HOW-TO GUIDES

How to Load a Motorcycle Into a Truck

Sometimes the easiest way to get a motorcycle from Point A to Point B is to load the motorcycle onto the bed of a truck and transport. When loading a motorcycle into a truck, your primary concern should be safety – avoiding injury to yourself and damage to the motorcycle. Here are some tips so you can learn how to load a motorcycle in a truck.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Here are items you’ll need to transport a motorcycle onto a truck bed.

Loading Ramp - Motorcycle ramps are designed with a lip that rests on the bed or tailgate of the truck. Some are wide enough to allow you to walk next to the motorcycle and can act as a step to make it easier to get yourself up into the truck bed – this is essential if you are loading solo. A narrow ramp is light and easy to transport but can be challenging if you are trying to load a motorcycle by yourself.
Tie-Down Straps - Ratcheting straps or straps with a cam lock buckle designed for motorcycles will have a loop on one end so that the metal hook does not have to be placed on the motorcycle, where it could damage the finish. The loops can also be purchased separately and used with standard straps. You’ll need at least three straps.
Wheel Chock - A wheel chock is designed to keep your motorcycle upright by supporting the front wheel while it is being transported on a trailer or truck bed. Some are designed to flip over the back of the front wheel as the motorcycle rolls onto the chock to prevent the motorcycle from rolling backwards.
Tie-Down Brackets - Harley-Davidson offers Tie-Down Brackets that mount to the motorcycle fork covers and provide a secure tie-down point that stays on the motorcycle, a good investment if you transport the motorcycle frequently.

HOW TO LOAD A MOTORCYCLE INTO A TRUCK

Follow the steps below to learn how you can load a motorcycle into a truck.

STEP 1
Consult the motorcycle operator’s manual for any instructions on transporting the motorcycle. For example, Harley-Davidson® models with a security system should be placed in Transport Mode. This disables the security system so as the motorcycle is bounced around on a truck bed the system does not think the motorcycle is being stolen and sets off alarms. There may also be specific instructions on using the side stand when transporting or where tie downs may be attached.

STEP 2
If you have friends, family or fellow riders willing to help, go over your loading plan with them. It’s a good idea to designate one person to steer and brake the motorcycle, and others to push or help balance the motorcycle. If you have three people, place one in the truck bed to steady the motorcycle as it rolls off the ramp and onto the bed.

STEP 3
If possible, select a location that reduces the angle of your loading ramp. Failure to do so may cause the frame or side stand to drag on the ramp resulting in damage to the motorcycle or a sudden stop as the motorcycle tries to pass over the apex of the ramp.

STEP 4
Secure the wheel chock in the truck bed.

STEP 5
Place the loading ramp onto the truck tailgate or bed, and then secure the ramp to the truck with a tiedown strap. The safety chain eyes on a trailer hitch are usually a good place to hook one end of the strap. Attach the strap to ramp so that it is pulling down and toward the truck to prevent the ramp from moving as you load. Make sure the ramp is aligned with the wheel chock so you can roll the motorcycle right into the chock.

STEP 6
If you have enough help to push the motorcycle up the ramp, this is often easier than trying to roll it up on its own power. If you are alone, or the motorcycle is especially heavy (and the motorcycle runs), you can start the motorcycle in first gear and then feather the clutch to use a little engine power to help move it up the ramp. Riding the motorcycle up the ramp is a third option, but this should be only attempted if your ramp is wide so that you can get feet down if the motorcycle stalls.

STEP 7
Roll the motorcycle into the wheel chock and snap it shut if it has this function.

STEP 8
Use your tie-down straps to secure the motorcycle to the front of the truck bed. If possible, locate a place on the motorcycle frame where the strap can be looped around the frame but also will not slide down. Make sure the strap is not pinching or binding cables, hoses or wiring. Also never position the strap over a sharp edge or a bolt head that could cut through the strap. Motorcycles with lower fairings or other bodywork may need to be secured with straps around the fork legs and the lower triple clamp using a tie-down device. Tighten the straps until the suspension compresses about one inch. Motorcycles equipped with a center stand should not be transported on the stand – if the motorcycle rolls off the stand all the straps will loosen, and the motorcycle will no longer be secure.

STEP 9
Secure the rear of the motorcycle so it cannot move. You may be able to attach straps to the rear frame, the passenger footpeg mounts portion of the tire and wheel and secure both ends of the strap to the truck bed.

STEP 10
Go around and tie up the long loose ends of each tie-down strap so they stay secure in the wind while you are driving,

STEP 11
Take a final walkthrough around the motorcycle and make sure it seems solidly secured before moving.

SOME HELPFUL REMINDERS WHEN LOADING A MOTORCYCLE INTO A TRUCK & TRANSPORTING

Here are some basics to consider before transporting a motorcycle.

Measure the Truck – Not all truck beds are long enough to carry the longer motorcycles. Measure your truck and motorcycle before attempting a load by comparing the length of the motorcycle to the length of the truck bed and ensuring the truck bed is at minimum longer than the motorcycle.
Tie-Down Points – Check to make sure the truck bed has tie-down eyes in the bed corners. These are common on newer trucks but may not be present on older pickups.
Tailgate Capacity – Check the truck operator’s manual for the weight limit on the tailgate. Some tailgates are supported by a single steel cable that may be rated for only a few hundred pounds, and some tailgates are not strong enough to support the weight of a heavy motorcycle. If the truck bed is long enough to hold the motorcycle, consider removing the tailgate if that’s an option.
Go Low – If you have options, use the truck with the lowest bed height to make loading the motorcycle easier.
Reduce the Angle – Do whatever you can to reduce the angle of the loading ramp to the truck bed. A steep ramp angle can make it more challenging to load the motorcycle. Some motorcycles with a longer wheelbase and low ground clearance – including some Harley-Davidson motorcycles – may “high center” on the bottom of the motorcycle frame or the side stand if the ramp is too steep. Ways to reduce the ramp angle include placing the end of the ramp on a curb, finding a loading area that slopes downhill, so the truck is lower relative to the end of the ramp, or backing the truck up to a berm or narrow ditch. It is sometimes possible to find enough elevation behind the truck that the ramp is level or even above the truck bed – this is ideal.
Round Up Some Help – Many people are not tall enough to control the motorcycle once it is at tailgate level. If your ramp is not wide enough for you to walk up the ramp next to the motorcycle do not try to load it without assistance. Having an extra set of hands to help hold and push the motorcycle will task easier and safer, especially if this is your first attempt at loading a motorcycle.
Use a Real Ramp – A motorcycle loading ramp is designed to support the motorcycle without flexing or bouncing. It will have a lip on the edge to help guide the motorcycle on the ramp. Some motorcycle ramps are arched so that the angle of approach to the truck bed decreases to make it easier to load and to keep the motorcycle frame from “high centering” after the front wheel is on the truck bed.
Rain Delay – Avoid trying to load the motorcycle if it’s raining, which can make the ramp and the truck bed slick.

Sometimes the easiest way to transport a motorcycle is to let someone else do it. An authorized Harley-Davidson® dealer will often be equipped to pick up your motorcycle and transport it for service or repair at the dealership. Find your local Harley-Davidson dealer if this option is better for your needs.