Article of American Towman magazine

Motorcycle Transport Technique
by David L. Bouvia

This is the 2nd picture that was unpublished in the magazine.

Motorcycles, like other vehicles of the “Recreational Type,” can be transported with the use of conventional towing equipment such as a car carrier/flatbed or wheel lift, and in some cases even with sling type apparatus. The type of recreational vehicle, reason for transport, distance of transport, and even weather conditions may be determining factors as to what is the most appropriate transport method.
There are many devices on the market that can be used to help load and/or secure a motorcycle to most conventional wheel lifts and flatbeds. There is even at least one device that allows you to “tow” the bike by attaching one wheel into a grid while the other rolls behind you. That’s not the preferred method by most manufacturers. Most major manufactures of motorcycles will not recommend towing their bikes with either wheel trailing on the ground. All those we checked with suggested using a trailer or flatbed.

WreckMasters’ recommendation is to use rated, minimum 1-inch wide, rubber coated, hooked, locking ratchet straps to secure the bike. See FMCSR for required ratings.

Any loading device for a flatbed must be rated, and should be capable of use by a single operator preventing entry onto the deck of the bed by the operator while loading, unloading, and during transport. After winching the vehicle onto the carrier deck always install a front tiedown immediately.

Always transport the bike in upright position with its kickstand up. Connect two straps to either one another and over the front end or to each side of the front end and down to the securement points of the dollie or the side of the bed. Ratchet down the front straps only enough to slightly compress suspension. This helps absorb shock-load of transport. Tie down the back end in the same manner and ensure the dollie is secured to the bed; release tension from the winch.

When transporting on a wheel lift you must secure both wheels into L-Arms. Straps can be used for this. And don’t forget to compress that suspension slightly. Lights can be an issue here as you must have running, turning, and stop lights behind you. Tow lights can be helpful on the crossbar of the wheel lift in most cases.

Transporting motorcycles will bring a new customer base and help to diversify your towing business. Certain precautionary measures should be considered and training is recommended before taking on the two wheelers.

WreckMaster Lead Instructor David L. Bouvia, WM 011034, has served over 18 years in the towing and recovery industry. He has devoted the past nine years primarily to training and education. He has accumulated several training certifications in towing and recovery, and instructor certifications in traffic safety and passenger safety. Bouvia also serves on the advisory board for the automotive curriculum at the State University of New York in Morrisville.

A classic Indian Motorcycle repro properly secured to the deck of this Chevron carrier for transport.

Even if the bike is loaded in an enclosed trailer it needs to be properly secured. This 1936 HD Knucklehead bobber has it’s front wheel wedged up against a 6x6 wood block and secured by four point tie-downs.

This Harley Davidson dresser is properly loaded, tied down, and ready for transport by Good Samaritan Towing Services of Maryland.

This article appeared in the August 2005 American Towman magazine.
[ Posted into the internet in August 15, 2005 ]

Motorcycle Transport Technique
by David L. Bouvia

This is the 2nd picture that was unpublished in the magazine.

Motorcycles, like other vehicles of the “Recreational Type,” can be transported with the use of conventional towing equipment such as a car carrier/flatbed or wheel lift, and in some cases even with sling type apparatus. The type of recreational vehicle, reason for transport, distance of transport, and even weather conditions may be determining factors as to what is the most appropriate transport method.
There are many devices on the market that can be used to help load and/or secure a motorcycle to most conventional wheel lifts and flatbeds. There is even at least one device that allows you to “tow” the bike by attaching one wheel into a grid while the other rolls behind you. That’s not the preferred method by most manufacturers. Most major manufactures of motorcycles will not recommend towing their bikes with either wheel trailing on the ground. All those we checked with suggested using a trailer or flatbed.

WreckMasters’ recommendation is to use rated, minimum 1-inch wide, rubber coated, hooked, locking ratchet straps to secure the bike. See FMCSR for required ratings.

Any loading device for a flatbed must be rated, and should be capable of use by a single operator preventing entry onto the deck of the bed by the operator while loading, unloading, and during transport. After winching the vehicle onto the carrier deck always install a front tiedown immediately.

Always transport the bike in upright position with its kickstand up. Connect two straps to either one another and over the front end or to each side of the front end and down to the securement points of the dollie or the side of the bed. Ratchet down the front straps only enough to slightly compress suspension. This helps absorb shock-load of transport. Tie down the back end in the same manner and ensure the dollie is secured to the bed; release tension from the winch.

When transporting on a wheel lift you must secure both wheels into L-Arms. Straps can be used for this. And don’t forget to compress that suspension slightly. Lights can be an issue here as you must have running, turning, and stop lights behind you. Tow lights can be helpful on the crossbar of the wheel lift in most cases.

Transporting motorcycles will bring a new customer base and help to diversify your towing business. Certain precautionary measures should be considered and training is recommended before taking on the two wheelers.

WreckMaster Lead Instructor David L. Bouvia, WM 011034, has served over 18 years in the towing and recovery industry. He has devoted the past nine years primarily to training and education. He has accumulated several training certifications in towing and recovery, and instructor certifications in traffic safety and passenger safety. Bouvia also serves on the advisory board for the automotive curriculum at the State University of New York in Morrisville.

A classic Indian Motorcycle repro properly secured to the deck of this Chevron carrier for transport.

Even if the bike is loaded in an enclosed trailer it needs to be properly secured. This 1936 HD Knucklehead bobber has it’s front wheel wedged up against a 6x6 wood block and secured by four point tie-downs.

This Harley Davidson dresser is properly loaded, tied down, and ready for transport by Good Samaritan Towing Services of Maryland.

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