Can You Tow a Motorcycle? Safety, Risks & Proper Techniques
Author: Darrah’s Towing40+ Years of Experience in Towing, Recovery, Rollovers, Lockouts & Roadside Assistance
A motorcycle breakdown can happen just as unexpectedly as a car breakdown. A flat tire, dead battery, mechanical problem, accident, or damaged chain can leave a rider stranded miles from home.
That leads to an important question:
Can you tow a motorcycle?
Yes, motorcycles can absolutely be towed—but transporting a motorcycle safely requires the proper equipment, secure tie-down techniques, and an experienced towing operator.
A motorcycle should not simply be dragged behind another vehicle or attached using an improvised rope or chain. Unlike a passenger car, a motorcycle has only two wheels, a relatively high center of gravity, exposed bodywork, delicate controls, and fewer safe attachment points.
Improper towing can cause thousands of dollars in damage and may create a serious roadway hazard.
At Darrah’s Towing & Recovery, we have more than 40 years of experience in towing, recovery, rollovers, lockouts, roadside assistance, and vehicle transportation throughout Eastern Iowa. Over the decades, we have learned that safely transporting a motorcycle requires attention to detail from the moment the bike is loaded until it reaches its destination.
Here is what every motorcycle owner should know.
Can a Tow Truck Tow a Motorcycle?
Yes.
Professional towing companies can transport motorcycles using equipment designed to keep the motorcycle secure during transportation.
Depending on the situation, a motorcycle may be transported using a flatbed tow truck, motorcycle towing equipment, or another properly configured vehicle transport system.
The most important factor is keeping the motorcycle stable, upright, and securely restrained.
Motorcycles are very different from cars.
A passenger vehicle naturally sits on four wheels and has a much larger footprint. A motorcycle relies on balance and must be secured so that it cannot lean, tip, roll, or shift while the tow truck is moving.
That means the loading and tie-down process is especially important.
What Is the Safest Way to Tow a Motorcycle?
In many situations, transporting a motorcycle on a flatbed tow truck is one of the safest options.
Instead of pulling the motorcycle behind another vehicle, the entire bike is loaded onto the truck's deck.
Once positioned correctly, the motorcycle is secured using appropriate straps and attachment points.
This helps protect:
Wheels
Tires
Suspension
Handlebars
Fairings
Exhaust components
Transmission
Chain or belt drive
The goal is to keep the motorcycle securely positioned throughout the trip without placing unnecessary pressure on delicate components.
Experienced operators also understand that different motorcycles may require different approaches.
A large touring motorcycle is not secured exactly the same way as a lightweight sport bike, cruiser, adventure motorcycle, or custom-built motorcycle.
That is one of the reasons professional experience matters.
Can You Tow a Motorcycle With a Rope?
This is generally not a safe method for transporting a disabled motorcycle.
It may seem tempting to attach a rope, chain, or strap between a motorcycle and another vehicle, especially when the destination is only a short distance away.
But doing so creates several risks.
The motorcycle rider must maintain balance while being pulled.
Meanwhile, the towing vehicle controls acceleration and much of the stopping behavior.
If the tow vehicle accelerates too quickly, brakes suddenly, changes lanes, turns sharply, or causes slack in the rope, the rider can quickly lose control.
Additional risks include:
Rope becoming tangled in the motorcycle
Sudden tension pulling the motorcycle sideways
Collision with the towing vehicle
Loss of steering control
Falling into traffic
Damage to the motorcycle
Injury to the rider
Saving money by improvising a motorcycle tow is rarely worth risking an accident.
Professional transportation is the safer option.
Why Motorcycle Towing Requires Special Care
Motorcycles have numerous exposed components that can be damaged if the bike is secured incorrectly.
A tow operator must consider where straps are placed and how much tension is used.
Attaching straps to the wrong components could damage:
Brake lines
Cables
Handlebars
Mirrors
Plastic fairings
Exhaust systems
Suspension components
Electrical wiring
Too little tension creates another problem.
If a motorcycle is not properly secured, it can shift while the truck accelerates, brakes, turns, or encounters bumps.
Even a relatively small movement can cause the motorcycle to tip.
That is why motorcycle transportation involves more than simply getting the bike onto the truck.
It needs to remain stable for the entire trip.
How Is a Motorcycle Secured to a Tow Truck?
