For anyone who enjoys riding, the challenge of securely transporting or storing a motorcycle is an all too familiar headache. I remember countless times struggling to get my bike stable in the back of a truck or on a trailer, constantly worrying about it shifting, tipping, or even suffering damage during transit. The thought of a precious bike falling over, whether in my garage or on the highway, was a constant source of anxiety. It was clear that a reliable solution, like a quality motorcycle wheel chock, was absolutely essential to eliminate these complications and ensure peace of mind.
Crucial Considerations Before Investing in a Wheel Chock
A wheel chock fundamentally solves the problem of keeping a motorcycle upright and stable. It’s an indispensable tool for anyone who needs to transport their bike safely, perform maintenance, or simply store it securely without it occupying excessive space or requiring constant supervision. The ideal customer for a motorcycle wheel chock is a rider who regularly trailers their bike, a home mechanic needing a stable platform for repairs, or someone with limited garage space looking for a more compact and secure storage solution. However, this particular Pit Posse wheel chock is explicitly designed for front wheels up to 3.5 inches wide, meaning those with wider touring bike tires or custom choppers might find it too narrow. If your tire is wider, you’d need to seek out a broader, adjustable, or self-standing chock designed for larger bikes, as this specific model simply won’t fit. Before buying, always measure your front tire width, consider whether you need a permanent or removable setup, assess the mounting surface (trailer floor, truck bed, garage concrete), and evaluate the overall build quality and warranty offered.
Introducing the Pit Posse 11-018 Wheel Chock: What It Offers
The Pit Posse 11-018 Motorcycle Universal Removable Wheel Chock is a robust, chrome-finished device specifically engineered to secure a motorcycle’s front wheel, preventing it from moving during transport or storage. It promises unwavering stability, making the process of loading and securing your bike significantly easier and safer. When you purchase this unit, it comes complete with the necessary mounting hardware, allowing for quick and easy installation into a truck bed, trailer, or garage floor. While there are numerous chocks on the market, the Pit Posse 11-018 stands out with its removable design, offering versatility that some more basic or permanently affixed models lack. It’s ideally suited for dirt bikes, smaller street bikes, and scooters with front tires up to 3.5 inches wide. It’s not for heavier, wider-tired cruisers or touring bikes; for those, a heavier-duty, wider capacity chock would be necessary.
Pros:
* Highly Removable: Easily detaches from mounting plates, freeing up space.
* Sturdy Construction: Made from durable metal with a chrome finish, designed to last.
* Secure Hold: Keeps the front wheel firmly in place, minimizing movement.
* Simple Installation: Comes with mounting hardware for straightforward setup.
* Versatile Use: Great for trailers, truck beds, or garage storage.
* Long Warranty: Backed by a 5-year warranty, offering peace of mind.
Cons:
* Width Limitation: Only accommodates tires up to 3.5 inches wide, limiting compatibility.
* Hardware Issues: Some users report included mounting bolts are too short or strip easily.
* Potential Cosmetic Flaws: A few reports of thin chrome or uneven bends upon arrival.
Diving Deep: Key Attributes and Practical Advantages
Having used the Pit Posse 11-018 for a significant period, I can attest to how its features translate into real-world benefits. This isn’t just another accessory; it’s a foundational piece of equipment for any serious rider who values their bike’s safety and their own convenience.
Robust Construction & Attractive Chrome Finish
When I first unboxed my Pit Posse wheel chock, the immediate impression was one of solidity. The unit feels substantial, reflecting its metal construction. The chrome finish, while aesthetically pleasing and giving it a premium look, also serves a functional purpose by adding a layer of corrosion resistance, which is crucial for anything exposed to the elements in a trailer or truck bed. Over time, I’ve found that the chrome holds up reasonably well, though like any finished metal, it benefits from occasional cleaning to maintain its shine. A few user reports have mentioned slight imperfections in the chrome or uneven bends, but my experience has been largely positive in terms of overall structural integrity. This robust build is vital because the last thing you want is a flimsy piece of equipment supporting your valuable motorcycle. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of road travel, vibrations, and constant loading/unloading, and in my experience, it does exactly that.
Universal Fit (with a Crucial Caveat)
The “Universal” aspect of the Pit Posse 11-018 is key, but it comes with a non-negotiable measurement: it’s built for wheels up to 3.5 inches wide. This is a critical detail that absolutely must be confirmed before purchase. For my dirt bikes and scooters, this width is perfect, providing a snug and secure fit that prevents any lateral movement of the front wheel. It holds everything from my smaller 50cc bikes up to my 450cc dirt bikes with ease. This precise fit is what gives me confidence that the bike isn’t going to rock or shift unexpectedly. However, for a larger street bike with a wider front tire, this chock simply won’t work. The benefit here is that for compatible bikes, the fit is so precise that it contributes significantly to overall stability, making the tying-down process far less stressful. It takes the guesswork out of positioning the motorcycle, leading to a faster and more secure load every time.
