What Are The Best Methods For Motorcycle Towing?

One may wonder why anyone would need to tow a motorcycle. However, if you own a motorcycle, you would know that you need to tow your motorcycle before going on a trip or for other purposes. Heavy bike owners often tow their bikes if they don't want to drive through city streets.

If you don’t want to cover those extra miles on your bike, you can always call a well-reputed towing company such as AAA Towing Ltd. Towing companies that offer tow services for cars, bikes, and more.

Whether you are towing your bike for shifting purposes or a trip purpose, you must know the best methods for it. This article covers the most common methods for towing a motorcycle and what safety items you will need.

Methods of Motorcycle Towing

Towing may seem at first a simple process however it can quickly turn into a dangerous business if you don't follow the appropriate safety measures. Consider several safety factors into account before towing. Motorcycle towing not only includes having proper equipment and tools but also the steps for it.

Four main platforms are used for motorcycle towing:

• Flatbed Trailers

• Tow Dolly

• Motorcycle trailer

• Towing Cradle

Flatbed Trailer Towing

Flatbed trailers are useful for towing heavy and large machines. It is one of the most popular and readily available options for towing a bike.

It is not only used for towing cars but also for heavy bikes. A flatbed truck has a flat platform that gives ample space for towing multiple bikes at the same time.

However, each of them must be secured with straps and locks to avoid tripping around corners or during turns. Flatbed trailers for motorcycle towing are easy to find. Many towing companies provide motorcycle towing services on flatbed trailers.

Tow Dolly

A tow dolly is another popular method for towing your motorcycle. A tow dolly weighs much less than a flatbed trailer. It weighs only 35 pounds, and the dimensions are about three feet by two feet. A tow dolly is a secure and easy way to tow a bike.

The front tires of the bike are connected to the tow dolly. Never attach the back tires with a tow dolly. Make sure that you don’t put extra weight on the tow dolly. The maximum weight capacity for a tow dolly is 800 pounds. Tow dollies are easy to manage and can tow a bike easily.

Motorcycle Carrier

A motorcycle carrier is a flat platform that tows a bike if you are towing from an SUV, RV, or car. Many people prefer this method of towing because there is no long vehicle to manage behind.

A motorcycle carrier weighs around 600 pounds, and it can hold the weight of about 400-500 pounds. Any additional loads can damage your bike, your car, or the drivers around you.

You can remove add-ons from your bike and put them in the back seat of your car which you can always install back on later.

Towing Cradle

A towing cradle is an easy and affordable method for frequent bike towing. It is ideal for towing lightweight bikes. If you have ever seen an RV towing a bike at its back, it is likely that it was using a towing cradle.

With a towing cradle, you attach the front-end tire to it while the back one runs on the road. This method is suitable for small distance towing.

Necessary Items That You Will Need for Motorcycle Towing

Whichever method you choose to tow your bike, always ensure that you have the right tools to keep it secure. For this, you should have:

• Straps to tie your bike safely in its place

• Chocks to stabilize the front wheels of the bike

• A hitch for extra carrying capacity

• Reflectors to warn other drivers

Final WordsTowing a motorcycle is an easy task if the necessary precautions are taken. If you are not sure about how to tow a bike or lack basic equipment, call a professional towing company.

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