How To Transport A Motorcycle

Options For Transporting A Motorcycle

There are several ways on how you can successfully go about this task. First, keep in mind that even though motorcycles are one of the smaller members of the automotive world, it is still not easy to move them around without riding them. That said, below is a list of ways that you can transport your bike, either DIY or with professional assistance.

• Use a Tow Dolly
• Use a Pickup Truck
• Use a Van
• Ship the Motorcycle

Regardless of your method of choice, remember that bikes carry flammable fluids. Make sure to double-check that the bike has been secured properly before you begin transporting it.

Use A Tow Dolly

Perhaps the easiest way for you to transport your motorcycle is with the use of a tow dolly. A tow dolly is a highly convenient way to transport a bike. In fact, it is also the most cost-effective as you can hitch it to almost any type of vehicle.

A tow dolly will secure the front end of the motorcycle, leaving the back tire on the road so that the towing vehicle does not have to carry the weight of the entire bike. This method is entirely safe if you follow the proper measures to secure the motorcycle. Tow dollies usually come with tow straps that ensure the vehicle is properly secured. Refer to the instruction manual that comes with the tow dolly to fasten the bike onto it. Also, make sure to check your dolly’s maximum towing capacity. Most bikes usually fall within this capacity range, but it wouldn't hurt to make sure.

Use A Pickup Truck

If you or one of your buddies own a pickup truck, now is the time to put that long flatbed to good use. Before you begin this task, make sure to park the vehicle on a solid surface, such as the tarmac. An uneven surface can make it very difficult to load a motorcycle and creates room for mistakes. 

Here’s how you load a motorcycle onto a pickup truck:

• Begin by aligning the motorcycle ramp with the tailgate of the truck. Make sure to use ramps that have been built explicitly for this purpose. Bikes are cumbersome machines. Therefore, the ramp should be able to withstand that weight.
• Use a ratchet tie-down and secure the ramp onto the truck. Most ramps intended for bikes will usually have a hook designed for this specific purpose.
• With the help of a friend, begin walking your motorcycle onto the truck. Keep in mind, this is a two-person job and should never be attempted alone.
• Once the bike is in place, make sure to secure it onto the bed using tow straps or tie-downs. Additionally, it’s best to secure wheel chocks on the front and rear tire to prevent it from rolling.
• Strap the handlebars of your motorcycle to each side of the flatbed to prevent it from moving.
• Run a soft loop strap around the rear portion of the bike, such as the swing arm, and secure the other end of the strap to the front of the truck bed for it to be secured appropriately.

Use A Van

While it may not be the most practical way to transport a bike, you can definitely pull it off. The process of loading a motorcycle into a van pretty much follows the same steps as mentioned above. However, a couple of things to consider are the bike’s size compared to the space inside the van. 

Ensure that you have a van that will allow you to move inside and secure the motorcycle without much discomfort. In addition, remember to remove any fuel or hazardous fluids from the bike that may slosh around and leak inside the van during transportation. You can also cover the inside of the van with blankets or cardboard to prevent potential scratches during the move.

How To Ship A Motorcycle

For a hassle-free procedure, you can contact a shipping company and relax while they do the job for you. Unfortunately, this will burn a hole in your wallet, but what you get in return is a safe and sometimes insured solution that doesn't require you to break a sweat.

Shipping costs will depend on several factors such as the distance traveled, weight and dimensions of the bike, etc.

Summary

As touched on above, there are several ways to transport your bike, and not all of them cost you an arm and a leg. However, if you decide to choose a shipping company, you might not want to hand over your prized possession to the cheapest service provider down the street. Do some research, get a couple of quotations, and then evaluate your choices. Some shipping companies will also specialize in handling such tasks and could be the best choice for you. But if that's not an option, remember to secure your motorcycle safely above all else.