Riding a motorcycle has become part of the American dream. It’s a symbol of freedom, after all! Sometimes, however, it becomes necessary to transport the bike from place to place.

And when it comes to towing a motorcycle, of course, you want to be able to move your ride as safely as possible. But when you know how to properly tow a motorcycle, no distance is too far while transporting your bike.

Consider these tips on just how to safely move your motorcycle from place to place.

Have A Plan, And The Equipment

First thing is to have a plan, and the right equipment to transport.  On the top of the list of equipment is a proper trailer. There are a plethora of options available that you can use, depending on a few factors, including the type of motorcycle you drive. So you will want to choose a trailer that will be able to tow your specific bike.

If you’re looking at a towing service, make sure you choose one that has a flatbed, and preferably one that is owned by technicians with experience towing motorcycles and ATVs.

Loading Your Motorcycle

The next step? Use a ramp to load your motorcycle onto the trailer. Here we want to mention that you need to use wheel chocks to keep your motorcycle in one place as you drive.

This is an imperative step in towing your bike the right way. Chocks should be placed in the back as well as the front before you move – this will keep the motorcycle still as it is towed along.

Securing To The Trailer Bed

Once the bike has been loaded, the next step is ensuring that your motorcycle is sitting safely on your trailer.

Bikes are heavy machines, and of course, it’s precious to you. If it isn’t secured correctly it can shift while being transported, or worse – it can actually plummet from the trailer. Therefore, it is essential to secure your motorcycle using ratchet straps, as these complete the job quite well. Just pay attention to the working load of your straps so that the bike stays safe in transit.

You may want to put down the side stand and then begin attaching the straps at the front and the back of the bike. Securing the straps on the trailer, don’t forget to attach the straps in the back rearward on the motorcycle.

This creates a counter tension that keeps the bike in a fixed state. Before you actually begin driving, check that the suspension of the bike is compressed. Otherwise, the straps may give, which could lead to your bike sustaining damage.

Cover Up Your 2-Wheeler

Next, it’s a good idea to cover your motorcycle to keep it safe from the elements. A canvas or a vinyl tarp is recommended. You can tie this down on the straps or even the motorcycle itself.

Drive Safely

While half of the battle is keeping the motorcycle in such a state that it is unlikely to budge, make sure that you are driving carefully. After all, the bike is placed delicately on the trailer, even if it is tied down and secured. Don’t forget that the bike has two wheels and not four. This means that it is much easier for the bike to fall off of the back of the trailer.

Make sure that you are following all traffic laws, and don’t be in a hurry. Be mindful as you stop, slowing down in an adequate amount of time so that the bike is not jerked around as it sits behind you.

Your motorcycle is your baby. While it is true that a bike is more difficult to tow than something with four wheels, following these steps will enable you to transport your motorcycle any distance without worry.