3 Ways to Safely Transport Your Motorbike

It is easier to get around as a rider if your motorcycle, at all times, is by your side. If you’re travelling or moving and can’t (read won’t) leave your bad boy behind, you must find ways to do it safely. While hiring professionals is one option, expenses increase if you travel a lot. Here are some convenient ways to transport your motorbike to help you manage it safely while reducing extra costs.

How Can You Transport a Motorbike?

Whether you’re frequently travelling off-road or need a larger vehicle to haul your motorcycles, having access to or owning a truck with a flatbed is excellent. Yet, that’s not always achievable, especially if you don’t already have one or need it exclusively for moving your motorbike. Fortunately, you can purchase ramps, tows, and hitch carriers to make transporting your dirt bike and motorcycle easier, no matter your vehicle.

However, before you decide on a convenient motorbike ramp, hitch carrier, or dolly, it’s best to research loading and storing techniques beforehand. Safety, installation techniques, and the intended use are a few things to consider.

Using a Loading Ramp

A motorcycle ramp is essential whether you plan on moving your bike with a motorcycle trailer, a ute, or a flatbed truck. Without one, not only is getting your bike to a vehicle tedious but is also risky. However, you must choose the right motorbike ramp to load your motorcycle safely and efficiently. Here are five factors to consider for picking the right option.

1. Loading height. The height of each vehicle varies, impacting how steep the ramp will be. The steeper the ramp, the harder it becomes to push the bike up safely. For instance, a vehicle under 730mm high typically needs a 2.3m ramp for a safe loading angle. Always measure your vehicle’s height to choose the right ramp.
2. Load capacity. Ensure the ramp’s load rating matches the weight of your motorcycle. Select a ramp that can handle the heaviest if you load multiple bikes. A ramp that can’t support your bike’s weight risks failure and accidents.
3. Connection points. Secure connection points are critical to prevent the ramp from shifting during use. Look for ramps with locking pins or anti-slip features to ensure the ramp stays in place while loading or unloading.
4. Ramp features. Consider features like anti-slip surfaces, corrosion-resistant materials, and foldable designs. Such can improve safety, ease of use, and storage convenience.
5. Ramp’s weight. A lightweight ramp made of materials like aluminium is easier to handle and store. Ensure the ramp is durable and manageable to carry and lift without strain.
6. When you load your motorbike on your trailer or vehicle, it’s also important to secure it correctly. You can use a wheel chock with fully adjustable tension bars to anchor your bike quickly and easily. Opt for an option that requires no drilling or bolting for installation for your convenience, and an aluminum construction for use in any weather condition.

Using a Hitch Carrier

A motorcycle hitch carrier is a handy add-on to install on the back of your vehicle to move bigger items like dirt bikes, motorbikes, or even luggage. When choosing one, you’ve got to consider a couple of things like the size and weight and the type of your motorbike. After that, it’s all about picking the right style of carrier. You can go for options like single motorcycle carriers, double dirt bike carriers, extra-long or heavy-duty ones, and even folding carriers for easier storage.

The type of hitch carrier you get depends a lot on your vehicle. For example, trucks can handle rack-style carriers that sit over the tray, while most other cars are more compatible with classic hitch carriers. Doing your research here is key—picking the wrong type could mess up your bike.

The main advantage of hitch carriers is that they’re super convenient. They’re compact, budget-friendly, and don’t require towing, which makes loading and unloading a breeze. They’re also safe when installed properly, preventing wear and tear on the carrier and vehicle. Yet, they’re not perfect. Some might block your license plate or taillights, and certain cars might sway while driving. Plus, most carriers can only handle one or two bikes at a time, and they can be a bit noisy. Lastly, not all vehicles are compatible with hitch carriers, so check first!

Using a Tow Dolly

Many motorcycle owners find a tow dolly the simplest option for motorbike carry, making moto transportation incredibly convenient. Since you can hitch it to practically any car it is also the most economical.

A tow dolly will secure the motorbike’s front end while leaving the back tyre on the road to save the towing vehicle from carrying the weight of the entire motorbike. This method is entirely safe if you secure the motorcycle according to the right procedure, with tow straps typically included with tow dollies to guarantee that the car is securely fastened.

Always consult the instruction booklet, enclosed with the equipment to secure the bike onto the tow dolly. Additionally, ensure to verify the maximum towing capability of your dolly. Though it wouldn’t hurt to double-check, most bikes typically fit inside this capacity range.