Motorcycle Towing: Complete Guide to Safe and Efficient Transport

Motorcycles are often a source of freedom, adventure, and a genuine love for the open road. Yet, there are times when even the most reliable bike needs to be towed.

Improper towing can lead to significant damage, not just to your bike but also to other vehicles on the road. The last thing you want is to see your prized possession swaying precariously behind your car or, worse, lying on the road after coming loose. To avoid such mishaps, it’s vital to be well-prepared, use the right equipment, and follow recommended towing practices.

Motorcycle towing isn’t as simple as hooking up a trailer and driving off. The type of motorcycle, towing method, and the distance you need to cover all play a part in determining the safest approach. In Australia, there’s the added challenge of varying state regulations regarding towing practices, which can complicate things if you’re travelling interstate.

This guide will walk you through everything from preparing your bike for towing to selecting the right method and equipment. Preparing Your Motorcycle for Towing

Before you even think about hitching your bike to a trailer, proper preparation is crucial. Skipping this step can lead to disastrous results, from damage to your motorcycle to safety risks on the road.

Inspect Your Bike

Start with a thorough inspection to ensure the bike is in a stable condition for towing. Look out for any existing damage, loose parts, or potential issues that could worsen during transport. Key areas to check include:

1. Tyres: Make sure they’re properly inflated and free from punctures. Low tyre pressure can cause instability when strapped to a trailer.
2. Fluids: Check for oil or coolant leaks. A leaking motorcycle can cause slippery conditions on the trailer, increasing the risk of movement.
3. Brakes: Confirm that both front and rear brakes are functional. A non-operational brake could cause trouble if the bike shifts unexpectedly.
4. Battery and Electronics: Turn off all electronics and secure loose cables. Remove any detachable accessories like phone mounts or saddlebags to reduce the risk of loss or damage.

Secure Loose Parts

Vibrations during towing can cause bolts and parts to loosen. Tighten any loose screws, especially on the exhaust and mirrors. Use zip ties to secure cables or accessories that might move around. If your bike has panniers or luggage racks, empty them to reduce weight and the chance of items coming loose.

Protect Vulnerable Areas

Wrap soft, padded material around areas prone to scratches, such as the fuel tank and side panels. A simple layer of cloth or foam can prevent damage from tie-down straps rubbing against the paint.

Remove Personal Items

Anything that isn’t bolted down should be removed. Helmets, jackets, and other riding gear should be stored separately. Leaving them on the bike could result in loss or damage, especially over long distances.

Take Photos for Reference

Before loading the bike, take a few photos from different angles. This provides a reference in case you need to file an insurance claim for damage that may occur during towing.

Choosing the Right Towing Method

Selecting the correct towing method is vital for the safe and secure transport of your motorcycle. The choice largely depends on the distance, the type of bike, and your towing vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods:

Flatbed Towing

Flatbed trailers are one of the safest options for motorcycle transport. The bike is loaded onto a flat surface, strapped securely, and remains stationary throughout the journey.

Advantages:

1. Reduces risk of tipping or sliding.
2. Suitable for long-distance towing.
3. Accommodates all motorcycle types, including cruisers and sports bikes.

Disadvantages:

1. Requires a vehicle with towing capacity.
2. Flatbeds can be bulky and harder to manoeuvre.

Tow Dolly

A tow dolly lifts the front wheel of the motorcycle while the rear wheel remains on the ground. This method is often used for lighter bikes and shorter distances.

Advantages:

1. Lightweight and easy to store.
2. Ideal for quick, local transport.

Disadvantages:

1. Not suitable for motorcycles with chain or shaft-driven rear wheels.
2. Risk of rear tyre wear during transport.

Motorcycle-Specific Trailers

Designed exclusively for bikes, these trailers offer built-in wheel chocks and secure mounting points. They’re a favourite among touring riders and professional transport services.

Advantages:

1. Built for bike stability, reducing risks.
2. Usually have suspension systems to absorb road shocks.

Disadvantages:

1. More expensive than basic flatbeds.
2. May require regular maintenance to keep secure fittings in good condition.

Hitch Carriers

These are smaller, bike-specific carriers that attach to the hitch of your towing vehicle. They’re suitable for lighter bikes, such as dirt bikes or scooters.

Advantages:

1. Compact and easy to install.
2. Good for short, urban trips.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited weight capacity, usually around 200 kg.
2. Can affect vehicle handling due to uneven weight distribution.


