Our Guide to Safely Loading and Transporting Your Motorcycle

There are plenty of reasons you might need to move your bike without riding it. Maybe you’ve broken down, bought or sold a bike, or you’re heading off on a trip and need to get your wheels to your destination spot. Whatever the situation, knowing how to transport a motorcycle properly can save you stress, time, and money.

Safe transport is important for your bike, but also for protecting yourself and others on the road. Loading a motorcycle the wrong way, securing it poorly, or using the wrong equipment can all lead to costly accidents. In this guide, we’ll cover the different ways to transport a motorbike and best practices to help keep it safe every step of the journey.

Ways to transport a motorcycle: Your options

You can move your bike in many ways. The best option for you ultimately depends on your situation, budget, and available equipment.

Here are the most common methods for transporting your bike:

• Vans or trucks: A van or pickup is one of the most secure ways to move a bike, keeping it out of the weather and locked away from view.
• Motorcycle carriers or trailers: Carriers attach to the back of a vehicle, while trailers can tow one or more bikes. Both are popular for shorter trips and can be used with larger cars or SUVs.
• Professional motorbike transporter services: If you don’t have the kit or the time, professional services can handle loading, securing, and delivery for you.
• Towing: Using a small trailer, a towbar, and the right equipment, you can tow your bike behind a car. It’s effective, but there are legal requirements and weight limits to be aware of.

How to transport a motorcycle

No matter which method you choose, loading and securing your bike safely is the most important step. Spending some extra time at the start of the journey to make sure everything is as it should be helps protect your bike and everyone else on the road.

How to load and transport a motorcycle in a van or truck

• Before loading: Secure any loose items like mirrors, saddlebags, or luggage, and make sure the fuel tank isn’t more than a quarter full to reduce the risk of spills.
• Loading: Use a sturdy ramp and walk the bike up carefully, keeping it upright. Once it’s in place, engage the wheel lock if you have one.
• Securing: Use ratchet straps to hold the bike in position, with two straps at the front and two at the rear for a four-point tie down. Avoid bungees, as they don’t provide enough stability, and don’t pull the straps so tight that you compress the suspension.
• Driving: If you’re behind the wheel, drive smoothly with gentle acceleration and braking. Sudden movements can loosen straps or unbalance the bike.

How to transport a motorcycle using a carrier

A motorcycle carrier is a hitch-mounted platform that attaches to the back of a vehicle. They’re best for larger vehicles like SUVs or vans, as most standard cars won’t have the towing capacity to handle the extra weight.

• Before loading: Check the hitch class and the vehicle’s weight capacity. Make sure the carrier’s maximum load rating is suitable for your bike.
• Loading: Use an integrated ramp if the carrier has one, or a separate ramp if not, to roll the bike onto the platform. Fit an anti-tilt device if possible and double-check the locking mechanism before securing the bike.
• Securing: Use ratchet straps at four points, including two at the front and two at the rear. Avoid over-tightening, as this can strain the suspension.
• Safety checks: Once secured, confirm the bike is upright, stable, and doesn’t shift when moved. Also check that your vehicle’s number plate is still visible and not blocked by the bike.

How to tow your motorcycle

Towing a motorcycle with a trailer is a useful option, but there are legal rules you’ll need to follow. In the UK, car driving licences generally allow you to tow small trailers up to a certain weight, but the exact limit depends on the type of licence you hold. Always check the official GOV guidance before setting off.

A common question is whether you need separate insurance to tow a bike. The answer depends on your policy. In most cases, if both your bike and your car are insured separately, you’re covered, but it’s always worth checking the small print of your policy to be sure.

If you decide to tow your bike, you’ll need a towbar fitted to your vehicle, a small trailer suitable for motorcycles, and the correct safety cable. Before towing, make sure to do the following:

• Make sure the trailer is properly secured and level with your vehicle.
• Inspect the towing cable to ensure it’s in good condition.
• Fit a breakaway cable so the trailer will stop safely if it becomes detached.
• Check tyre pressures on both the trailer and the towing vehicle.
• Confirm the trailer’s weight and load don’t exceed your vehicle’s maximum authorised mass (MAM).
• Distribute the bike’s weight evenly across the trailer.

When you’re on the road, be sure to drive below the towing speed limits, avoid harsh braking or sharp acceleration, and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front. Remember, you’re not allowed to use the right-hand lane of a motorway while towing.

Finding a professional transportation service

Sometimes, the easiest and safest option is to let the professionals handle it. A motorbike transport service can collect, load, and deliver your bike, which takes much of the stress away from you.

Professional transport is a good choice in several situations:

• Selling or buying a bike: If a bike is being moved to or from a buyer, using a professional service reduces the risk of damage in transit.
• Ease and convenience: If you don’t have the right equipment for towing or loading, a service can be more straightforward. It’s also often cheaper than buying ramps, carriers, or a trailer yourself.
• Security: Reputable companies usually include insurance for any damage that might occur while the bike is in their care, so they’re an especially popular choice for high-value or classic motorcycles.
• Time saving: Leaving the job to an experienced transporter frees up your time and means you don’t need to worry about the details.

How much does it cost to transport a motorcycle in the UK?

The cost of moving a bike varies depending on a few key factors:

• Distance: Longer journeys naturally cost more, especially if they involve overnight stops or ferry crossings.
• Bike size: Larger or heavier bikes may need more robust equipment and can take up more space in a van or trailer.
• Type of transport: Using a professional transporter, hiring a van, or towing with your own kit all come with different costs. Professional services are usually the most straightforward but can also mean a higher cost.

On average, professional motorcycle transport in the UK start costs can rise quickly for longer distances or for transporting high-value bikes where extra insurance or security may be needed.

Keep your motorbike secure wherever you take it with dedicated insurance from Devitt

Transporting a motorcycle safely takes a bit of planning, but it’s worth the effort. Regardless of which transportation route you go down, it can be worth adding extra protection for your bike with suitable motorbike insurance.

At Devitt, we’ve been arranging motorbike insurance for UK riders since 1936. Our cover is built to suit all types of riders, wherever your bike takes you. We can offer cover for classic bikes, custom builds, scooters, superbikes and more, plus optional extras like breakdown cover, legal expenses and helmet and leathers protection. Call us on 0808 503 4747 or fill in our online form to get an instant quote.

Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication.

You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Devitt, a trading name of Devitt Insurance Services Limited, accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.