How To Load and Haul A Motorcycle

Hauling a motorcycle with another vehicle requires knowing how to load a motorcycle properly. Motorcycles can be damaged in transit if they aren't secured, and nobody wants to look out of the rear view mirror and see their motorcycle skidding along the road behind them.

1. Pick the hauling vehicle. A truck or a utility trailer is required to handle the load. A utility trailer will have a much lower deck height, which makes for easiest loading.
2. Use a ramp. Walk the motorcycle, in neutral, up the ramp and onto the trailer or truck bed. Never drive it up, as ramps are typically very narrow and the motorcycle could fall off. If it is possible, park a truck in a ditch or near a hill so that the tailgate can come in contact with the ground when opened.
3. Strap down the motorcycle. Truck beds usually have tie down positions and utility trailers have frames or D-link points for straps to attach to. Use appropriate ratchet straps to hold down the handle bars and also strap down the rear. Tighten the straps so that the compression makes the shocks move down slightly, which will help when going over bumps. If the straps aren't tight enough, when the bumps are encountered, the motorcycle will compress on its shocks and the straps could come loose.

Keep an eye on the loaded motorcycle. Once on the road, stop after 10 minutes and check the straps to make sure they are secure and re-tighten if needed.