Never use pieces of wood on grass or dirt as a loading surface, as the wood may sink, break or slide. Do not attempt to load a motorcycle into a truck on an uneven surface to prevent falling over or dropping the motorcycle itself as you load it.
The rubber will protect the tailgate of the truck from being scratched as the truck’s suspension lowers under the weight of the motorcycle. Be sure the ramp rests evenly on the ground to ensure it does not damage your motorcycle tire or cause it to move in an unpredictable way when you’re pushing it onto the ramp.
Without a strap securing the ramp, it could slide backward and fall off the tailgate of the truck when you push the motorcycle onto it. Do not use a bungee strap to secure the ramp. Bungee straps may give, allowing the ramp to fall.
Neutral in a motorcycle is found between first and second gear. Most motorcycles have a neutral light on the gauge pod to let you know that the motorcycle is in neutral.
Having your friend switch places halfway through will not be necessary if you can enlist the help of a third friend. Make sure the brakes are holding the weight of the motorcycle from rolling backward before your friend releases it to climb into the truck.
Make sure you have ratchet straps or tie downs to properly secure the motorcycle. Bungee chords will not suffice. Soft loops and ratchet straps can be purchased at many large retail stores, auto parts stores or motorcycle specialty stores.
Wheel chocks are recommended for heavier motorcycles such as cruisers and grand touring bikes. Some motorcycle wheel chocks are shaped like a “U” and are designed to hold the entire front or rear tire.
The ratchet straps should be secured on either side of the truck or trailer to hooks that are further back than the handle bars. Optimally, the straps should be a forty-five degree angle from the motorcycle if viewed from above.
If your wheels have spokes, it is not recommended that you run the soft loop through them, as the tension may damage the spokes. Even with the soft loop, you may want to place a rag between the loop and any painted surfaces on the motorcycle to prevent scratches or scrapes in the paint during transit.
The motorcycle should be standing without the kickstand when the straps are tight enough. Do not strap the motorcycle down with the kickstand down, as it may damage the trailer or the bed of the truck and will force the motorcycle to sit at an angle.
You should try to get at least three quotes to ensure you have an understanding of a reasonable price. The distance you are transporting the motorcycle, the size and weight of the motorcycle, and the timeframe will all affect the price of shipping a motorcycle.
Consider the time of year and region your motorcycle will travel through when choosing between enclosed and open trailers. If your motorcycle will be exposed to extreme heat or inclement weather, you may choose an enclosed trailer option. Remember that an open trailer may be left out in the elements for hours or days, regardless of weather.
Remember that the motorcycle will likely be transported by tractor trailer, so door to door shipping may not be feasible if the end location cannot be accessed by a truck of that size. Shipping your motorcycle to the closest major city will likely cost significantly less than shipping it to your door.
Make sure to ask about any deductible you may be responsible for if the motorcycle is damaged while in transit. If the shipping company does not have insurance, you should consider seeking a different shipping company.
Contact the shipping company directly to discuss the damages. Make sure to keep copies of any paperwork you complete regarding the damages until they have been repaired.
