Motorcycles require specific tow equipment and technique. A bike loaded onto a flatbed with the wrong straps or the wrong anchor points can end the trip more damaged than it started. Most tow operators do not train specifically on motorcycles, which is why so many bike tows end in insurance claims.
The right setup: flatbed with a front-wheel chock (a dedicated motorcycle chock that cradles the front tire and holds the bike upright without any strap pressure), soft loops looped through frame or peg tie-down points (never the handlebars), ratchet straps rated well above the bike's weight, and corner protection where straps pass over fairings or other painted surfaces.
What not to do: do not strap through the handlebars. Clip-ons, bar-ends, and fork tubes will bend under strap compression. Do not strap through the fairings. Fairings crack under pressure. Do not use rope or bungees — they stretch and release during transport. Do not tow a motorcycle on a wheel-lift (some operators do — it's malpractice and damages the bike's frame geometry).
Different bike types have different considerations. Sport bikes have minimal tie-down points and low fairings — you need to know which frame points are rated for strap compression. Cruisers have stronger frame points but heavier weight distribution. Full dressers (Goldwing, Harley touring) have fairings and saddlebags that need protection. Dual-sports and ADV bikes are easier because they have tubular frames and protective crash bars. Scooters are small but often have delicate bodywork.
For accident tows: bikes that have been down require extra care. Frame damage may not be visible but can make the bike unsafe to load upright. In those cases, we load the bike on its side using specialized equipment — this is rare and requires specific training. For most down bikes, the damage is limited to one side and we can still load upright with care.
For long-distance motorcycle transport: enclosed transport available on request. Enclosed trailer with interior tie-down points protects against weather and road debris. Common use cases: relocating to another state, taking a bike to a distant track day, transporting a classic or high-value bike for a sale or appraisal.
Rate structure: standard motorcycle tow is $175 base (flatbed rate) plus $5/mile past the first five. Long-distance motorcycle transport quoted by destination. Enclosed transport adds a premium.
If you ride in NYC, keep our number saved. Summer weekends, Tuesday night bike meetups, and group rides all produce breakdowns and accidents that require tow service. 24/7 dispatch, flatbed with proper motorcycle equipment on every call.