How to Transport a Motorcycle

When carrying a motorcycle on the front or rear of another vehicle, it must be safely loaded and must not interfere with the headlights, signal lights, taillights or stop lights on that vehicle. Below are some additional requirements for motorcycle towing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Be aware that no part of the cycle may stick out more than three feet beyond the front bumper, and the bumper may not extend more than two feet forward of the front part of either the fenders, cab front, or radiator, whichever extends furthest toward the front of the vehicle.

2. Be sure the bike doesn't extend beyond the line of fenders to the left and no more than six inches beyond the line of fenders to the right when you're towing it with a passenger vehicle.

3. Make certain the bike is connected at the frame to the towing vehicle by a chain or cable, in addition to the towing device. Check that the motorcycle doesn't interfere with the driver's view to the front or sides before you hit the road.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, only licensed motorcycles should be towed and the towing device must be securely mounted and strong enough to pull the cycle's weight.
• Motorcycling is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

Who Can Help Sponsored

[steveej]

on 3/12/2009 I am traveling cross country and want to secure my f4i street bike inside a rented 16' box van. Any ideas?

[afterhours]

on 6/19/2007 This article is referring to hauling/transporting a motorcycle with a carrier. Motorcycle carriers are not very common knowledge to most people. However, these carriers are becoming more popular as new non-trailer transportation methods are being preferred. Some examples of motorcycle carriers can be found at http://www.discountramps.com . Please note that the last two comments are about loading a motorcycle into the bed of a truck through the use of motorcycle ramps so that is a bit different than using a carrier like this article is discussing. Be careful to abide by your vehicles Max Tongue Weight capacity as that will determine if you can use a motorcycle carrier for hauling your bike. You may also want to check with your city to see if they have any additional regulations for carrying your bike in the hitch of your vehicle.

[afterhours]

on 6/19/2007 f

on 1/5/2007 Use ratchet straps to secure the bike. Attach one end to the stake holes in the front of the bed. Attach the other end to the handlebars (inside of the controls). Use a block of wood or a "Fork Saver" to minimize the compression of the front suspension. Too much compression will result in blown fork seals. You want your forks to compress about 2". This will make the bike much more stable and eliminate the need to strap the back. Bring a milk crate to stand on as you unload the bike. It makes you look good to unload your rig by yourself.

on 11/22/2005 To haul your motorcycle in the back of a truck, first get it in the truck bed (WalMart has awesome tri-fold ramps in their garden section). Then, using tie-down straps (ratcheting preferred), tie down the front of the forks, above the lower triple clamp (try to get these as tight as possible). Be sure to compress the front suspension. Rock the motorcycle, and make sure that the truck rocks too, rather than the motorcycle in the truck. Try to close the tailgate, but 9 times out of 10 it won't close. Keep an eye on the motorcycle as you drive, and don't flip the truck.