The exact process varies based on the motorcycle and equipment, but several basic principles are important.
Positioning the Motorcycle
The motorcycle should be positioned carefully on the towing platform.
A wheel chock or other stabilization system may be used to help prevent the front wheel from moving.
Using Proper Tie-Down Points
Tie-down straps must be attached to strong, appropriate areas of the motorcycle.
Professional operators avoid attaching straps to components that could bend, break, or become damaged.
Maintaining Proper Tension
The straps should hold the motorcycle securely without unnecessarily compressing the suspension or damaging components.
Checking Multiple Attachment Points
Using multiple secure points helps prevent forward, backward, and sideways movement.
Rechecking the Motorcycle
After securing the motorcycle, the operator should verify that everything is stable before transportation begins.
These steps are especially important when traveling on highways or transporting a motorcycle over longer distances.
What Are the Risks of Improper Motorcycle Towing?
Improper towing can lead to surprisingly expensive damage.
The Motorcycle Can Tip Over
This is one of the biggest concerns.
A motorcycle that tips during transport can suffer damage to its fairings, fuel tank, handlebars, mirrors, exhaust, engine covers, and other components.
Suspension Can Be Damaged
Overtightening straps can place excessive pressure on motorcycle suspension.
Cosmetic Damage Can Occur
Incorrectly placed straps may rub against painted surfaces or plastic components.
Wheels Can Move
If the motorcycle is not properly stabilized, the wheels may shift during transportation.
Drivetrain Damage Is Possible
Trying to pull certain motorcycles with wheels contacting the roadway may create unnecessary drivetrain stress.
A Serious Traffic Hazard Can Develop
The worst-case scenario is a poorly secured motorcycle becoming unstable or separating from the towing vehicle.
Proper equipment and experienced operators dramatically reduce these risks.
What If My Motorcycle Breaks Down on the Highway?
If your motorcycle becomes disabled on a highway, your first concern should be your personal safety.
If possible, move completely away from active traffic lanes.
Turn on hazard lights if your motorcycle is equipped with them and make yourself as visible as possible.
Do not attempt complicated repairs while standing next to high-speed traffic.
Call a professional towing or roadside assistance company and provide:
Highway name
Direction of travel
Nearest exit
Mile marker
Motorcycle make and model
Nature of the breakdown
Your intended destination
Highway breakdowns are dangerous because motorcycles provide riders with very little physical protection from passing vehicles.
Darrah’s has decades of experience responding to roadside emergencies throughout Eastern Iowa and understands that minimizing the amount of time someone spends exposed to highway traffic is important.
For additional information about common towing misconceptions and when professional assistance makes sense, read our previous article Towing Myths—Busted!.
Does a Flat Motorcycle Tire Require a Tow?
Often, yes.
Unlike changing a tire on a passenger vehicle, motorcycle tire problems are not always easily repaired roadside.
Riding a motorcycle with a damaged or completely flat tire can be extremely dangerous.
A flat tire can significantly affect:
Steering
Stability
Braking
Cornering
Balance
Trying to ride even a short distance can also damage the wheel.
If you experience a flat motorcycle tire and cannot safely repair it, professional transportation is usually the better choice.
What About a Motorcycle After an Accident?
Accident-damaged motorcycles require additional care.
Even if the motorcycle appears relatively intact, important components may have been damaged.
These can include:
Forks
Wheels
Handlebars
Brake components
Frame
Suspension
Controls
Fluids
Fuel system
Attempting to ride an accident-damaged motorcycle could turn a minor problem into a serious safety issue.
Having the motorcycle professionally transported allows it to be evaluated by a qualified repair facility before it returns to the road.
Darrah’s experience in accident recovery and vehicle transportation means our operators understand that damaged vehicles must often be handled differently from routine breakdowns.
Can You Tow Harley-Davidsons, Touring Bikes and Large Motorcycles?
Yes, but heavier motorcycles require additional consideration.
Large touring bikes and cruisers can weigh significantly more than smaller motorcycles.
Their size, fairings, luggage compartments, accessories, and overall weight can change how they need to be secured.
Examples may include:
Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles
Honda Gold Wings
Indian touring motorcycles
BMW touring bikes
Large adventure motorcycles
The operator should understand the motorcycle's weight and design before determining the best way to load and secure it.
