How much does motorcycle towing cost?

The cost of motorcycle towing depends on the distance, the type of bike, and whether it is an emergency or scheduled service. In general, motorcycle towing is less expensive than car towing because motorcycles are smaller and lighter. When you call us, we will ask for details about your bike and your location, and we will give you an upfront price quote with no hidden fees. The price we quote is the price you pay.

Can you tow a motorcycle with a sidecar or trike?

Yes, we can tow motorcycles with sidecars and three-wheeled trikes. These vehicles require slightly different securing methods than standard two-wheeled motorcycles, but our drivers are trained to handle them. When you call, let us know that your bike has a sidecar or is a trike so we can send the appropriate equipment and ensure we have enough space on the flatbed for the wider configuration.

What should I do to prepare my motorcycle for towing?

If your bike is still functional, make sure the fuel valve is in the appropriate position to prevent leaks during transport. Remove any loose items like phone mounts, GPS units, or tank bags that could fall off or get damaged. If your bike has an alarm or electronic system, let our driver know so they can work around it. We will handle everything else, including securing the bike properly and protecting it during transport. You do not need to do anything special to prepare it.

Motorcycle Towing

Specialized motorcycle transport that protects your bike with proper equipment and expert handling.

(402) 749-5887

Why Motorcycles Need Special Care

Motorcycles are not small cars. They require completely different handling and equipment when it comes to towing and transport. You cannot just hook a bike to a regular tow truck and drag it down the road. The weight distribution is different, the balance is more delicate, and the risk of damage is much higher if you do not know what you are doing. That is why specialized motorcycle towing exists, and that is why you should never trust your bike to someone who does not have the right tools and training.

Most motorcycles have only two wheels, which means they cannot stand upright on their own during transport. They need to be secured in a way that keeps them balanced and prevents them from tipping over. The suspension, paint, chrome, and other components are often more exposed and vulnerable than they would be on a car. A small scratch or dent on a motorcycle can be much more noticeable and expensive to repair than similar damage on a car.

What Can Go Wrong

If a motorcycle is not properly secured during transport, it can tip over and suffer serious damage. The handlebars might get bent, the mirrors could break, the fuel tank might get dented, or the paint could get scratched. In worst-case scenarios, the bike could fall off the tow truck entirely, resulting in total loss. We have seen all of these things happen when people try to cut corners or use the wrong equipment.

Another common mistake is using cheap or improvised straps that are not rated for motorcycle transport. These straps can stretch, slip, or break during the journey, leaving your bike unsecured. Even a small amount of movement can cause damage when you are traveling at highway speeds. That is why we use only professional-grade equipment designed specifically for motorcycles.

Our Motorcycle Towing Process

When you call us for motorcycle towing, we start by asking about your bike. What make and model is it? How much does it weigh? Is it a street bike, cruiser, touring bike, or sportbike? Does it have any custom modifications or accessories that we need to be aware of? This information helps us send the right equipment and ensure we are prepared to handle your specific motorcycle safely.

We use flatbed towing for most motorcycle transport because it is the safest method. Your bike is wheeled onto the flatbed using a ramp, then secured using a wheel chock and heavy-duty ratchet straps. The wheel chock holds the front wheel in place and keeps the bike upright, while the straps attach to solid mounting points on the bike to prevent any movement during transport.

How We Secure Your Motorcycle

Front wheel positioned in a dedicated motorcycle wheel chock
Premium ratchet straps attached to frame or triple tree, never to handlebars
Even tension applied to prevent compression of suspension
Additional stabilization straps for larger or heavier bikes
Soft loops used when necessary to protect painted or chrome surfaces
Final inspection to ensure no movement before departure

Our drivers are trained in proper motorcycle loading and securing techniques. They understand how to balance the bike, where to attach straps without causing damage, and how much tension to apply. They also know how to handle bikes with different configurations, whether it is a low-slung cruiser, a tall adventure bike, or a heavy touring machine. No matter what you ride, we can transport it safely.

Different Types of Motorcycles We Handle

We tow all types of motorcycles including sportbikes, cruisers, touring bikes, adventure bikes, dirt bikes, scooters, and custom builds. Each type has its own quirks and requirements. Sportbikes often have low fairings that can scrape if not loaded carefully. Cruisers tend to be long and heavy, requiring extra attention to weight distribution. Touring bikes come loaded with accessories and luggage that need to be considered. We have experience with all of these scenarios and know how to handle each one properly.

When You Need Motorcycle Towing

There are many situations where you might need motorcycle towing. The most common is a breakdown on the road. Maybe your engine seized, your transmission failed, or you ran out of gas in an area where there are no nearby stations. When your bike cannot run under its own power, you need someone to transport it to a repair shop or back to your home.

Accidents are another common reason for motorcycle towing. Even minor accidents can leave a bike undriveable, and after an accident you should not attempt to ride a damaged motorcycle. It is unsafe for you and potentially damaging to the bike. We work with insurance companies regularly and can help coordinate the towing as part of your claim. We can transport your bike to a body shop, an adjuster location, or wherever else it needs to go.

You might also need motorcycle towing for non-emergency situations. Maybe you bought a bike from a private seller and need it brought home. Maybe you are moving and want your motorcycle transported instead of riding it hundreds of miles. Maybe you are taking your bike to a rally or event and prefer to have it delivered rather than putting miles on it. Whatever your reason, we provide professional towing services for scheduled transports as well as emergencies.

Why Not Just Ride It?

Some people wonder why they need towing when they could just ride the bike themselves. There are several good reasons. If your bike is not running properly, riding it could make the problem worse and lead to a breakdown in a dangerous location. If you have been in an accident or near-miss, you might be shaken up and not in the right state of mind to ride safely. If you are dealing with bad weather, heavy traffic, or unfamiliar roads, having your bike transported can be a smarter and safer choice.

Long-distance motorcycle towing is also popular for people who want to preserve their bike or avoid putting unnecessary miles on it. If you are moving across the country, riding your bike the entire way means exposure to weather, road debris, and potential mechanical issues. Having it transported on a flatbed eliminates these risks. If you need help with a long-distance transport, we can coordinate that for you as well.