie-downs can collapse and release from their moorings, leading to disaster.

Secure Straps (1632 Industrial Ave., Norco, CA 91760, 909/279-1453) has a solution to this problem. The Secure Strap Tie-Down incorporates suspension, via a heavy-duty rubber band, designed to provide constant tension on the lower portion of the tie-down, keeping the tie-down hooks firmly in place.

Secure Straps consist of oneinch wide, 4000-pound-stress nylon webbing, rubber-coated steel hooks rated to 1250 pounds and quick-release steel clasps. The 10-inch rubber

band is attached to the lower portion of the strap by two rivets (one at each end) and covered with a nylon gaiter. If slack develops, says the manufacturer, the band will reduce the tie-down’s length as much as 4 inches.

As with standard tie-downs, best results are achieved by cinching the Secure Straps down completely, so that the webbing and band are stretched to capacity. Failing this, the rubber band will still keep the hook

in place, although it will allow the bike to sway under heavy cornering loads. Throughout testing, we never lost a hook, even when driving aggressively off-road with dirtbikes rocking in the truck’s bed. Streetbikes, as well, remained secure.

Secure Straps carry a suggested retail price of $30 (including a nylon pouch), or about $5 more than top-of-theline standard tie-downs. Considering the extra measure of assurance provided by the Secure Straps, we’d say that’s a secure investment. □