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Woman stands while riding an adventure motorcycle off-road with a white shepherd dog on the back
Woman stands while riding an adventure motorcycle off-road with a white shepherd dog on the back

Cockpit Owners Resource Hub

Congratulations on your new K9 Moto Cockpit and the extraordinary rides that await you!

This resource hub provides information, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you get on the road quickly and get the most from your rides together.

Some of the information in this video may not be up to date for the GEN2 Cockpit, certain Cockpit models, or lastest generation Cockpit accessories. We try to publish new information as quickly as possible but things are happening fast and we always prioritize Cockpit builds and getting them out the door!

DISCLAIMER

Read our disclaimer fully before purchasing your K9 Moto Cockpit.

READ NOW

Silhouette of woman and dog riding a motorcycle together

Before You Receive Your Cockpit

Waiting patiently for your Cockpit is really, really hard, but there are a few things you can do to prepare while we build your Custom Cockpit or ship out your Off-The-Shelf model.

License plate that says "12 Steps to Train Your Dog to Ride

Download the free K9 rider training guide to be prepared »

Two pairs of cargo straps

Get straps* for securing your dog’s harness into their Cockpit »

*If you use the above link to get ROK Straps through Revzilla, we receive a small commission

Pink dog goggles with dark lense

Get riding goggles** and desensitize your dog to wearing them »

**Use GORUFFLY at checkout for 10% off – we receive a small commission

*If you use the above link to get ROK Straps through Revzilla, we receive a small commission

**Use GORUFFLY at checkout for 10% off – we receive a small commission

What’s Included with My Cockpit?

If you have any doubts about what is included with your Cockpit and what other safety or riding equipment you might need to get, check out our What exactly is included with my Cockpit? Q&A video.

A Note About Packaging

We carefully package each K9 Moto Cockpit individually to protect the fine craftsman upholstery. But we don't believe in creating branded packaging that you pay for and is usually not recyclable.

Instead, we reuse discarded cardboard and other used packaging materials. Your Cockpit package won't look glamorous but it saves money, reduces waste, and the real treasure waits for you inside.

NOTE: The Baseplate for your Cockpit is packaged separately in cardboard sheets so be sure to look for it inside the box!

Aluminum plate beside cardboard packaging
Silhouette of woman and dog riding a motorcycle together

How to Mount Your Cockpit

The following information is provided in greater detail in the K9 Moto Cockpit Installation Guide.

All Cockpit models include an aluminum baseplate. We recommend that you mount the baseplate to your motorcycle first to avoid unnecessary manipulation of the upholstery. Once the baseplate is installed, then mount your Cockpit to it.

For Off-The-Shelf and Custom Upholstery models the baseplate is original and unmodified so that the rider drills, cuts, and/or builds out their own mounting hardware.

Custom Upholstery + Mounting models include mounting hardware and modifications to the baseplate that have been custom designed through our do-it-together process. We provide several resources to guide you in how to mount your Cockpit to your motorcycle.

Photo of mounting hardware

Mounting Portrait shows what the baseplate and mounting hardware should look like when correctly assembled.

Photos showing how to assemble mounting hardware

Assembly Photo Instructions show where each bracket, bolt, U-bolt, etc. secures to your Cockpit baseplate. Each custom brackets and bolt hole intended for mounting is tagged with a color sticker and identified with a letter to assist you with the assembly.

Simple diagram with measurements and arrows

Your approved Mounting Diagram provides the specifications for the custom mounting metalwork. It remains available to you after the build as an additional reference for what goes where and each measurement we followed.

Installing the Baseplate to Your Cockpit

To install the baseplate to your Cockpit, line up the installation bolt holes (indicated in pink on the diagram). There are eight (8) bolt holes on all Cockpit sizes except the Nano.

Install the baseplate to your Cockpit as follows:

  1. Always mount the baseplate with the engraving facing upwards.
  2. Insert the shoulder washers into the baseplate to protect against vibration.
  3. Place the M6 Allen bolts from the bottom up so that the bolt head is facing down.
  4. The two longer bolts secure the baseplate to the crosswise bar – these are extra and optional.
  5. Place the washer and nut.
  6. Tighten the bolts little by little in a series of rounds to permit the metal hardware to adjust and settle.
3D diagram shows how mounting baseplate installs to motorcycle dog carrier frame
Top view of simple schematic of mounting baseplate with bolt hole connection points in pink

FAQs about Mounting Your Cockpit

How long does it take to install the Cockpit? »

Can I mount the Cockpit myself or do I need a mechanic? »

Does my Cockpit come with all the fasteners I need to install it? »

What bolts or fasteners do you use with the Cockpit? »

Silhouette of woman and dog riding a motorcycle together

How to Train Your Dog to Ride

Most riders find that their dog learns to ride faster than expected – usually much faster than it takes to acclimate to wearing the riding goggles! Be sure to download our training guide and always have a positive, enthusiastic attitude.

