Motorcycle Towing: What You Need to Know Before You Hook Up

When you need to move a motorcycle that won’t start or got wrecked, motorcycle towing, the process of safely transporting a motorcycle using a tow truck or trailer. Also known as motorcycle transport, it’s not just about hooking up a rope and pulling. Get it wrong, and you could bend the frame, wreck the suspension, or fry the electronics. Unlike cars, motorcycles have no suspension to absorb shocks, no weight distribution to balance the load, and no driver to steer. That’s why tow truck for motorcycles, a specialized vehicle designed to lift and carry bikes without damaging them isn’t optional—it’s necessary. Most standard tow trucks aren’t built for bikes. They’ll drag the front wheel, twist the handlebars, or crush the exhaust. You need a flatbed or a wheel-lift system made for two wheels, not four.

And then there’s the motorcycle trailer, a dedicated trailer used to haul bikes securely over long distances. If you’re moving your bike across state lines, heading to a race, or storing it for winter, a trailer gives you control. You can strap it down just right, keep it upright, and avoid the bounce and vibration that kills bearings and seals. But trailers aren’t plug-and-play. You need the right hitch, the right tie-down points, and the right straps. Too tight, and you crack the fairing. Too loose, and the bike sways into the fender. Real riders who’ve done this know: use four straps, not two. Anchor to the frame, not the handlebars or exhaust. And never, ever tie down by the front brake lever.

What about insurance? If your bike gets damaged during a tow, is it covered? Most policies say yes—if the tow was done properly. But if the driver used a car tow truck and bent the swingarm? Good luck getting paid. That’s why knowing what towing safety, the set of practices that prevent damage and injury during motorcycle transport looks like matters. It’s not just about the equipment. It’s about asking the right questions. Does the tow company have experience with bikes? Do they use soft straps or rigid hooks? Can they show you their load plan? If they say, "We just hook it up like a car," walk away.

You’ll also find that motorcycle towing isn’t just for breakdowns. It’s part of the lifestyle. Riders who tour long distances often tow their bikes to events. Dealerships use trailers to move inventory. Even mechanics need to bring bikes in for repair. That’s why the posts below cover everything from how to load your own bike onto a trailer, to what happens when a tow truck driver doesn’t know the difference between a cruiser and a sportbike, to why some insurance claims get denied because the bike was moved the wrong way. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re real stories from people who’ve been there—some with $5,000 repair bills, others who saved their ride by knowing exactly what to do.