I have a 2000 F-150 4 x 2 with a short bed and I want to load a 750lb motorcycle with me (225lbs) riding it up.

I have to use the tailgate in the loading process because once it is loaded the bike's wheel will be on the tailgate.

My question is, will the tailgate support the bike and my weight when loading?

 

Given some of the larger ATVs I have seen in the beds of Ford's, I would say that it shouldn't be a problem. Your combined weight has me and my ATV by about 200lbs, but I have yet to have any problems. I am sure some of the others with these monster quads and bikes will chime in!

 

I would lay a 5/8" or 3/4" sheet of plywood in the bed to dissipate the weight on the tailgate and reduce 'tailgate bounce' while traveling.
(you don't even have to cut it)

 

That's 3/8" aircraft cable. That's quite strong. You should have no problems at all.

 

I load a 4 wheeler on using the tailgate all the time. Double check your cables for rust! My neighbor had that problem and the tailgate fell onto the bumber. (granted it is a GMC).

 

That's 1/64" of Ford's finest sheetmetal. With 55% of a 750 lb bike resting on 3 square inches. Get the plywood.

 

and that supper strong cable is held in place by 2 bolts. Thats 750lb of motorcycle, 100lb tailgate, and 225 other, that's 1,025 or 512.5 held by each bolt thing. If they happened to break loose, it would be over.

Although, I think you would be ok if you did or did not support the tailgate. If it was a short trip, you should be ok. But if it was a longer trip, the ply wood would be a good idea.

From experience, you do not want heavy objects breaking through the floor of a trailer or truck. Its not fun. (forklift + wood floor = forklift sittion on trailer axles)