How to Haul a Motorcycle
Motorcycle owners need transportation for their vehicles for a variety of reasons. These could include moving to a new location, going on vacation, or bringing a new purchase home. Riding the motorcycle to the destination is sometimes not the best idea, especially for long distances such as across country. Such travel can adversely affect the state of the machine and put more mileage on it than the owner would want. There are several ways in which motorcycle owners can transport their vehicles.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Choose a Method of Transportation
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1
Secure your motorcycle. It is very important to keep a motorcycle steady and in an upright position during transportation. You will need wheel chocks to keep the front wheel straight and tie down straps to hold the motorcycle down.
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2
Haul your motorcycle in a moving truck. If your motorcycle is small enough, you can limit additional expenses by hauling it in a moving truck. Drain all fluids and pad extendable parts, like the levers and pegs, so they don't break or cause damage. Use tie down straps and wheel chocks to secure your motorcycle.
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3
Transport your motorcycle in a pickup truck. With a wide loading ramp, you can safely load your motorcycle onto the flatbed without accidents. Tie-down straps, hooked to the edges of the flatbed, will compress the suspension of the motorcycle and secure it in an upright position.
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4
Consider a motorcycle shipping company. You may have to pay the full cost of shipping before service is rendered and payment will include insurance.
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5
Haul your motorcycle with a trailer. There are a variety of trailers for a variety of motorcycles. The weight of the trailer will determine the size of the vehicle needed to tow it.
Purchase a Trailer
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1
Measure your motorcycle. Trailers vary based on the size of the motorcycle.
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2
Choose between an open trailer and an enclosed trailer. Enclosed trailers protect motorcycles from the elements and provide storage space for other items. Open trailers are less expensive.
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3
Consider trailers with tilt beds. Such trailers simplify loading because they tilt at an angle. You can drive your motorcycle directly on to trailers with low-tilt beds. Trailers with high beds will require ramps but they are usually less expensive than low-tilt beds. Some manufacturers include ramps with high-bed trailers.
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4
Select a trailer based on the type of motorcycle for which it is built. The rails on trailers are made to fit the wheels of specific motorcycles. You can find trailers built for dirt bikes or small street motorcycles and trailers meant for large street motorcycles.
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5
Consider the weight of your motorcycle. Choose a trailer based on its net carrying capacity.
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Select a trailer based on the number of motorcycles you plan to haul. There are trailers with enough rails to hold up to four motorcycles.
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Get a trailer which has a front-wheel brace and tie-down straps. The straps compress the suspension and keep the bike upright during transportation.
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Tips & Warnings
Some shipping companies will pick your motorcycle up from your residence.
Keep within the speed restriction of 60MPH on the freeway when transporting your motorcycle.
