Let’s Talk About Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide
Motorcycles represent freedom and adventure, but transporting and storing them can be a real pain. Trying to keep your bike upright in a truck bed or garage can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you’re on your own. The Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide promises to alleviate this anxiety, offering a simple and cost-effective solution for securing your ride.
I needed a reliable way to secure my vintage Triumph Bonneville in my truck bed for transport to shows. I was tired of wrestling with tie-down straps and hoping for the best. I was looking for something that would hold the front wheel securely, making the entire process safer and easier.
Upon unboxing, the Extreme Max chock presented itself as a no-frills, functional piece of equipment. The powder-coated steel felt sturdy, but the three-piece design made me initially question its overall rigidity. The weight was manageable, hinting at a lighter-duty construction, as advertised.
Compared to a solid, fully-welded chock I considered from Pit Posse, the Extreme Max was noticeably lighter and less expensive. I also looked at a Condor adjustable chock, but its higher price point and more complex design seemed unnecessary for my needs. I chose the Extreme Max for its simplicity, affordability, and the promise of easy assembly.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide seemed like a decent solution for lighter-duty applications, but I remained skeptical about its long-term durability and stability with a heavier bike.
Real-World Testing: Putting Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Extreme Max chock in my truck bed while transporting my Triumph Bonneville to a local vintage bike show. I mounted it to a piece of plywood that I then secured to the bed of my truck. The weather was dry, but the roads were a mix of smooth highway and bumpy backroads.
The chock performed adequately on the highway, keeping the bike relatively stable. However, on the bumpy backroads, I noticed some slight movement and flex in the chock. The bike remained upright thanks to the tie-down straps, but I was constantly checking in my rearview mirror to ensure everything was secure.
The assembly was straightforward, but I did have to spend some time adjusting the position to properly fit my front tire. Initially, the three-piece design concerned me regarding stability, and this was verified after my first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of occasional use (about once a month), the Extreme Max chock has held up reasonably well, but it’s showing some signs of wear. The powder coating has chipped in a few places, and the bolt holes have slightly elongated.
The durability is acceptable for light-duty use, but I wouldn’t trust it with a larger, heavier motorcycle without significant reinforcement. Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
Compared to my experience with a more robust, fully-welded chock I used previously (before it was stolen), the Extreme Max falls short in terms of stability and peace of mind. It does the job, but requires constant vigilance and extra tie-down security.
Breaking Down the Features of Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide
Specifications
The Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide is designed for motorcycle tires up to 5.5 inches wide. Its three-piece construction requires bolt-together assembly. This allows for flat storage when not in use.
It features a four-hole mounting pattern for securing it to a truck bed, trailer, or garage floor. The entire unit is made from powder-coated steel for corrosion resistance. It is designed for lighter-duty applications, according to Extreme Max.
These specifications are important because they dictate the chock’s suitability for different motorcycles and usage scenarios. The 5.5-inch width limit restricts its compatibility to narrower tires, and the lighter-duty construction means it’s best suited for smaller, lighter bikes. The four-hole mounting pattern provides adequate stability when properly secured.
Performance & Functionality
The Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide performs its primary function – holding a motorcycle upright – reasonably well, provided it’s used with appropriate tie-down straps. Without straps, it’s simply not stable enough to hold a bike securely.
Its main strength is its affordability and ease of assembly. The weaknesses lie in its limited weight capacity, three-piece design, and the need for constant monitoring during transport. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly, light-duty chock, but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price. The powder-coated steel feels reasonably durable, but the welds are not the cleanest. The three-piece design is inherently less rigid than a fully-welded chock.
The chock is easy to assemble and use, with no real learning curve. However, the instructions could be clearer regarding optimal placement and securing techniques.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and limited use, the Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide should last for several years. However, it’s not designed for heavy use or exposure to harsh conditions.
Maintenance is minimal – simply keep it clean and inspect the bolts regularly to ensure they are tight. Repairing damaged powder coating or bent components would likely be more trouble than it’s worth, given the low price point.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide doesn’t come with any accessories. There aren’t really any customization options available, aside from painting it a different color or adding additional support bracing.
It is compatible with standard tie-down straps from various brands. However, it’s crucial to use high-quality straps designed for motorcycle transport to ensure the bike is securely held in place.
Pros and Cons of Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious users.
- Easy bolt-together assembly requires minimal tools and time.
- Compact and lightweight design allows for easy storage when not in use.
- Powder-coated steel construction provides decent corrosion resistance.
- Suitable for lighter motorcycles with tires up to 5.5 inches wide.
Cons
- Three-piece design lacks the rigidity and stability of a fully-welded chock.
- Requires the use of tie-down straps for safe and secure motorcycle transport.
- Not suitable for heavier motorcycles or demanding applications.
Who Should Buy Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide?
The Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide is perfect for motorcycle owners on a tight budget who need a simple and portable solution for occasional transport or storage of lighter bikes. It’s also suitable for those with limited storage space.
Those who should skip this product are owners of heavier motorcycles (cruisers, touring bikes) or anyone who requires a more robust and reliable chock for frequent transport or demanding conditions. If you’re looking for a “set it and forget it” solution, this isn’t it.
A must-have accessory is a set of high-quality motorcycle tie-down straps. Consider adding additional support bracing for increased stability, especially if transporting on rough roads.
Conclusion on Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide
The Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide is a budget-friendly option that provides basic functionality for securing lighter motorcycles. While it lacks the robustness and stability of more expensive, fully-welded chocks, it offers a decent value proposition for those on a limited budget.
The price of $41.39 is justified for what you get – a simple, portable, and reasonably durable chock that will get the job done, provided you use it correctly with proper tie-down straps.
I would recommend it with reservations. It’s a good option for occasional use with lighter bikes, but I wouldn’t trust it for long-distance transport or with a valuable motorcycle without significant reinforcement and constant monitoring. If you’re looking for a truly secure and reliable solution, it’s worth investing in a higher-quality, fully-welded chock. If, however, you need a cheap and cheerful solution, this one will do.
Consider your needs and budget carefully before making a decision. If you’re on a tight budget and only need a chock for occasional light-duty use, the Extreme Max 3 Piece Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5.5″ Wide could be a reasonable option. But if you value peace of mind and require a more robust and reliable solution, it’s worth spending the extra money on a higher-quality alternative.