In what ways can you transport a motorcycle?

Transporting a motorcycle as a task appears before the pilot in the following cases:

Buying/selling a motorcycle
Motorcycle breakdowns
Inability to travel on public roads on official grounds
For long journeys, when a motorcycle is not the main transport

Let's look at ways to transport a motorcycle on your own and a few important little things that may come in handy.

How are motorcycles transported?

Motorcycle tow truck/tow truck
Inside vehicles
From the outside on the platform
Partial loading method
Transportation in a trailer
Transporting on the side of a motorcycle trailer
Sending by transport company

Motorcycle tow truck/tow truck

In our world, almost all problems can be solved with money. If you get stuck along the way due to a breakdown or need to transport a bike but don’t have a workhorse, a motorcycle tow truck is always happy to see you. They can have any kind of transport, from a regular tow truck to an adapted van.

There’s nothing stopping you from calling even a regular tow truck. Not in every area you can find a free motorcycle tow truck, then why not turn to a simple one, the main thing is to warn that you want to transport a motorcycle. It will occupy a modest place on the tow truck and will need to be securely secured in a special way so that it does not tip over. In exceptional cases, it is possible to place the bike immediately behind the driver’s cabin and attach it in the wind.

Call a motorcycle tow truck Moscow

We offer motorcycle towing services for two-wheeled vehicles in Moscow and the region.
Whenever you need help, you can safely call, because we work around the clock. The efficiency of fulfilling each order is achieved through a professional approach, the use of modern communication tools and monitoring. Now there is no need to wait for a tow truck for hours. We work in any weather, respond to all calls, even come to the rescue at night. “BikerBro” carries out its work, treating the client’s property with care and taking full responsibility for its integrity and safety. You can rest assured about your motorcycle, because our motorcycle tow trucks are equipped with a special bridge, belts and fastenings for securely fixing the motorcycle in a vertical position, which eliminates the possibility of scratches and injury to mirrors and other protruding parts.

Inside vehicles

This is where the scope for imagination lies! They carry motorcycles on everything. It's easy to talk about transportation when you have a pickup truck or a gazelle, from which you throw out the seats for a motorcycle. But we must admit, not every motorcycle fits in a pickup truck. There is one subtlety here: the ratio of the dimensions of the car’s cabin to the dimensions of the body. A pickup truck is not always as roomy as a wardrobe from Narnia. But drivers fell in love with minibuses and vans. The motorcycle is safe, it won’t go further than the van and you don’t have to worry about it falling out or getting lost along the way. In addition, the motorcycle is not affected by weather conditions inside the van.

When transporting motorcycles inside a vehicle, it would be good to have a wheel mount (trap); they are mounted to the floor and prevent the front wheel from dangling. Additional fixation with straps is also necessary. But we’ll talk about belts and traps a little later, since the issue is relevant for all types of transportation.

Transportation of motorcycles is available even if you have a passenger car, unless you are trying to pack a Honda GL1800 into a Kia Picanto, of course. It is possible to fit a modest motorcycle in reasonable proportions if you prepare the car and remove all unnecessary things and remove the seat. Sometimes it is necessary to partially disassemble a motorcycle if transportation inside a passenger car is limited by the working space. But all these are special cases and are considered separately.

Before buying a motorcycle, I tried to find instructions on how a newly purchased motorcycle can be transported to your home on a cargo vehicle and what is needed for this? I couldn’t find an answer to the BP, so after a year of regular transportation I decided to write here myself. Please look under the cut for a detailed description, photos, videos, as well as various features of loading an enduro motorcycle into a cargo van. So, after researching the Internet, it turned out that there are two available ways to transport a motorcycle - on a trailer equipped (or not equipped) for transporting a motorcycle, and on a cargo van (Gazelle) or cargo van. I no longer have a cargo trailer, so I will describe the method of transportation on a closed cargo van, which is exactly what my family has. PREAMBLE. What do you need before going for a motorcycle? Everything is simple - of course, a bead or Gazelle, a board along the length of the cargo compartment (2.0 - 2.3 m), 2 cargo tie-down ties (bought at Auchan for $5 per pair), a wheel shoe (aka a piece of wooden block , boards, channels, etc.), plastic clamp (screed). You need to make sure that the bead has loops in the floor for securing weights. If it is a Gazelle, then it is quite possible to attach it with hooks to the sides of the body. It would also be a good idea to use a tape measure to measure the height of the minivan’s cargo compartment and the height of the motorcycle using the mirrors. AMBULA. Loading occurs in the following stages: 1. Installation of the board. The main thing here is that it does not jump off the minibus. If there is such a possibility, then it is better to attach it with wire or tie it together. Also, consider that the board can support the weight of the motorcycle - in my case it is 132 kg. I think any 40 board should withstand it. 2. The actual pushing of the motorcycle. IMPORTANT: put the motorcycle in first gear, because if this is not done, then at the very top of the board the front wheel will not cope and will slide, and the rear wheel will be useless if it is not in gear. Use your left hand to depress the clutch, and use your right hand to control the brake lever to simultaneously lock 2 wheels if necessary. If the bike is heavy, then a second person can help by pushing the bike from behind, while you hold the handlebars and control the brake/clutch levers. Regarding the mirrors - if the height of the bus is greater than the height of the motorcycle, then the mirrors will either rest against or even break off during loading. Therefore, either lower them lower (fold) or remove them altogether. I had them point-blank to the ceiling of the bead.

