Vehicle transport
How to Prepare a Motorcycle for Flatbed Towing
By Palmer Towing and Recovery · Published
Straps pull a motorcycle down against its suspension so it stays upright and stable on the road.
Riding season is short in Alaska, and a breakdown far from home is frustrating enough without worrying about the bike getting scratched on the way to a shop. Moving a motorcycle is careful work, because it cannot stand on its own under the forces of a road trip the way a car can.
Here is how flatbed motorcycle transport generally works, what makes the job easier, and what you can do before the truck gets there.
Why a motorcycle rides on the deck
A flatbed keeps both wheels off the road, which protects the drivetrain and avoids dragging a bike that cannot roll. It also gives the operator a stable surface to work on. The bike is positioned, then tied down in a way that compresses the suspension slightly so it stays upright and does not bounce loose.
Tie-down points are chosen with care. Straps belong on strong structural points rather than on plastic bodywork, mirrors, or turn signals. Bike layouts vary widely, which is why your make and model matter when you first call.
Details worth sharing up front
- Bike type: sportbike, adventure bike, cruiser, bagger, or dual-sport.
- Whether it runs, rolls, and shifts into neutral.
- Whether the key is available and whether the steering lock is engaged.
- Soft bags, hard cases, crash bars, or aftermarket fairings and exhausts.
- Any existing damage, especially if the bike has been dropped.
- Where it sits now: pavement, gravel, a driveway slope, or a ditch.
Getting the bike ready
Take photos of the bike from each side before loading, so you have a record of its condition. Remove loose items such as a tank bag, GPS mount, or tail bag if you can take them with you. If you stay with the bike, keep your helmet and gear handy, and make sure anyone riding with you has a plan for getting to the destination.
Have the key ready, and if the bike has a security system or alarm, tell the driver how to disarm it so it does not sound during the loading process. If you have a preferred shop, call to confirm they are open and can accept a drop-off.
If the bike is down
If anyone is hurt, call 911 first. If the bike is on its side, watch for leaking fuel and stay clear of traffic. Avoid lifting a heavy bike alone, since that is an easy way to get hurt. If it is sitting in a ditch or below the road, send photos and a GPS pin, because the job may need recovery work before it can be loaded. Roadside recovery and motorcycle transport are quoted together when both are needed.
Handing off at the destination
Check the shop's hours and tell us where the bike should be set down. If nobody will be there at drop-off, arrange key handling and written permission ahead of time. When the bike comes off the deck, walk around it and check it against your earlier photos.
Getting yourself home
Plan for your own ride as well as the bike's. Cab space on a tow truck is limited, so ask about it when you call rather than assuming you can come along. If you are riding with a group, decide who continues and who stays, and agree on how you will stay in touch where cell coverage is weak. Carry your helmet and riding gear with you, or strap them securely to the bike only if the operator agrees. On a cold or wet day, staying warm matters. Riding gear is not made for standing still on a shoulder, so keep moving if it is safe, and stay well away from traffic while you wait.