How to properly secure a motorcycle on a trailer

Do you know how to load the motorcycle and secure the cargo? And how to tie everything down correctly? Follow these tips and travel safely. In this article, we’ll explain different ways to secure a motorcycle on a trailer for transportation. Read carefully and take note to learn more about trailers for motorcycle transport!

Steps to keep in mind and ways to secure a motorcycle on a trailer

We’ll tell you the steps to secure the motorcycle on the trailer so you can do it easily. We know that sometimes it's difficult to ride your motorcycle over long distances, so a trailer is the most economical alternative to transport it from one place to another.

As experts, we provide you with several tips to secure a motorcycle on a trailer with the utmost safety and reliability. Doing it alone can be complicated, so we recommend finding someone to help you. These are the ways to secure a motorcycle on a trailer:

• It’s best to do this with the engine off and pushing it up the ramp. This way, it will be easier to immobilize the motorcycle on the trailer.
• If you’re transporting one motorcycle, place it in the center to balance the weight. If you have two, put one on each side.
• Remove the ignition key from the motorcycle or secure it to the handlebar or triple clamp with a zip tie.
• Fold in the mirrors so they don’t rub against the trailer’s fenders.
• Rest the front wheel on the front stop of the trailer rail.
• Lock the brake lever as a “parking brake.”
• Never transport it supported on the kickstand or a racing stand.
• Use quality straps or tie-downs, preferably with a ratchet tensioner – four per motorcycle (2 for the front and 2 for the rear). Be careful with the fairing when tightening; ideally, attach the strap end to a stable structural part of the motorcycle.

Other key aspects to secure a motorcycle on a trailer

Also keep in mind:

• The motorcycle should always be in an upright position, with the fork compressed and equal tension on the different straps (front on one side and rear on the other). The greater the angle between each pair of side straps, the better.
• The trailer must be secured, and in most cases, you’ll need to carry the documentation with you.
• If it’s raining, take extra caution. Take your time to complete the whole process correctly. The galvanized steel used to make trailers can be quite slippery.
• If you’re carrying additional cargo on the trailer, always place it close to the trailer hitch in the front part of the trailer. Otherwise, you could lose control and create a pendulum effect when changing lanes or making sharp maneuvers.

Follow the tips provided and take each step carefully. It’s essential to exercise caution to prevent possible accidents. Now is the time to put what you’ve learned into practice and succeed with the ways to secure a motorcycle on a trailer.