3. Installation inside. When the motorcycle is pulled into the bus, you need to put it on the stand, turn the steering wheel to the side, rest the front against a wall or other obstacle, leave the motorcycle in gear (locking the rear wheel), clamp the brake lever with a clamp (secure the front wheel) and place a shoe under the rear wheel, the role of which can be played by any square object that counteracts the rolling of the wheel.

4. Fastening with cargo ties. In front, I lay a tie near the steering column behind the frame, which will make it possible to slightly load the bike, fold the suspension and eliminate swaying during transportation. IMPORTANT: long-term storage of the bike with compressed suspension can cause damage to your suspension, so for long-term storage (overnight) it is better to loosen the cargo tie. I also attach the rear wheel through the frame of the bike and attach the ties to the loops in the minivan with hooks. All that remains is to tighten the ties to the state of the string.

5. Load the loading board into the bus , don’t forget to put your gear in the bus (it’s especially easy to forget a helmet :)), as well as documents for the motorcycle.

The entire process of loading and unloading (without the fastening itself inside) in the video looks like this:

TOTAL: Loading takes a maximum of 7 minutes + 1 manpower. The reliability of the fastening is beyond doubt, since I transported my motorcycle many times over 2 seasons. When filming a video, I calmly completed 2 loading and unloading cycles in 20 minutes (though without full fastening). I assume that loading a road motorcycle or sport may be associated with the problem of the motorcycle’s low ground clearance and the possible “belly” of the motorcycle touching the top of the board. Then you need to take a board as long as possible. The only disadvantage I can notice of such transportation is that it will not be possible to load 2 motorcycles into 1 bus. I hope the information will be useful to someone.

Transport from outside on platform

A good way to transport equipment without taking up space in the cabin. Why not? At the same time, the choice of platforms is quite large; some of them are also called towbar racks. Platforms can have different designs and mounting methods. At the same time, sometimes several motorcycles fit on such a platform!

Initially you mount the largest and heaviest motorcycle, and after that the lighter one. This way you distribute the weight. The closer the motorcycle is to the car body, the less load on the platform fastening, because if you place a light weight closer to the body, and only then attach a heavy weight to the edge, then during movement vibrations can unnecessarily rock the entire structure.

Some installations require reinforcement of the frame, since the standard body structure may not be enough. Fastenings allow you to distribute the weight evenly so as not to overload individual parts of the car.

If they have a welder, a pipe bender and shoulder straps, many people are smart and cook the platforms themselves. Why pay more if you have extra pipes lying around the garage?

By the way, who said that the mount can only be in the rear of the car? With the help of the platform, motorcycles are also placed in front, but these are rare individuals. By the way, there are persistent legends that cars can more easily tolerate the installation of a platform with a motorcycle on the drive side of the car: on a rear-wheel drive, installation from the rear is preferable, and on a front-wheel drive, the rear installation is more difficult for the car to perceive.

When installing a platform under a motorcycle, you have to monitor the visibility of license plates and the condition of the lighting devices.

There is a form of attaching a motorcycle to the engine. The platform provides for mounting without a wheel stand. The motorcycle is supported on a frame under the engine. It’s very difficult to transport heavy motorcycles like this, but with cross-country equipment, eduro and pit bikes, everything is simple!

Choosing a trailer for transporting a motorcycle up to 50,000 rubles

The range of motorcycles on the market is huge. Trailers for transporting motorcycles are selected according to:

Load capacity and weight.
Internal dimensions for side or enclosed models.
Dimensions.
Suspension (stronger is better).
Tires (more – less shaking/winter – summer).
Complete sets (to be purchased if necessary):

Lodgment is a stand that prevents lateral movements.
Ladder.
Bracket for the front fork – front wheel stop/locker.
Straps for fixation.
Support stands that protect against tipping during loading and unloading.
Counter-kickbacks.
Awning/removable roof.