Can Custom Motorcycles Be Towed?
Yes.
In fact, custom motorcycles are another situation where professional transportation is especially important.
Custom bikes may have:
Unique handlebars
Custom paint
Lower ground clearance
Modified frames
Custom exhaust
Extended forks
Specialty wheels
Expensive accessories
An experienced towing operator can evaluate the motorcycle before loading it and determine which attachment points will minimize the risk of damage.
When a motorcycle represents a substantial investment, proper handling matters.
What Should You Tell the Towing Company When You Call?
Providing accurate information helps the towing company arrive prepared.
Tell dispatch:
Your location: Provide the street, highway, exit, mile marker, or nearby landmark.
Motorcycle type: Give the make and model if possible.
What happened: Explain whether the motorcycle experienced mechanical trouble, a flat tire, an accident, electrical failure, or another issue.
Current condition: Tell dispatch whether the bike is upright, lying on its side, damaged, or located off the roadway.
Destination: Let them know where you want the motorcycle transported.
This information helps determine what equipment may be needed.
Why Experience Matters When Towing Motorcycles
Motorcycle owners take pride in their bikes.
Whether someone owns an everyday commuter, vintage motorcycle, custom cruiser, sport bike, or high-end touring motorcycle, they want to know that it will be handled carefully.
Darrah’s Towing has more than 40 years of experience in towing and recovery throughout Eastern Iowa.
Our experience covers much more than standard passenger vehicles.
We have spent decades working with:
Cars
Trucks
Motorcycles
Commercial vehicles
Accident-damaged vehicles
Rollovers
Winch-out situations
Heavy-duty vehicles
Specialized transportation needs
That real-world experience is an important part of E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness.
When you call Darrah’s, you are working with a towing company that has built its reputation through decades of helping Eastern Iowa drivers.
A Customer Experience Darrah’s Strives to Deliver
For someone stranded alongside the road, the quality of the experience matters.
A typical customer experience we strive to provide sounds like this:
“Darrah’s took great care of my vehicle from start to finish. The operator was professional, careful, and explained what he was doing before loading it. They made an already stressful situation much easier.”
That is the kind of service our team works to provide every day.
Whether we are transporting a motorcycle, recovering a vehicle from a ditch, handling an accident scene, or helping someone locked out of a vehicle, our responsibility is to treat the customer and their property with respect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Towing
1. Can a regular tow truck tow a motorcycle?
Yes, provided the tow truck has the appropriate equipment and the operator knows how to properly load and secure motorcycles. Flatbed transportation is often an effective option because the motorcycle can be completely supported during transportation rather than dragged behind another vehicle.
2. Is it safe to tow a motorcycle with a rope or another vehicle?
Improvised motorcycle towing creates significant risks and is generally not recommended. The motorcycle rider must maintain balance while being pulled by another vehicle, and sudden braking, acceleration, or slack in the rope can lead to loss of control. Professional motorcycle transportation is considerably safer.
3. Can Darrah’s Towing transport a motorcycle after an accident?
Yes. Darrah’s Towing provides towing and accident recovery services throughout Eastern Iowa. An accident-damaged motorcycle should generally be professionally transported instead of ridden until it has been inspected for steering, braking, suspension, wheel, frame, or other damage.
4. Does Darrah’s provide emergency motorcycle towing?
Darrah’s provides 24/7 towing and roadside assistance throughout its Eastern Iowa service area. If your motorcycle breaks down, gets a flat tire, is involved in an accident, or becomes unsafe to ride, contact Darrah’s with your location and motorcycle information so the appropriate equipment can be dispatched.
Need Your Motorcycle Towed?
A motorcycle breakdown does not have to turn into an even bigger problem.
The safest solution is usually to avoid improvised towing methods and trust your bike to experienced towing professionals with the equipment and knowledge necessary to transport it correctly.
For more than 40 years, Darrah’s Towing & Recovery has helped Eastern Iowa drivers through breakdowns, accidents, recoveries, rollovers, lockouts, and roadside emergencies.
Whether your motorcycle has a flat tire, mechanical failure, accident damage, or simply needs to be transported from one location to another, our team is ready to help.
Protect your motorcycle and get it where it needs to go safely.
Call Darrah’s Towing for your free quote today.
Call 319-363-7900 for 24/7 towing and roadside assistance.
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