EquipMoto

How to Trailer a Motorcycle Safely and Securely in 2024

For many motorcycle enthusiasts, venturing beyond their local riding grounds often involves trailering their beloved bikes. Whether you’re heading to a distant racetrack, on a long-distance adventure tour, or simply need to transport your motorcycle for maintenance, knowing how to trailer a motorcycle safely and securely is crucial.

This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and essential steps to ensure your motorcycle arrives at its destination without a scratch. We’ll delve into everything you need to know, from choosing the right trailer and securing methods to pre-trip preparations and important safety tips.

Gearing Up for the Ride – Choosing the Right Trailer

The first step in your motorcycle trailering journey involves selecting the appropriate trailer. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Trailer Type:

  • Motorcycle Trailer: A dedicated motorcycle trailer offers the most secure and convenient option. They typically come in single or double-deck configurations and often have built-in wheel chocks, tie-down points, and ramps for easy loading and unloading.
  • Utility Trailer: A standard utility trailer can be used for motorcycles, but you’ll need to ensure you have proper wheel chocks, tie-downs, and a secure way to load and unload your motorcycle.

• Trailer Size: Consider the size and weight of your motorcycle. A trailer with ample space will allow you to secure the motorcycle properly and prevent any movement during transport.

• Weight Capacity: Ensure the trailer’s weight capacity exceeds the combined weight of your motorcycle, gear, and any additional cargo you might be transporting.

• Braking System: Trailers with electric brakes, especially for heavier motorcycles, are highly recommended for improved stopping power and overall safety.

Essential Tools and Equipment for Secure Trailering

Once you’ve chosen the right trailer, gather the necessary tools and equipment to safely secure your motorcycle:

• Wheel Chocks: These wedges prevent your motorcycle’s wheels from rolling during transport. Choose chocks with a wide base and adequate weight rating for your motorcycle.

• Tie-Down Straps: Invest in high-quality ratchet straps with a minimum breaking strength exceeding your motorcycle’s weight. Opt for straps with padded hooks to prevent scratches on your motorcycle’s frame or handlebars.

• Soft Loops: These are optional but can provide additional security by attaching to your motorcycle’s frame or handlebars and connecting to the tie-down straps.

• Motorcycle Ramp (if your trailer doesn’t have one): Choose a sturdy ramp with a non-slip surface to ensure safe and easy loading and unloading.

• Extra Safety Gear: Consider reflective triangle markers for increased visibility on the road, especially during low-light conditions.

Pre-Trip Preparations – Getting Your Motorcycle Trailer-Ready

Before hitching up and hitting the road, prepare your motorcycle for trailering:

• Perform a Thorough Inspection: Check your motorcycle’s tire pressure, fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid), chain tension, and overall condition for any potential issues. Address any problems before trailering to avoid breakdowns on the road.

• Secure Loose Items: Remove any loose items from your motorcycle, such as saddlebags, phone mounts, or handlebar bags. These can become projectiles during transport.

• Engage Gear and Engage Parking Brake: Shift your motorcycle into first gear and engage the parking brake. This adds an extra layer of security by preventing the motorcycle from rolling in neutral.

• Adjust Suspension Settings (Optional): For some motorcycles, adjusting the suspension settings to a slightly stiffer setting can provide additional stability during transport. Consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.

Loading and Securing Your Motorcycle on the Trailer

Now that you’ve chosen the right equipment and prepped your motorcycle, it’s time for the critical step of loading and securing it on the trailer:

1. Position the Trailer: Park your trailer on a level surface with the wheels chocked. Ensure the trailer hitch is properly aligned with your tow vehicle.

2. Loading the Motorcycle: If using a ramp, ensure it’s securely fastened to the trailer bed. Carefully guide your motorcycle straight onto the trailer using a low, steady speed.

3. Wheel Chocks: Position the wheel chocks firmly against the front and rear wheels of your motorcycle. Ensure the chocks are snug but not compressing the suspension excessively.

4. Securing the Front Wheel: Use two tie-down straps with padded hooks. Attach one strap to a secure point on each fork leg (above the triple clamp) and connect the other ends to the trailer’s tie-down points.

