Newbie here,
this forum is pretty awesome--have been reading threads incessantly since i bought my 06 F150 Supercrew Lariat a few weeks ago. I love it by the way.
I did a search on hauling motorcycles but it didn't have the specific answer i was looking for. My measurements say it is do-able (barely, even with the tailgate down) but i'm wondering has anybody loaded a HD Fatboy into a 5.5ft bed with the tailgate down? Will it actually fit?
One of the major reasons i was 'allowed' to get a truck was because we could load up the bike. If my wife finds out that i'm not going to be able to do this, i lose credibility!!! and the mods i've already 'persuaded' her we 'need'.
Thanks for your help.

Adam

 

My dealer has an 06 HD f150 (6.5 bed) on there show room floor with a Sportster in it and it goes right back to the end of the tailgate with it down and a bed extender.

 

If you put the bike in cross-ways so the front wheel is in the front corner of the bed and the back wheel on the opposite side on the tailgate, it should probably just fit. I too have a Fatboy, but have never tried to put it in the back of my truck (no ramps). I've been using a trailer anytime I have to take the bike somewhere.
Just convince your wife that you now need a motorcycle trailer to "compliment" your truck and Harley.

 

Not a HD guy, but I think a Sportster is probably little shorter then a fatboy..

Adam - Do you have measurements for the bike?

I'd imagine a bed extender would help.

 

Damn, sounds like it may not--or it'll be even closer than i thought. I guess i should have measured closer! I'm still interested if anybody else has successfully done it. Thanks though.

 

Just went to there web site:
06 sportster is 90.3 inches.
06 fatboy is 94.3 inches

Measure the bed on an angle. If it does it will be tight.

 

Your gonna be very "hard pressed" to load a FatBoy in a 5.5 bed.
My 6.5 is barely large enough to load straight in with no weight on the tail gate after being pushed all the way forward.

-TFB

 

I have a Fatboy and a supercrew w/ the 5.5 ft box.
Last weekend I put it in the back of the truck.
It loaded up with no problems.
I couldn't put my bed extender on (it would hit the fender) but the bike fit just fine.
hope this helps

 

Nice truck and bike.

 

What brand ramp do you have???? I like it!!!!!

 

Wow, this is great--so many helpful responses--thanks guys.

PKONNICK -
did you load your fatboy straight in? or on an angle as somebody else suggested? I would think on an angle could be a little dangerous due to eneven weight distribution.

TEXASFATBOY - I was pretty much planning on having the bike sit on the tailgate--atleast thats how i measured. Is there good reason not to have it sit on the tailgate? I know it can only support up to 500lbs, but i would figure that at no time would that much weight be on the tailgate.
By the way, like someone else said, nice ramp, what kind and how much? Were you/are you in the military?

 

straight in..........no problems

 

I would think with the correct equipment, you might be safe. I just can’t get over the feeling of having a 700lb bike riding on the tailgate.
On the other hand...the cables are pretty stout and I'm probably worrying about nothing.

My scoot is also being held in place by a "Condor Wheel Chock" which uses the weight from the front wheel to secure in place.
Once the bike is locked in and strapped...it aint going no-where. See pic below...

The ramps are a three piece design, aluminum and have slight "arch" built into them to allow for clearance. They can easily handle a full dresser i.e.: Electra Glide or Gold Wing.

The true beauty of the ramps and chock...is that it allows you to load and un-load by yourself.

The downside is...the price. There not cheap But then again...neither is a 16K bike.
When buying a ramp...make sure you get somthing that is 7 feet long or bigger. Anything shorter you would risk bumping the frame.

I should also mention that the sheet metal on your tail-gate is thin. A Fat Boy will leave a concave indentation unless you've re-enforced the back side. I got lazy and rolled it across without thinking about it, but it's hardly noticeable.

Oh, I almost forgot...I'm active duty Coast Guard.

http://www.discountramps.com/trailer-wheel-chock.htm

I bought my ramps locally and can't find them on-line, but here's a few I found after a quick search.

http://www.motorcycleramps.com/new_logo4.jpg

 

Thank you

 

For those that transport their cycle, I have used one of these for years and HIGHLY recommend them http://www.canyondancer.com/