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Most of the tie downs are about the same price for a 4pak $25.00. The ones attached will work for what you need. At least 5ft in length. A set of 4 should always work with pretty much any trailer out there, having said that, if you think you need another strap, then get one.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/Towing/TieDownsTowing/PRD~0402616P/Cambuckle+Tie+Down+Set%2C+4-pack.jsp?locale=en

Bring along some small rags to wrap around the point where the buckle is going ( Handlebar, rear seat, shock etc etc) so you do not scratch it up. Do not attach the tie down to an area if you hit a bump, its slips and takes out your brake or clutch cyl.

Even if the tie downs did come with the trailer, never count on them. They are most likely weathered or cut.

I'm with The Insurance Guys (not the most professional name nor reassuring name, I know), and I was insured with neither Class 5 nor 6. Minimal coverage was about $300 for my Honda Magna V30. Seems they have been bought out by TD, from the paperworks I got.

So I'm checking the Canadian Tire site for TieDowns for UHaul trailer trip (Yamaha Vstar 250cc).

Which tie downs should I get? Can I get better value at Walmart or elsewhere?  Which do you use?

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/Towing/TieDownsTowing.jsp

Thanks Uber.  I did call some uHauls around Calgary and, surprisingly the people I spoke to (all women) didn't know what I was talking about when I requested the rate for the motorcycle trailer.  Found it on their website though.

I found some youtube tutorials on how to secure the bike on the trailer with the tiedowns.  Surprised they don't come with the trailer. 

BBP

I rented this motorcycle trailer from U-Haul for $14.95/day...it worked great...and I picked up a four pack of ratchet straps for $24 from Canadian Tire...



Loading was easy by myself, I just rode the bike onto the trailer...ramp was nice and wide and the incline was pretty shallow, so it was very easy.  I've done the back of the truck thing, but the lift kit made the incline a little steep and it was a three or four guy operation getting it in there.

Could have easily pulled it with a sedan...but since I have the rig...I did the redneck thing... 



When you tie down the front end, make sure you compress the suspension about 1/2 way...otherwise it may bounce out of the straps...then you would cry...and I always strap down the back end, better safe than sorry...

Later.

Make sure you have enough guys/a ramp, and a truck. Using the ramp or the guys, get the bike into the back of the truck and secure the front with ratcheting tie straps in such a way as to moderately compress the suspension. Tie straps can be had from Canadian Tire for $20 or so for a 2-pack. The back wheel will generally stay put, and if you can, shut the tailgate.

If you don't have a truck, but have a vehicle that has a hitch, rent a small utility trailer from uhaul, get the bike into the trailer, and then tie it down with ratcheting tie straps.

Good luck!

But even if you do rent a trailer, you have to rent stuff to secure it down etc.  On that topic, what's the best way to move a bike? Dedicated motorcycle trailer? Do any companies specialize in such a thing?

Check with the insurance broker...you may be able to get one to three days for moving purposes...(I know you can in BC, just not sure about here in Alberta)

But it may be easier to rent a trailer & come pick up the bike...not ride it home.

Good luck...

Later.

Hi,
So I was reading through the archive on here and I saw someone had collided with a concrete barrier on a bad turn (http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&safe=off&nord=1&q=crowchild%20tr%20and%20brisebois%20dr&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&ion=1&biw=1366&bih=643&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=il) from Tucson's article (http://www.albertamoto.com/index.php?topic=702.0).

I was thinking perhaps we could compile a list of similar notorious spots throughout Calgary so that we can each take a bit more caution in such areas.  Google map links and a description would be preferable, based on your direct experience or a fellow biker who complained or otherwise about a specific intersection, exit, merge or blind corner (etc).

Be safe!
BBP

Hi guys,

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am due to take my course with this (TCS) school in Calgary.

1) I have asked the reception girl already about the possibility of booking my road test for the immediate Wednesday/Sunday (their test days) following my course completion (will need one of their bikes).  She told me to basically wait until I graduate, then they'll provide me with the "list" of registries they coordinate with.  Is this 100% the "rule?"  Is it bendable?

2) I'm certain I am going to complete the course and want to do the road test ASAP (season's underway and I have a bike!).  Which registry did you pick? Did you have any power over which examiner was chosen for you, and if so, can you recommend to me (either registry/examiner)?  I read a post on here about a guy who was 40yr/old who got a really hard time from some bald examiner who frowned upon his sport bike and it went "downhill" from there.  -kind of want to avoid that guy if possible.
With the season already in gear I don't want to spend another 3+ weeks *waiting* for a test (I already had to wait 2-3 months for the course alone) unless absolutely necessary; I want the test as close as possible to the course for obvious reasons. 

3) Also, would be much appreciated if you provided the names of some roads you traveled on (the more detailed, the better) during the exam.  Is there a standard route for some registries?  My problem is I'm quite new in Calgary and I don't exactly have an innate knowledge of the various speed limits (fail-able criticism!), so I'd like to go on a few practice runs in my friend's car so I am familiar with the speed limits and such.  I've noticed when I merge on a lot of roads here, the limit is not seen sometimes for up to 1-3 Km!  I think there's 100km/hr in parts of Stoney and Deerfoot, and most other fast highways are 80 or so, and most residential are 50.

Kind regards,
BBP