Ingenious Removable Mounting System
This feature alone makes the Pit Posse 11-018 a standout product. The ability to easily remove the chock when not in use is incredibly practical. The mounting plates remain bolted to your trailer floor or truck bed, but the chock itself can be lifted out within seconds. This means your trailer or truck bed isn’t permanently obstructed by the chock when you need to haul other cargo like lumber, furniture, or anything else that requires a flat, unobstructed surface. I’ve often used my trailer for different purposes, and the quick-release functionality is a huge benefit. No more wrestling with tools to unbolt a permanent chock; it’s genuinely a one-hand operation once the mounting plates are installed. This design also allows for maximum flexibility; if you buy extra sets of mounting hardware, you can easily move the same chock between multiple vehicles or locations, like from your garage to your trailer, or even adjust its position within a trailer to accommodate different bike sizes or load configurations. This adaptability is a game-changer for anyone with varying transport needs.
Ease of Installation & Included Hardware
The Pit Posse 11-018 Motorcycle Universal Removable Wheel Chock comes with all the necessary mounting hardware, which simplifies the initial setup. The process itself is straightforward: position the mounting plates, mark the holes, drill, and bolt them down. However, based on my experience and corroborating some user reviews, there’s a consistent point of contention regarding the included bolts. In some instances, the bolts supplied can be too short, especially if you have a thicker trailer floor, or they might be prone to stripping or breaking during installation. I highly recommend that before you begin drilling, you verify the length of the bolts against the thickness of your mounting surface. It might be worth a quick trip to the hardware store for longer, higher-grade bolts to ensure a secure and frustration-free installation. While this is a minor inconvenience, addressing it upfront saves a significant amount of time and effort down the line. Once properly secured with suitable hardware, the quick-release plates function flawlessly, allowing the chock to attach and detach smoothly.
Unwavering Stability and Security
The primary purpose of any wheel chock is to provide stability, and the Pit Posse 11-018 excels in this area. Once the front wheel is nestled into the chock, the bike stands upright on its own, significantly simplifying the process of applying tie-downs. This initial stability means you don’t need a second person to hold the bike while you secure it, which is incredibly convenient for solo loading. The snug fit, especially for dirt bike tires, virtually eliminates any forward or backward movement of the front wheel. This allows you to focus your tie-down straps on compressing the suspension slightly and preventing sideways lean, rather than wrestling with basic stability. During transit, whether on short trips or long hauls, my bikes have remained rock-solid. The confidence this provides is invaluable; no more glancing in the rearview mirror every few miles or worrying about shifting loads. It takes the guesswork out of positioning your motorcycles and makes tying down faster and more secure. I often add a bungee cord to keep the chock in the forward position, just as an extra measure, but the inherent stability is truly impressive.
Versatility of Application
Beyond its core function, the Pit Posse 11-018‘s design lends itself to various applications. While ideal for open or enclosed trailers and truck beds, it’s equally effective in a garage or workshop. Many users, myself included, opt to buy additional sets of the mounting hardware. This allows you to install mounting plates in multiple locations – perhaps one set in your trailer, another in your truck, and a third in your garage. This way, the same chock can be utilized wherever you need it most, whether it’s to hold a bike steady for maintenance, secure it for long-term storage, or transport it to the trails. This flexibility is a testament to the intelligent design of the removable system and enhances the overall value of the product significantly.
Reliable 5-Year Warranty
A 5-year warranty on a product like a wheel chock is a strong indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in its durability and quality. Pit Posse stands by their products, and this extensive warranty provides excellent peace of mind. Knowing that the product is backed for such a long period reassures you that you’re making a worthwhile investment, and that should any manufacturing defects arise, you’re covered. This commitment to customer satisfaction reflects the brand’s dedication to developing innovative solutions that simplify transportation and maintenance.
What Other Users Are Saying: Testimonials from the Road
Having scoured the internet, it’s clear that the Pit Posse 11-018 Motorcycle Universal Removable Wheel Chock generally garners positive feedback, with many users echoing my own experiences. Riders appreciate how sturdy and well-made the chocks are, noting their effectiveness in holding various sizes of bikes, from small scooters to 450cc dirt bikes. The quick-release plates are a particular highlight, praised for making the chock easy to attach and detach, freeing up valuable trailer space. Many confirm that the product streamlines loading and ensures secure transport. While there are a few isolated complaints about the included mounting hardware (bolts being too short or low quality) and occasional cosmetic imperfections like thin chrome or uneven bends, the overwhelming sentiment confirms that for its price point, it offers excellent quality and reliable function.
Final Verdict: Secure Your Ride with Confidence
The constant worry of a motorcycle shifting or falling during transport or storage is a problem that needs a definitive solution to protect your investment and ensure your safety. The Pit Posse 11-018 Motorcycle Universal Removable Wheel Chock offers precisely that, providing a robust, reliable, and highly convenient way to secure your bike. Its sturdy construction, effective stability, and especially its ingenious removable design make it an excellent fit for anyone needing to transport or store motorcycles with front tires up to 3.5 inches wide. If you’re looking for peace of mind on the road and streamlined organization at home, this chock is a fantastic choice. Click here to check the Pit Posse 11-018 Motorcycle Universal Removable Wheel Chock out for yourself!