Riding a motorcycle provides an unmatched sense of freedom and adventure. However, transporting your bike securely can be a hassle. That’s where motorcycle tie down systems like Bike Binderz and Moto Cinch come in.
These products allow you to securely fasten your bike to a truck or trailer for safe transportation. But which one is right for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the key features and pros and cons of Bike Binderz and Moto Cinch tie down systems. We’ll look at factors like ease of use, security, durability, and cost to help you decide which product best fits your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Bike Binderz | Moto Cinch |
| Type of System | Nylon straps with ratchets | Steel cables with ratchets |
| Ease of Use | Very easy to attach and detach straps | More involved installation with cables |
| Security | Minimal – no locks on straps | Maximum – cables can be locked |
| Durability | Durable, long-lasting materials | Slightly more durable cables |
| Adjustability | Up to ~90 inches | Up to 118 inches |
| Cost | $$ Affordable price point | $$$ Higher cost |
| Truck Bed Protection | Rubber coating protects bed | Cables can scratch bed |
| Weight | Very lightweight system | Bulkier and heavier cables |
An Overview of Bike Binderz
Bike Binderz is a motorcycle tie down system designed for transporting bikes in the bed of a pickup truck.
It consists of adjustable straps with rubber-coated hooks on each end.
To use Bike Binderz, you attach one hook to an anchor point on your truck bed.
You then stretch the strap over your motorcycle and attach the second hook to another anchor point on the opposite side.
The rubber coating on the hooks helps protect your bike’s finish.
Once attached, you ratchet the strap tight to compress the motorcycle suspension and secure the bike in place. Bike Binderz are adjustable and can accommodate different motorcycle widths.
Here are some key features and considerations of the Bike Binderz tie down system:
- Easy to use: The simple design allows for quick loading and unloading. Attaching and detaching the straps is straightforward.
- Secure hold: The ratchet system lets you tighten the straps for a tight, compressed hold on your motorcycle.
- Protective hooks: The rubber-coated hooks won’t scratch or mar your bike’s finish.
- Durable construction: The heavy-duty straps and high-grade ratchet mechanism are built to last.
- Lightweight: Each Bike Binderz strap weighs just a few pounds for easy portability.
- Affordable price: Bike Binderz are competitively priced versus similar motorcycle tie downs.
- Limited adjustment range: The straps may not be long enough to secure larger cruiser-style motorcycles.
- Minimal theft deterrence: The straps lack any type of lock or security feature.
Overview of the Moto Cinch System
Moto Cinch takes a different approach to securing motorcycles. Instead of adjustable straps, the system uses steel cables and ratcheting spools.
To use Moto Cinch, you attach one hook end of the cable to an anchor point in your truck bed. Run the cable over your bike, then attach the other end to an anchor on the opposite side.
Use the included ratcheting spool to take up slack in the cable. Once tightened, the ratchet locks the cable in place. Moto Cinch also compresses the bike’s suspension for a tight hold.
Here are the main features and pros/cons of Moto Cinch:
- Very secure: The steel cable and ratcheting system ensure your bike cannot shift or bounce during transport.
- Highly adjustable: Can accommodate nearly any size motorcycle with its extra-long cables.
- Lockable: The ratchet mechanism allows you to lock the cable using a padlock for security.
- Dual rear wheel straps: Comes with additional straps to prevent rear wheel movement.
- Heavy-duty materials: Built from thick steel cables coated in a protective PVC cover.
- Bulkier and heavier: Steel cables and ratchet spools make Moto Cinch heavier than strap systems.
- Higher cost: Moto Cinch costs around 2-3x more than strap-type tie downs.
- More difficult setup: Attaching cables and ratcheting/unlocking can be more tedious.
Key Differences Between Bike Binderz And Moto Cinch
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each system, let’s compare them across some key factors motorcycle owners consider when choosing a tie down.
- Ease of Use
Winner: Bike Binderz
Bike Binderz offer easier installation thanks to their simple strap design. To secure your bike, you simply:
- Attach the rubber-coated hooks to anchor points on your truck bed.
- Lay the straps over your motorcycle.
- Attach the hooks on the other end to opposite anchors.
- Tighten the ratchets until the straps are taut.
The entire process takes just a minute or two. Detaching the straps is similarly quick and uncomplicated.
In contrast, Moto Cinch involves unreeling the steel cables, routing them correctly around your motorcycle, attaching the hooks, then tediously ratcheting each spool tight. The cables can tangle and fight you as well.
While Moto Cinch works very well once installed, Bike Binderz is generally much easier and quicker to get set up for transportation.
- Security
Winner: Moto Cinch
Security is a major factor when transporting your motorcycle.
Unfortunately, motorcycle theft is common, so you want tie downs that deter opportunistic thieves.
Here, Moto Cinch is the clear winner.
The steel cables are very difficult to cut, while the ratchet spools allow you to lock the cables in place with a padlock.
This makes it much more difficult for someone to quickly release your bike.
Bike Binderz offer virtually no theft protection. The rubber-coated hooks can be detached easily. There is no way to lock the straps in place. Given enough time, a determined thief could cut the straps as well.
