Thanks Ern. I can agree with the 2x6 in the attic, I just went with what spare wood I had in the shed. But the beefier the better. And good point Definitely get some heavy duty eyelet bolts. They aren't expensive so no excuse. All-thread would work too, I just liked the clean look of the eyelets, and that it keeps the straps from sliding when you first jack up the bike. Thanks for the addition Ern. Anything else I forgot to mention keep it coming :-)

 

You did good, just wanted to clarify/expand on your design.
It's an occupational hazard, I do commercial trim carpentry.
All that really cool wood in hotel/bank lobby's and schools, hospitals,
etc.....That's me! ;-)

Ern

 

Nice

 

This is an excellent thread. I have bicycles suspended from the ceiling of our garage (through the drywall and into the ceiling joists) using "J" hooks, but didn't think of the idea of a 2x4 or 2x6 spread across several of the joists to suspend the motorcycle. Since the room above our garage is finished, I don't have the option of running a brace on the top of the joists, but I could use a 2x8 or 2x10 with 3 or 4 lag bolts going into the joists and long enough to span several joists.

 

More than several joists, be sure to span at least 4 or 5.
If you're mounting on the bottom-side only, I would use a 2x12. Double lagbolts
about 2" in from the edge (7 1/2" apart) into each joist. Either, 1/4 or 3/8 lagbolts,
pilot the holes into the joists. Other option, double stack a 4x4 of 3/4 plywood to
the ceiling, with lots of 2 1/2 dry-wall screws. That actually distributes the load better.
Just be sure to use big washers on the top side of either. Do not use screw-in
eye-bolts, use washers and nuts, through whichever you choose.

Ern

 

Thats a great set up adio. Im probably gonna do that to the garage when everything is done with!

 

Hmmm, OK. I hadn't thought of using a sheet of plywood cut in half like that. Would the drywall screws need pilot holes through the plywood? I'm guessing they wouldn't need pilot holes into the joists since they are such a small diameter, right?

Thanks for the tips.

 

Probably don't need to pilot the screws, if you go this route. use the heavy
deck screws (#8's) and they should pull in fine. If you're breaking a lot as
you secure the first layer to the ceiling joists than you might consider
piloting (or the larger screw).

I would use a 8" screw pattern to secure the plywood with, by the way.
Also, do not substitute MDF or particle-board, they don't hold a screw well
enough for what you're going to use it for.

Ern

 

Thanks, glad I could help.