tow safe guide
Safely Towing a Motorcycle: Essential Tips and Best Practices from Moto-Tow
At Moto-Tow, we understand that your motorcycle is more than just a vehicle—it’s a prized possession. Whether you’re transporting your bike to a repair shop, taking it on a road trip, or moving to a new home, ensuring it arrives safely is our top priority. With years of experience in professional motorcycle towing, we’ve gathered essential tips and best practices to help you tow your motorcycle safely and securely.
Choose the Right Equipment
Choosing the right equipment is the foundation of safe motorcycle towing. At Moto-Tow, we exclusively use specially equipped AmeriDeck trucks, designed to provide maximum stability and protection for your motorcycle during transport.
Secure the Motorcycle Properly
Properly securing your motorcycle is critical to prevent it from shifting or tipping over during transport. Here’s our professional approach:
Use a Wheel Chock: We always use a wheel chock to stabilize the front wheel and prevent rolling. The motorcycle is positioned with the front wheel snugly fitted into the chock.
Quality Tie-Down Straps: We use high-quality, ratchet-style tie-down straps for maximum security. We choose 2″ for the front and 1.5″ for the rear.
Secure the Front End: We attach two 2″ power tie straps to the handlebars or the lower triple tree and secure them to the front corners of the truck bed, tightening evenly to compress the front suspension slightly but mostly forward.
Secure the Rear End: Two additional straps (1.5″) are attached to the frame or swingarm and secured to the rear corners of the truck bed, keeping the rear of the bike stable and “one with the bed”.
Check for Stability: After securing the motorcycle, we perform a stability check by giving it a firm shake. If there’s any movement, we re-tighten the straps.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Weight distribution is key to a safe tow. We place the motorcycle in the center of the truck bed to maintain balance and prevent swaying. If towing additional items, they are distributed evenly around the motorcycle to ensure the truck stays balanced.
Drive Carefully
Towing a motorcycle requires careful driving. Here are some tips we follow at Moto-Tow:
Adjust Driving Style: We allow for increased stopping distances and avoid sudden braking. Gentle turns and avoiding sharp maneuvers are essential.
Monitor Speed: Keeping speeds moderate and within legal limits helps prevent instability.
Regular Equipment Checks: We constantly monitor the truck bed and perform checks if any unusual movement is detected.
Perform Regular Checks
During the journey, regular checks are essential. Every time we stop for fuel or a break, we inspect the tie-downs and ensure the motorcycle remains secure. The truck’s tires, lights, and hitch are also checked to confirm everything is in good working order.
Conclusion
At Moto-Tow.net, we take pride in providing safe and reliable motorcycle towing services. By following these professional tips and best practices, we ensure that your motorcycle arrives safely at its destination. Trust Moto-Tow.net for all your motorcycle towing needs and enjoy peace of mind knowing your bike is in expert hands. Safe travels and enjoy the ride!


