Two-wheeled vehicles need a fundamentally different approach to towing than cars. A motorcycle has no inherent stability while stationary: it needs to be either leaning on something or securely locked upright for the entire duration of transport. Here's how this works in practice, and why trying to "simply" tow a bike behind another vehicle almost always ends badly.

Why a motorcycle can't be towed like a car

A four-wheeled car has built-in stability even when stationary: it just sits on four points of contact. A motorcycle's stability, on the other hand, comes only from the gyroscopic effect of its spinning wheels while moving, plus the rider's own balance.

  • When towed on a rope behind another vehicle, a motorcycle can't be reliably kept upright the whole way;
  • Even a brief loss of balance at towing speed can cause a fall, leading to serious damage to the bike and potential danger to nearby road users;
  • A motorcycle's brakes aren't designed for the loads involved in this kind of towing, more so if the fault is with the brakes themselves;
  • The only safe way to transport a non-operational motorcycle any real distance is on a flatbed with proper securing.

How a motorcycle is secured on the platform

Properly securing a bike on a flatbed is a different technique entirely from securing a car.

  • The motorcycle is rolled onto the platform via a shallow ramp, which takes skill and care from the crew;
  • Once on the platform, the bike is set on its side stand or, more commonly, into a dedicated front-wheel chock that holds the front wheel and keeps the bike from tipping sideways;
  • It's then further secured with soft straps attached to the frame, never to plastic fairings or fragile parts, at a minimum of two to three points, typically the front fork or handlebars and the rear footpegs or frame;
  • Straps are tightened with moderate tension: enough to eliminate any sway, but not so much that it compresses the suspension excessively.
Important: the crew towing a motorcycle needs specific experience with two-wheeled vehicles. Improper securing or using a wheel chock that doesn't fit can cause the bike to fall over during loading or in transit.

Differences between types of two-wheelers

  • Standard motorcycles and sport bikes. The standard front-wheel chock setup works for most models;
  • Scooters. Usually lighter and more compact, but due to their frame design, they sometimes need custom tie-down points;
  • ATVs. Thanks to their four points of contact, they're easier to secure than two-wheelers, but need extra room accounted for on the platform due to their width;
  • Heavy touring motorcycles. Their significant weight and high center of gravity require extra care when loading and a wheel chock rated for that weight.

What to confirm when booking a motorcycle tow

To make sure the crew arrives prepared for two-wheeled equipment specifically, it helps to mention:

  1. The type and model of the motorcycle or scooter;
  2. Its approximate weight, if known: especially important for heavy touring models;
  3. The reason for the call: a fault, an accident, a dead battery;
  4. Whether the motorcycle can stand on its own kickstand, or needs to be held steady the whole time during loading.

Towing a motorcycle after an accident

After a crash, a motorcycle often has damage that complicates the standard loading procedure:

  • If the kickstand or handlebars are damaged, the front-wheel chock becomes even more critical for stable securing;
  • The crew assesses the bike's condition before loading and adapts the tie-down setup to the specific damage;
  • We tow motorcycles from accident scenes with the same careful securing standards as cars.

How to prepare a motorcycle for loading

  • If it doesn't interfere with any later insurance investigation, remove or secure detachable luggage (panniers, bags);
  • Ask the crew about handlebar position during loading: sometimes it needs to be turned a specific way for stability;
  • If the bike has an alarm with a tilt sensor, mention this in advance so it doesn't trigger during loading;
  • Photograph the bike from every angle before loading, just as you would with a car.

Bottom line

A motorcycle needs a specialized approach to towing: rope-towing a two-wheeled vehicle is almost always unsafe because it has no inherent stability while stationary. A flatbed with a front-wheel chock and properly tensioned straps remains the only reliable way to transport a bike without risking a fall or damage along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a motorcycle be transported alongside a car on the same platform?

In some cases, yes, if the platform has enough capacity and space, but it's best to confirm this with the dispatcher when booking, since it depends on the specific vehicles involved.

Do I need a helmet or other gear while the motorcycle is being loaded?

No, that's not needed. The loading is handled entirely by the tow crew, and the rider doesn't need to be present in gear.

How is a scooter with a dead battery towed?

The same way as a motorcycle with any other fault: on the platform, secured with a front-wheel chock and straps. The bike doesn't need to be operational for loading.

Can a motorcycle be transported without its front wheel (say, after a repair)?

This is a more complex case requiring a custom tie-down setup. Mention this detail to the dispatcher in advance so the crew can prepare accordingly.

How tight should the straps be when securing a motorcycle?

Tight enough to fully eliminate sway while the platform is moving, but not so tight that it excessively compresses the suspension. This comes down to the crew's experience with each specific model.

Does towing a motorcycle cost less than towing a passenger car?

Usually yes, due to the lower weight and smaller size, but the dispatcher will confirm an exact price once they know the vehicle type, distance, and reason for the call.