HOW DO I GET A MOTORCYCLE TOWED SAFELY?

What should I tell the dispatcher?

• Make, model and year, including whether it is a cruiser, sport bike, touring bike, scooter, trike or has a sidecar.
• Whether it runs, whether the wheels turn, and whether the steering turns freely.
• Crash damage, bent forks, a bent wheel or leaking fluid.
• Where it is: on a road, in a garage, in a driveway, on grass, or on its side.
• Where it needs to go.
• Whether it is lowered or modified, or has low-hanging parts.

What should the bike be secured with?

Motorcycles are normally carried upright and held by tie-down straps from the bike to the truck or trailer so they cannot tip. The manufacturers’ own loading guidance, such as Harley-Davidson’s, stresses using proper straps and a stable stance. Soft loops over the handlebars or forks and ratchet straps are common. We cannot give one method for every bike, so tell us the model, and ask the driver how they will secure it.

What can I do before the truck arrives?

1. Move yourself and the bike away from traffic if you can do so safely.
2. Turn off the engine and take the key.
3. Remove or secure loose items such as bags, helmets and accessories.
4. Take photos of the bike and any damage.
5. Keep paperwork handy: registration and ID.
6. If the bike is on its side or stuck, tell us before we arrive. See winch-outs.

Sources and notes

• Harley-Davidson, how to load a motorcycle into a truck (general loading guidance): https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/content/expert-advice/how-to-load-a-motorcycle-into-a-truck.html
• Check your owner’s manual for tie-down points and towing advice. Last checked: October 24, 2026.