Transporting Your Motorcycle Safely in a Truck Bed

Are you gearing up for a long trip or an out-of-state move? It's time to start thinking about motorcycle transportation. A pickup truck or a large van is a great solution; you can carry the bike without worrying about a trailer. Whether you're taking a dirt bike to a backcountry campsite or hauling your Harley to a new home, a secure setup helps protect your ride. For more information, contact our team at St. Charles Harley-Davidson; you can also visit our location in St. Charles, Missouri, serving St. Louis and St. Peters, Missouri.

Roll the Bike into the Truck or Van

Before you set off on your trip, invest in a narrow ramp for your truck bed or van. Secure it to the open tailgate, and place the other end on the ground. Then, roll your bike up the ramp and into the bed; you may need help to prevent tipping. 

Secure the Motorcycle

Once your motorcycle is safely in place, engage the side stand. Use a wheel chock to block the wheels. Wedge it firmly in front of the front tire; you can use another chock on the back for extra stability. Don't skip this step — it stops the bike from rolling. If you're planning to take frequent trips, you can even install semi-permanent chocks on the bottom or side of the truck bed.

Tie Down the Motorcycle

Attach two sturdy webbing straps to the front handlebars or forks. Run them out in front of the bike at a 45-degree angle and fasten the other ends to tie-down points. Secure each strap loosely. Repeat this process on the rear end, making sure to attach the straps to the frame.

Tighten the straps gradually until the bike feels stable and secure. Depending on the motorcycle and the vehicle, you might need to correct lateral movement with additional straps. Shake the bike gently to test for wiggling and bouncing. Secure straps prevent your bike from tipping or rolling when you take a corner or drive down a bumpy road.

Secure the Brakes

Are you concerned that your motorcycle will roll forward or backward in transit? Reduce the risk by wrapping a bungee cord around the brake lever. This step keeps the brakes engaged and eliminates movement. You can also use a length of cord or rope.

Once you get the hang of it, motorcycle transportation is a breeze. With a secure, safe setup, you can travel quickly with a heavy load. If you need advice about a specific model, reach out to our crew at St. Charles Harley-Davidson or stop into our location in St. Charles, Missouri. We're proud to serve riders from St. Louis and St. Peters, Missouri.