MZSA 817701.001-05

A flatbed single-axle trailer with a total weight of up to 0.75 tons is compatible with motor vehicles of different sizes and has the following features:

AL-KO Kober spring suspension from Germany;
Folding front/rear sides;
Galvanized body, durable and reliable;
Cost from 42,000 rubles.

Trailer MZSA 817701.001-05

MZSA 817703.001-05

Specialized for transporting motor vehicles (motorcycles/ATVs). Adapted for off-road use. Fits most models. Characteristics:

Load capacity – 0.49 t;
Total weight – 0.75 t;
Dimensions – 4.07 x 2 x 0.87 m;
Body dimensions: 2.74 x 1.51 x 0.29 m;
Ground clearance – 172 mm;
Moisture-resistant plywood on the bottom of the trailer;
Tilting platform;
One axis;
Rigid galvanized sides;
Price – from 48,500 rubles.

Trailer MZSA 817703.001-05

Trailer "Sport" 829450 ("Trailer")

The single axle has:

Load capacity – 0.5 t;
Total weight – 0.75 t;
Dimensions: 3.93 x 1.81 x 0.52 m;
Body dimensions: 2.51 x 1.27 x 0.31 m;
Ground clearance – 231 mm;
Tires – 170/75 R13;
Tailgate;
Anti-corrosion coating;
Height-adjustable support leg;
Rings for securing a motor vehicle;
Reinforced plywood tailgate;
Cost – from 44,300 rubles.

Trailer "Sport" 829450 ("Trailer")

Trailer 8213 05 “Universal” (“Kurgan trailers”)

The multifunctional trailer includes a stand for a two-wheeled unit, fits most sizes and includes the following characteristics:

Load capacity – 0.55 t;
Total weight – 0.75 t;
Dimensions – 3.56 x 1.71 x 0.98 m;
Body dimensions – 2.38 x 1.22 x 0.38 m;
Tires – VAZ/Niva/UAZ;
The bottom and sides are reinforced with Finnish plywood, resistant to moisture;
Rails increasing the height by 0.08 m;
Price – from 47,900 rubles.

Trailer 8213 05 “Universal” (“Kurgan trailers”)

Trailer LAV 81012 “Vector”

Designed for all-terrain vehicles and large motorcycles, it has the following characteristics:

Load capacity – 0.435 t;
Total weight – 0.7 t;
Dimensions – 4.68 x 1.85 x 0.77 m;
Body dimensions - 3.2 x 1.4 x 0.24 m;
Ground clearance – 167 mm;
Dependent wheel suspension;
Galvanized hardware/assemblies;
Price – 50,000 rubles.

Trailer LAV 81012 “Vector”

An avid driver will not spare his money for an expensive trailer. Whether it is worth buying additional equipment or not is a matter of long-term operation and considerable experience. Beginner motorcycle racers can be advised to be careful when purchasing a used unit. Often, defects are carefully hidden, revealing themselves only when transporting the motorcycle. Purchasing a certified trailer with a guarantee is beneficial in every way.

Partial loading method

The name speaks for itself. You attach the front wheel, securely fixing it, you can even remove the wheel itself, or even disassemble the fork. The motorcycle follows the car, leaning on its rear wheel. There are ways to attach it to the rear wheel. Then it is necessary to additionally fix the steering, but this method is rather strange. You shouldn't do that.

During partial loading, the motorcycle is tilted (which makes it difficult to transport long wheelbase motorcycles, as well as other types of heavy motorcycles). All technical fluids flow accordingly and the motorcycle is not always happy about this at the end of the journey.

An additional disadvantage is the danger of such transportation, because if road unevenness is passed between the wheels of a car, then the probability of a motorcycle wheel landing in a hole is 50/50. So-so jackpot.

Broken unbroken: 5 ways to transport a motorcycle

Winter is the best time for enduro rides, a visit to the service center, or even a reason to drop everything and go to the sea, taking a couple of bikes with you. But how, and most importantly, what to transport them on? In this review we will talk about all the known methods of transporting motorcycles, methods of securing them and devices that help to do this.

Minibus

Ford Transit VR46 minibus, adapted for transporting motorcycles

Without a doubt, a van is the best thing that can happen in a motorcyclist's life. Minibuses can be cargo, cargo-passenger and passenger, and even the latter, with a certain transformation of the interior, can accommodate a motorcycle, and a cargo van can easily take on board at least one luxury tourer like the BMW K1600GTL, or at least a couple of medium-sized vehicles. In any case, the low loading height and ease of fastening will allow you to easily roll up and safely transport the motorcycle to any distance.

