Transporting A Motorcycle

Your motorcycle lets you rule the open road, but sometimes you need to get it from A to B without riding it. Whether you’re moving, getting your bike to the shop, or just need to get rid of it, moving your bike safely and efficiently can be a pain. Luckily, we here at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson are here to give you some tips on transporting your motorcycle! If you want to know more, or you’d like to see the motorcycles we have for sale, contact our store in Eugene, Oregon, today.

Pickup Trucks

One of the best ways to move a bike is in the bed of a pickup truck. Getting the bike into the bed can be a hassle, but if you have a sturdy ramp and move carefully enough, that’s the only hard part. Once it’s in, secure it using tie-down straps—preferably ones that are specifically designed for motorcycles, which will hold it steady without damaging it. We also recommend covering it with a tarp to protect it from the elements while you’re moving it.

If you need to rent a truck to do this, make sure the rental company is alright with it and that the truck you’re renting is capable of hauling the extra weight.

Trailers

An enclosed or utility trailer is another great way to move your bike safely. They’re lower to the ground, so loading is a bit easier than with a truck. You’ll still want to use motorcycle tie-downs to secure the bike, and if it’s not an enclosed trailer, you’ll still want the tarp as well. 

There are some trailers that are designed specifically for motorcycle transportation, but most trailers with the space and weight capacity will do fine.

Transport Services

If you don’t have the trailer or truck and don’t feel like renting one, don’t worry. There are transportation companies that can get the job done, and if you’re lucky you might even find one that specializes in moving motorcycles. Plus, most of these services offer some sort of insurance, so if something goes wrong on the way, they’ll cover some or even all of the costs to repair any damage. 

Before committing to any one service, make sure you do your research. Examine reviews for any one service through multiple sites, get a quote for your trip in particular, and budget accordingly. This can be an expensive option, but it’s also the one with the most safety precautions, and it doesn’t require you to drive large vehicles with heavy cargo loads or bulky trailers.

We hope these tips help you get your motorcycle where you need it safely! If you have any questions, contact us at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson. We proudly serve the people of Albany and Corvallis, Oregon—let us serve you today!