How to Secure a Motorcycle to a Trailer

If you plan to travel with your motorcycle, yet still need access to a regular vehicle, bring your motorcycle along on a trailer. Knowing how to properly load and secure your motorcycle is key to safely hauling it by trailer. Learn how to secure a motorcycle to a trailer with these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Trailer
• Ratchet straps
• Wheel chocks

Instructions

1. Attach ratchet straps to the sides of the trailer. Place the rear strap where you can reach it from sitting on the motorcycle, unless you have someone to help you. Place a ramp (if available) in the correct position at the back of the trailer for loading the motorcycle.

2. Start the motorcycle, and allow it to warm up. Ride it up the ramp onto the trailer or walk beside it while rolling it beside you. If you don't have a ramp, lift the front wheel onto the trailer, push it forward and then lift the rear wheel onto the trailer. Depending on the weight of the bike, you may need another person to help you do this step.

3. Tie a soft rope securely around the rear frame of the motorcycle. The rope should be short and go around the frame and through the rear wheel of the motorcycle. Tie the ends together to form a circle around the frame. This is where the rear ratchet straps will attach.

4. Reach down while sitting on the seat of the motorcycle to the rear ratchet strap. Your weight will allow the motorcycle to be secured at the correct height. The rear strap must reach the loop of soft rope that is tied around the motorcycle's rear frame. Attach a ratchet strap on each side, and tighten them while sitting on the bike.

5. Attach the front ratchet straps to the motorcycle and tighten them. There should be four short straps. Two will attach to the handle bars, while the other two will attach to the wheel.

6. Place a wheel chock behind both wheels of the motorcycle. Buy special motorcycle wheel chocks, or use a block of wood. This keeps the wheels from rolling backwards. Make sure the chocks are also attached to the trailer or motorcycle so they can't fall off the trailer if they become loose.

Tips & Warnings

• Stop to check on all of the straps after you have driven about 20 miles. Stop every 100 miles to check the straps, and tighten them if necessary.

• Don't put a cover over your motorcycle if you are trailering it on an open trailer. The material will rub on the motorcycle like sandpaper and will damage the paint.