Choosing the Right Method for Your Needs

When deciding on a towing method, consider your motorcycle’s weight, size, and destination. A cruiser may require a flatbed, while a dirt bike could be fine on a hitch carrier for short distances. For long road trips or when towing more than one bike, motorcycle-specific trailers are often the best choice.

Safety Tip: Check Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity

Before attaching any trailer or carrier, confirm that your vehicle can handle the load. Exceeding the recommended towing capacity can damage your car and pose serious safety risks.

Essential Towing Equipment

Having the right equipment is just as important as choosing the right towing method. The safety and stability of your motorcycle during transport depend on using reliable, well-maintained gear.

Heavy-Duty Straps and Tie-Downs

The most critical components of motorcycle towing are the straps and tie-downs used to secure the bike. Not all straps are created equal, so it’s essential to choose ones designed specifically for motorcycles.

Ratchet Straps: Provide the most secure hold, allowing you to tighten the straps with a ratcheting mechanism.
Cam Buckle Straps: Easier to adjust, but may slip if not secured tightly.
Soft Loops: Wrap around handlebars or frame parts to protect painted surfaces from strap abrasion.

Look for high-quality, weather-resistant straps rated for at least twice the weight of your bike. A set of four is typically recommended—two for the front and two for the rear.

Loading Ramps

Loading your bike onto a trailer can be tricky without a proper ramp. Investing in a sturdy, non-slip ramp is a must.

Arched Ramps: Ideal for bikes with low ground clearance, reducing the risk of scraping.
Folding Ramps: Convenient for storage and transport.
Aluminium Construction: Lightweight and rust-resistant.

Always secure the ramp to the trailer before use to prevent it from shifting while loading.

Wheel Chocks

Chocks are crucial for keeping the front wheel stable. They cradle the wheel and reduce lateral movement during transport.

Adjustable Chocks: Suitable for different wheel sizes, making them versatile for various motorcycles.
Fixed Chocks: Offer a more permanent solution for trailers dedicated to bike towing.
Portable Chocks: Great for temporary use or when using rented trailers.

Placing chocks at both the front and rear wheels significantly improves stability.

Trailer Accessories

Other accessories to consider include:
Trailer Brakes: Especially important if towing a heavy bike or multiple motorcycles.
Safety Chains: Required by Australian law to prevent the trailer from detaching.
Brake Lights and Indicators: Ensure they are functional and compliant with road regulations.

Step-by-Step Towing Process

Step 1: Position Your Trailer
Park your vehicle and trailer on a flat, stable surface. Engage the handbrake and ensure the trailer is level to prevent the bike from tipping over during loading.

Step 2: Load the Motorcycle
Using your loading ramp, guide the bike onto the trailer. Ideally, this is a two-person job: one to steer the bike and one to stabilise.
Use Low Gear: This helps control the bike’s speed while moving up the ramp.
Align the Front Wheel: Make sure it fits securely into the wheel chock or the designated space on the trailer.
Check the Balance: The bike should be centred on the trailer to maintain even weight distribution.

Step 3: Secure the Front of the Motorcycle
Start by attaching soft loops around the handlebars, just below the grips. Connect these to your ratchet straps and anchor them to the front corners of the trailer.
Angle the Straps Downward: This prevents the bike from rocking side to side.
Tighten Firmly: The front suspension should compress slightly, but not so much that it strains the forks.

Step 4: Secure the Rear of the Motorcycle
Attach soft loops to the bike’s frame or rear footpeg brackets. Use tie-downs to anchor these to the trailer.
Cross the Straps: Creating an X pattern helps minimise side-to-side motion.
Equal Tension: Keep both rear straps at similar tension to maintain balance.

Step 5: Final Checks
Once the bike is loaded and strapped down, test for movement.
Inspect Strap Tension: Adjust if needed, especially after the first few kilometres on the road.
Test Lights: Make sure all brake and indicator lights on the trailer are functional.
Check Tyre Pressure: Both trailer and bike tyres should be at optimal levels.

Legal and Safety Considerations in Australia

When towing a motorcycle in Australia, you must comply with specific regulations, which vary by state. Ignoring these can lead to hefty fines or even accidents.

Towing Regulations by State

Different states have unique requirements for trailer towing. Here’s a quick overview:

New South Wales (NSW): Safety chains are mandatory. Trailer weight must not exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle.

Victoria (VIC): Trailer must have working brakes if the gross trailer mass exceeds 750 kg.

