Motorcycle Towing: The Dos and Don'ts Every Rider Should Know
Bad strap placement can scratch paint or break controls. A short guide to getting your bike moved without damage.
Motorcycles look simple to move — they are not. Riders can spot a sloppy tow rig from a mile away, and so can your insurance adjuster. A few rules keep your bike clean and your bodywork intact.
Do: insist on a flatbed and wheel chock
Dragging a bike on its rear wheel is unnecessary and risky. A proper motorcycle towing operator will show up with a chock and a clean deck.
Do: use soft straps on frame points
Soft straps, then ratchets. Pressure goes on frame tie-down points — not handlebars, mirrors, or fairings.
Don't: compress forks fully
Heavy down-strap pressure can damage seals. A good operator takes weight off the front when possible.
Don't: skip the walkaround
Photograph the bike before loading. It protects both parties and documents condition for any insurance claim.
When you are the rider making the call
Share the make, model, and whether the bike rolls freely. That helps dispatch send the right truck the first time. For post-crash situations, pair motorcycle towing with emergency accident towing.
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Call (253) 350-3874More articles
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