Pickup

Unlike the USA, where pickups are used everywhere, this market segment is practically not represented in Russia

The second friend of a motorcyclist, without a doubt, is a pickup truck. Like vans, they are divided into three main types, differing in cab type and body length: single cab, one-and-a-half cab (Club cab), and also, the most popular in Russia, double cab. The larger the cab, the shorter the body, but almost any motorcycle can be rolled into a pickup truck with the shortest body if you put the rear wheel on the open side.

This is permissible according to traffic regulations, and manufacturers, as a rule, include a sufficient margin of safety in the design of the side. In addition, pickups come with both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive - the latter is preferable for motorcyclists due to their lower loading height.

Trailer

There are a huge number of trailers of all sizes and purposes on the market.

Vans and pickups are convenient, but there is no point in buying them for a couple of trips a year and they are needed only by those who need to transport motorcycles regularly. But a trailer, on the contrary, is better suited for rare trips. There are an extremely large number of trailers on the market, however, only light ones, weighing up to 750 kilograms, are available to owners of only category B.

But even such a trailer will be enough to transport three medium-sized motorcycles at once; in addition, there are special motorcycle trailers on sale, already equipped with everything necessary for attaching a bike. Modern low-bed trailers are convenient for loading, but it is worth considering that without a special awning, the motorcycle will get to the place dirty, and driving with a trailer, especially in reverse, requires certain skills.

Tow bar mount

When installing a motorcycle platform on a towbar, you must make sure that the number is legible

In addition to a trailer, there is another completely legal way to transport a motorcycle in a car - a special platform. It is installed in place of the towbar and allows you to transport a light motorcycle or scooter directly behind the car. This is the simplest, but far from the most convenient way to take a pit bike or enduro bike for rides. The main thing is to make sure that the motorcycle does not block the license plate and the car’s lights, otherwise you will have to deal with additional lighting equipment and a remote license plate bracket.

Partial loading

Partial loading is one of the simplest ways to transport motorcycles.

The transportation method, well known for automobile towing, is also available for motorcyclists. Such devices are rarely found on sale, but nothing prevents you from ordering it from some company that manufactures metal structures. This is convenient when you need to transport a motorcycle with a sidecar or a pair of enduros, and a trailer seems like an unnecessary luxury.

The only pitfall that not everyone is aware of is the motorcycle transmission, which may not be ready for such trips. For example, on a Ural motorcycle, the gearbox is lubricated by oil sprayed from the input shaft. When the engine is turned off, it does not move, while other gears rotate following the movement of the machine. In any case, before transportation by partial loading, it is better to remove the chain or cardan, out of harm’s way.

Transportation in a trailer

A banal, simple method of transportation. Suitable for bulky motorcycles or transporting several bikes. For a small and light motorcycle, it is more logical to install a platform. The trailer has the same number of supporters and opponents; everyone simply chooses what is more convenient for him personally. Some even haul a trailer on a motorcycle.

Transporting on the side of a motorcycle trailer

Motorcycles with sidecars definitely have their advantages. With a bit of perversion, the side trailer is replaced with a platform on which the motorcycle is actually placed for transportation. But you need to remember about weight distribution. This trick works with light models and scooters; if the motorcycle you are transporting turns out to be heavier, then problems on the road are inevitable.

RESULTS

When choosing a light trailer for transporting a motorcycle, it is important to understand that expensive models are not always the best option. The purchase simply may not pay for itself. If you are not an avid motorcycle racer, a trailer with standard dimensions and moderate cost is an ideal option. The only thing is that the additional structures simplify the transportation and loading of motor vehicles. These include the support chute, gangways, support posts, fastening ties and belts.

We do not recommend purchasing used trailers for the reason that shortcomings can be carefully hidden, but under load (transporting a motorcycle) they can make themselves felt. To avoid dangerous situations on the road and for the safety of passengers and pedestrians, use only certified products.

Transportation of an ATV

With the great popularity of country houses, the demand for private ATVs has rapidly increased, and accordingly, the demand for the specific service of transporting ATVs by tow truck has grown in Moscow and the region.

As practice shows, the owners of this equipment are often adventurers and love adventures, and after riding close to home, they quickly move closer to the forest, to unexplored paths and trails. But this is where you can expect troubles on your trip: potholes and dirt roads have an unpleasant effect on the operation of the equipment. Traveling alone in unfamiliar terrain is dangerous when there is no one to provide assistance (medical, technical) after a fall and mechanical failure. Therefore, the call often comes to several tow trucks at once, because they usually ride ATVs and specialize in the service of transporting ATVs in Moscow.

The service is not only new, but also very complex, because this transport differs in the loading weight from motorcycles, but also classic car mounts are not suitable, because they are wider and taller. To deliver the ATV to the right place, you need to have special fastenings and a wide bridge for loading. We have it all. And even more. There is also a great desire to fulfill the order at the highest level, so that every order ends with the joy and smile of the client.