Securing Your Motorcycle Continued – Tie-Down Techniques

Here’s a continuation of securing your motorcycle using tie-down straps:

• Rear Wheel Securing: Use two additional tie-down straps for the rear wheel. Attach one strap to a secure point on each side of the swingarm (avoiding the chain or sprocket) and connect the other ends to the trailer’s tie-down points at an angle (ideally a 45-degree angle) toward the front of the trailer. Tighten the straps evenly, again compressing the suspension slightly.

• Triangle Tie-Down Technique (Optional): For added stability, consider the triangle tie-down technique. Use an additional strap to connect the handlebars (with soft loops attached) to a secure point on the front of the trailer, forming a triangle with the two front fork tie-down straps.

• Double-Check and Re-Tighten: Once all the straps are secured, walk around the motorcycle and trailer, visually inspecting the tie-down points and ensuring the straps are taut. Bounce the front and rear of the motorcycle slightly to check for excessive movement. Re-tighten any straps that seem loose after this test.

Electrical Connection and Safety Checks

• Trailer Lights: Ensure your trailer lights are functioning correctly before hitting the road. Verify brake lights, turn signals, and running lights.

• Safety Chains: Double-check that the safety chains connecting the trailer to your tow vehicle are properly crossed and securely fastened to both the trailer and tow vehicle.

• Mirror Adjustments: Adjust your tow vehicle’s mirrors to provide a clear view of the trailer and motorcycle while driving.

Hitting the Road – Safe Trailering Practices

Now that your motorcycle is securely loaded and your trailer is ready, here are some essential safe trailering practices to follow:

• Smooth Takeoffs and Stops: Avoid jerky starts and stops when towing a motorcycle trailer. Accelerate and decelerate gradually to maintain stability.

• Reduced Speed: Maintain a safe and reduced speed compared to your usual driving speed. This allows for increased reaction time and reduces the risk of trailer sway.

• Be Aware of Increased Stopping Distance: Remember that your stopping distance will be significantly increased when towing a trailer. Allow ample following distance between you and the vehicle in front.

• Regular Checks: Pull over periodically to inspect your motorcycle and trailer for any loose straps or potential issues. Re-tighten any straps that seem loose during these check-ups.

• Watch for Trailer Sway: Be aware of trailer sway, which can be caused by strong winds, uneven road surfaces, or improper weight distribution. If you experience trailer sway, gradually reduce your speed and pull over to a safe location to check your load and make adjustments if necessary.

Unloading Your Motorcycle and Post-Trailer Care

Once you’ve reached your destination, here’s how to safely unload your motorcycle and perform some post-trailer care:

1. Chock the Wheels: Before unloading, ensure the trailer wheels are chocked to prevent the trailer from rolling.

2. Release Tie-Down Straps: Slowly loosen the tie-down straps in the reverse order they were secured.

3. Carefully Unload: Use the ramp to carefully guide your motorcycle off the trailer.

4. Post-Trailer Inspection: After unloading, inspect your motorcycle for any damage that may have occurred during transport. Check the tire pressure again and ensure all parts are secure.

Hitting the Road – Safe Trailering Practices

• Know Your Route: Before heading out, plan your route carefully, considering road conditions, weight restrictions (especially for bridges), and potential stopping points suitable for trailer checks. Opt for major highways whenever possible, avoiding narrow or winding roads that could be more challenging to navigate with a trailer.

• Trailer Maintenance: While not specific to each trip, performing regular trailer maintenance is crucial for safe trailering. Check the trailer tires for proper inflation and wear, inspect the lights and electrical connections, and ensure the wheel bearings are properly lubricated according to your trailer’s maintenance schedule.

Safe and Secure Motorcycle Trailering

By following these steps and practicing safe trailering techniques, you can ensure your motorcycle arrives at its destination safely and securely. Remember, proper preparation, the right equipment, and a focus on safety are paramount for a successful motorcycle trailering experience.

Ready to hit the road with your motorcycle? Gear up for your next adventure by investing in a high-quality trailer, the necessary tie-down equipment, and familiarize yourself with safe trailering practices. With the proper knowledge and preparation, you can experience the freedom of exploring new destinations on two wheels without the limitations of distance.