If security is your top concern, Moto Cinch is undoubtedly the safer choice. The locked steel cables will keep your bike tightly bound until you unlock them. Bike Binderz won’t stop a seasoned criminal.
- Durability
Winner: Tie
Both Moto Cinch and Bike Binderz use durable, high-quality materials built to withstand repeated use without excessive wear and tear.
Moto Cinch employs thick braided steel cables covered by a protective PVC jacket. The cables resist kinks and fraying very well. The ratchet spools are robust and the mechanisms stay locked under load.
Bike Binderz straps are made from heavy nylon with double box stitching. The hook ends feature a molded rubber coating and solid steel construction. The industrial-grade ratchets are all metal.
With proper care, you can expect years of reliable use from either system. Moto Cinch likely has a slight edge in longevity, but both products earn top marks for durability. Replacement parts are available if needed down the road.
Either tie down system should stand up to regular loading/unloading and transportation without any significant decline in function. They are on par when it comes to durability.
- Adjustability
Winner: Moto Cinch
The ability to secure different size motorcycles is important for versatility. Here, Moto Cinch is vastly more adjustable than Bike Binderz.
The Bike Binderz straps measure approximately 87 inches when fully extended. This is enough for most sport bikes and smaller cruisers. Larger motorcycles may require extension straps for sufficient reach.
In contrast, Moto Cinch’s braided steel cables can extend up to 118 inches in length. This allows them to easily accommodate supersport bikes, large cruisers, trikes, and more. You’re less likely to need extensions cables.
Moto Cinch also includes additional rear wheel straps for keeping the back end stable on bikes with a high center of gravity. Bike Binderz lacks this option.
For tie downs that’ll work with nearly any size motorcycle, Moto Cinch is the most adjustable solution by far. Bike Binderz work great for smaller bikes, but very large motorcycles may push their limits.
- Cost
Winner: Bike Binderz
Bike transportation products range widely in price. Evaluating the costs of Moto Cinch and Bike Binderz reveals a clear winner.
A set of 4 Bike Binderz straps retails for around $120-150. That’s approximately $30-40 per individual tie down. Replacement straps can be purchased separately as well.
By comparison, a Moto Cinch setup with cables and ratchets costs $260-280 for one bike. That’s over 3 times the price of Bike Binderz per unit. You also can’t buy individual cable replacements.
For shoppers budgeting for motorcycle transportation gear, Bike Binderz provides excellent value. Moto Cinch works very well but is a significant investment.
If price is your primary factor, Bike Binderz is the wallet-friendly choice. Moto Cinch offers premium materials and features at a premium price.
- Truck Bed Protection
Winner: Bike Binderz
One convenience factor with tie downs is how well they protect your truck bed from damage.
Friction and movement during transport can scratch or scuff bed liner and panels.
Here Bike Binderz have an advantage with their rubber-coated hook ends.
The soft rubber shields your truck from abrasions much better than Moto Cinch’s hard steel cables and hooks.
The smoother surface of the Bike Binderz straps also glides more gently over truck beds versus the coarse steel of cables.
With Bike Binderz, you can help preserve the pristine condition of your truck bed.
Moto Cinch’s cables work so well securing motorcycles that they inhibit unwanted movement. But the rigid materials are more likely to contact and wear against truck surfaces.
Also Read: Comparison of PartZilla And RevZilla.
Convenience Factors
Beyond the major factors above, there are some additional convenience considerations when choosing between Moto Cinch and Bike Binderz:
- Weather resistance: Moto Cinch’s steel cables and plastic coatings withstand the elements better than Bike Binderz nylon straps.
- Storage size: Bike Binderz pack down smaller for easier storage. Moto Cinch’s bulkier cables occupy more room.
- Tension indicator: Bike Binderz lack a built-in way to measure tightness. Moto Cinch’s ratchet shows tension.
- Attachment points: Both systems require solid anchor points like truck bed cleats. Moto Cinch needs fewer per bike.
- Learning curve: Bike Binderz have almost no learning curve. Moto Cinch takes some experience to master.
While not dealbreakers, these factors can sway you one way or the other depending on your needs and preferences.
The Verdict: Which is Better for You?
In the battle of Bike Binderz vs. Moto Cinch, is one tie down system clearly superior?
The answer depends entirely on your specific transportation needs:
- For casual motorcycle transport with good value, choose Bike Binderz. They provide versatile and dependable holding at an affordable price point.
- If you need maximum security on the road or trail, Moto Cinch is worth the investment. The cables and locks will deter theft much more effectively.
- Larger motorcycles and trikes are better served by Moto Cinch’s expansive adjustability range. You likely won’t even need extensions.
- Truck bed protection is easier with Bike Binderz smooth rubber hooks versus Moto Cinch’s cables. No scratches!
- Focus on ease of use? Bike Binderz install in minutes with no fuss. Moto Cinch has a learning curve.
Either system delivers excellent holding power and protection for your cherished motorcycle. Weigh your specific needs against the pros and cons to decide if quick and simple Bike Binderz or ultra-secure Moto Cinch is the right tie down system for your transportation setup.
Safe travels on the road ahead!
