How to Safely Tow your Motorcycle
I have been riding a motorcycle for years and I have tried almost every way there is to tow a bike. For die-hard riders, chances are you’ve probably found yourself in a catch 22 situation where you needed a tow. Whether it’s due to mechanical issues, running out of gas, flat tires, or just stuck with a friend who needs to get towed. After the first and second trial and error, you get to know the best and most reliable ways to tow a bike.
Items you Need
Towing a motorbike isn’t hard. The only thing is that you need to ensure the safety of your bike. It can be a dangerous affair if it’s done wrong.
Here is what you’ll need:
Hitch
Well, to tow anything, you need a hitch. They are very vehicle specific so you can check on your manual or call your dealer to find out what you need and the size if you don’t have one already. I would recommend that you go to an OEM motorcycle parts dealership for the installation or the purchase if you plan to DIY.
Towing straps
You shouldn’t tow your bike without the necessary towing straps. They should be high-quality straps that have proven to be efficient with vehicles like yours. I discourage people from getting some cheap straps. You may end up paying for so much more. The straps are what keep your bike safe while towing and you can’t afford to have them snap while hauling.
Chocks
Sometimes I use a trailer to tow my motorcycle. I have found chocks to be super helpful. I have found the removable motorcycle wheel chock to work best so you can get that one. You have to fasten it down with the equipment provided. Follow the instructions given to the letter as you don’t want it to come loose when you’re moving at a high speed.
Now that you are properly equipped, let’s get to towing your bike.
I have found three efficient ways to do it. You have the option to use:
Towing trailer: This is one of the most popular and safest ways. Maybe it’s because other motorists can see you from afar and keep a safe distance. Well, they take a lot of space so there’s no way they’ll be invisible.
Motorcycle carrier: I find this to be much simpler than a trailer. It’s equipped with an anti-tilt mechanism that keeps your bike from wobbling.
Tow Dolly: It’s one of the easiest and simplest ways to tow a bike as it takes less space. You don’t see people doing this but it saves so much space than the first two.