Rope fetch toy beside a travel dog food bag

Use high-value treats or toys to motivate and reward

Cartoon drawing of a woman riding on a Triumph Tiger 900 motorcycle with a dog carrier

Test ride your bike alone first so you are confident and experienced

Silhouette of a man and a dog with a cruiser style motorcycle

Desensitize your dog to the engine noise before saddling up

Most Important of All…

Your dog might feel anxious or uncertain about any new activity. If so, they will look to you for reassurance. In this case, your positive, enthusiastic attitude will make the training process much easier and faster for your dog.

For more guidance, check out our How do I train my dog to ride in their Cockpit? Q&A video.

Silhouette of woman and dog riding a motorcycle together

Your First Cockpit Ride Together

Once you’ve gotten through the training steps and your dog is comfortable in their Cockpit and being on the motorcycle, you’re ready for your first ride together. This isn’t a make-or-break moment, but here’s some tips for getting the most success from your first Cockpit ride.

Cartoon of projector and projector screen showing how to strap dog into motorcycle carrier

Watch our video about how to strap your dog into their Cockpit »

If your dog resists the straps, start riding – they’ll probably forget all about the straps

Cartoon of dog dreaming of dog park

Go to a Scent Rich Destination to create a positive association

The thrilling stimuli of riding plus a high-value destination will make a positive impact

Cartoon of woman riding away with dust cloud on dog left behind

After returning home, dismount your dog and ride away without them

This helps your dog associate riding with having fun accompanying you vs being left behind

Avoid this common new Cockpit rider mistake…

Your dog should not be able to sit or stand up when strapped in. You’re not making the ride experience better for your dog by leaving their straps loose and giving them more freedom of movement. They will be much safer and more comfortable when securely restrained in the laying position.

If you have any doubts about this or are hesitant to tighten the straps, watch our Can my dog ride sitting or standing up in the Cockpit? Q&A video.

Make sure you’ve got all the Cockpit accessories you need. And be sure to use the promo code 4MYCOCKPIT so they ship free with your Cockpit.

Kiss-cut sticker of a dog head wearing blue goggles and a silhouette of riding on a motorcycle with stylized text "My Dog Is My Copilot"
Collage of motorcycle riders with dog and sticker over it that says "My dog is my copilot"

DISCLAIMER

**WARNING** The K9 Moto Cockpit and Cockpit-Style Carrier Build Guide (hereafter referred to as the “Cockpit" and “Build Guide”, respectively), are intended for display and informational purposes only.

The Cockpit will modify the original design of the vehicle on which it is installed and may change the way in which the vehicle operates and/or handles. User assumes all risk and is responsible for the proper operation and handling of the vehicle as modified.

The user acknowledges that their full and complete participation in the Cockpit design process is obligatory and said process must be completed prior to the fabrication of their Cockpit. Failure to complete the design process within 180 days of purchase may result in cancellation of the Cockpit purchase.

RUFFLY makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the Cockpit's use as a safety device. This item is designed exclusively for dogs and has not been tested for a safety rating as established by the U.S. Department of Transportation or U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. User assumes all risk and is responsible for any injuries to user and/or user’s dog as a result of using this product.

The user agrees to have the Cockpit reviewed by a qualified motorcycle mechanic for quality and suitability for the user’s specific motorcycle make and model. The user assumes all risk and is responsible for the proper installation and use of this product. The user expressly agrees to hold RUFFLY, including but not limited to its owners, officers, designers, and agents, harmless from any and all damages and/or losses incurred by the user and/or others including any and all harm to the user’s pet from the use of the Cockpit.

No claims, representations or warranties, whether expressed or implied, are made by RUFFLY as to the safety, reliability, durability and performance of any of its products, including but not limited to the Cockpit. Furthermore, RUFFLY accepts no liability whatsoever for the safety, reliability, durability and performance of any of said products.

RUFFLY further makes no representations, expressed or implied, and provides no warranties of any kind with regard to construction and/or use of the Cockpit, including but not limited to whether the Cockpit complies with any federal, state or local statutes, laws, rules or regulations pertaining to such construction or use.

The user assumes all responsibility for the user’s and the product’s compliance with all statutes, laws, rules and/or regulations, nationally and internationally, as they may apply to this product and/or its assembly and its application to the user’s vehicle.

RUFFLY reminds users that motorcycling is a dangerous activity and any changes to the original setup or configuration of the motorcycle will change the vehicle’s performance and might void the manufacturer’s warrantee. Furthermore, riding a motorcycle with a dog is dangerous for both the rider and the animal. RUFFLY reminds dog owners to always safely secure your dog in any moving vehicle.