Finding ways to carry a bike from one location to another without riding it can be very tricky. Though a motorcycle is a relatively smaller machine among all vehicles, it can appear much larger when you try to move it. Anyone can tow motorcycles, but that doesn’t mean the process is safe. Some people try to carry bikes in tow trucks without any safety measures, which is very dangerous. The bike should be tied with straps, so it doesn’t move during transport. By strapping it properly, it will be much easier to transport rather than carrying it just as it is. Some of the safest ways to tow a motorcycle are as follows:
Bike Carrier
Motorcycle towing using a carrier is considered much more convenient than a motorcycle trailer. Various people use this technique as it doesn’t require the additional towing of a trailer behind the vehicle. A motorcycle carrier also features a unique system called the anti-tip mechanism to eliminate excessive movement and wobble when towing. Also, carriers have adjustable wheel chocks to keep your bike secure. If the weight of your bike is a concern and you have additional accessories, consider temporarily removing them and placing them in the back seat. This helps reduce the overall weight of the motorcycle.
Towing a Motorcycle with a Truck or Car
If you don’t have a budget to afford motorcycle towing services and a bike carrier, this is one of the cheapest ways to transport your motorcycle. Though you can always call a relative to rent a trailer, in many cases, it can be more troublesome to rely on someone else for towing purposes. Before loading your bike on the truck, ensure it is properly installed on the vehicle and that the tail lights are working. When properly positioning the motorcycle onto the truck after loading, the motorcycle must be tied up and secured to the truck. It is recommended to use straps that are easy to tighten. You can also use the clamp buckle to secure your bike. The most important part is maximizing the tension in your motorcycle’s suspension to reduce shock loads during the move.
Towing Trolley
Towing a trolley is another strategy, but many people don’t use that. However, this is one of the perfect and safest ways to tow a motorcycle and is used by various towing services. Tow trucks or dollies are easily available and can be rented when needed. You can easily hook the dolly’s front tire with the bike’s front wheel. The rear wheel should always stand firmly on the pavement. The bike must be neutral before spinning the rear wheels to avoid damaging the vehicle. Tow trucks provide a wide space solution while towing your bike safely and securely.
Delivery Truck or a Van
Using a delivery truck or a simple van to tow or transport motorcycles is also a less common and less used method that can work wonders. Although it may sound inconvenient too, it’s been successful for many people on different occasions. However, this method becomes dangerous if you don’t bring the right-sized van or proper equipment. If the bike is small, a mini truck can rescue you. But if you have a bigger bike, make sure you hire a truck with plenty of room to carry your bike easily without any headache. Whether it’s your van, a friend’s van, or a rented van, measure your bike before you put it inside. Furthermore, it will require a proper motorcycle ramp, a towing strap, and a blanket to keep your bike safe.
Towing a Motorcycle with a Towing Rope
Many experts suggest that motorcycles should not be towed using a rope unless you have done it before or know how to do it professionally. Although, it can be used as a last option for motorcycle towing if no other option seems feasible. If your motorcycle is stuck somewhere in a rural area or a forest, you can tow your bike with another bike using a rope. If you are riding a bike on a mountain, you should always carry a tow rope with you. A tow rope makes it easier for a bike to be carried on top of the mountain in case of low fuel. Not just that, it also makes it easy for the bike to be carried back on a highway where it can be loaded onto tow trucks or carriers.
The situation where you require towing can be different; still, it depends on your bike’s weight and other factors. Heavy-duty tie-down straps have a higher strength to prevent your bike from moving while being towed on the road. Proper towing of your motorcycle will help you reach your destination safely. Towing laws also change with time, so you must also keep a check on them to avoid inconvenience.