Queensland (QLD): Trailers wider than the towing vehicle are not allowed.

Western Australia (WA): All trailers over 750 kg must have a breakaway system.

For specific requirements, refer to state government transport websites:

Transport NSW

VicRoads

QLD Transport

Insurance Considerations

Motorcycle insurance often doesn’t cover damage during towing unless specifically stated. Check your policy to see if additional coverage is needed. Some companies offer temporary towing insurance, which may be useful if you tow infrequently.

Road Safety Tips

Speed Limits: Many states impose a lower speed limit for vehicles towing trailers. In NSW, for instance, the maximum speed is 100 km/h.
Overtaking: Overtaking with a trailer requires extra space. Avoid sharp swerves as they may destabilise the motorcycle.
Weather Conditions: Wet or windy weather increases risks, so reduce your speed and check your load more frequently.

Dealing with Breakdowns and Emergencies

Even with the best planning, things can go wrong. Knowing what to do when your bike—or towing setup—fails on the road is crucial for safety.
Roadside Assistance
Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance packages that include towing. It’s worth investing in a plan that specifically covers motorcycles and trailers.

Maintenance Tips Post-Towing

Once you’ve safely reached your destination and unloaded your motorcycle, it’s tempting to hit the road right away.

Inspecting for Damage

Even with the most careful preparation and loading, towing can cause unexpected issues. Start by giving your bike a thorough inspection:
Tyres: Look for signs of uneven wear, low pressure, or any punctures that may have occurred during transit.

Suspension: Compression during towing can affect suspension settings. Check for leaking fork oil or changes in ride height.
Brakes: Test both the front and rear brakes to make sure they are functioning correctly. Tension from tie-downs can sometimes put strain on brake lines.
Handlebars and Controls: Make sure the handlebars are aligned correctly and that throttle, clutch, and brake levers operate smoothly.

Cleaning Your Motorcycle

Dust and road grime can accumulate during towing, especially on long journeys. Washing the bike after unloading not only makes it look good but also helps reveal any minor scrapes or damage. Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner and take extra care around areas that were in direct contact with tie-downs.

Checking the Alignment

Improper loading or sudden shifts during towing can sometimes throw your bike’s alignment off. Ride the bike slowly and see if it pulls to one side. If it feels unsteady or veers unexpectedly, have the alignment checked by a professional.

Professional Towing Services in Australia

While towing a motorcycle yourself is possible, sometimes hiring professionals is the safer and more practical option. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency breakdown or long-distance relocation, professional services can save you time and stress.

Benefits of Professional Towing

1. Experience and Equipment: Professional companies have the right tools and experience to secure your bike safely.
2. Insurance Coverage: Most services include liability insurance, covering your bike if damage occurs during transport.
3. Availability: 24/7 support, especially useful if you break down on a remote stretch of road.
4. Peace of Mind: Skilled handlers reduce the risk of improper loading or strapping.

Choosing a Reputable Company

Not all towing companies are created equal. To ensure you’re dealing with a professional outfit, consider the following:

Customer Reviews: Look for feedback on services like Google or Facebook to gauge reliability.
Experience with Motorcycles: Not all tow companies handle bikes, so verify that they offer specialised motorcycle transport.
Insurance and Licensing: Make sure the company is licensed and insured, as this guarantees they meet legal safety standards.
Price Transparency: Get a clear quote upfront to avoid hidden charges.

Cost Expectations

The cost of professional towing varies based on distance, bike size, and time of day:
Local Towing: Typically ranges from AUD 100 to 250 within city limits.
Interstate Transport: Costs can climb to AUD 1,000 or more, depending on distance.
Emergency Call-Outs: Often attract an additional fee, especially at night or on weekends.

Preparing Your Bike for Professional Towing

Even when hiring a professional, preparing your bike is still crucial:
Remove Valuables: Don’t leave helmets or accessories on the bike.
Document the Condition: Take photos to record any pre-existing damage.
Inform the Towing Company: Make them aware of any quirks, like a faulty stand or weak brakes.

Towing a motorcycle is not something most riders look forward to, but knowing how to do it properly can save you from stress and potential damage. Taking the time to inspect your motorcycle before and after towing is essential. Make sure the bike is securely loaded and properly strapped down to minimise risks. The towing method you choose should match your bike’s size, weight, and the distance you intend to travel. Flatbed trailers, hitch carriers, and motorcycle-specific trailers each have their own pros and cons, so choose wisely.