Why a standard wheel-lift cannot tow a motorcycle
A standard wheel-lift tow truck works by lifting either the front or rear axle of a four-wheeled vehicle while the other axle rolls on the ground. Motorcycles are two-wheeled — lifting one wheel and letting the other roll creates an inherently unstable configuration that puts the bike at high risk of tipping sideways during transport.\n\nBeyond stability, wheel-lift towing a motorcycle with a conventional yoke is physically impossible on most bikes. The yoke is designed to cradle two wheels at a set width. A motorcycle has a single narrow wheel that a standard yoke cannot properly grip or support.\n\nSome operators have improvised motorcycle towing with wheel-lift trucks by strapping the bike to the yoke or using additional rigging. These improvised methods are unreliable and create serious risk of the bike falling during transport. The cosmetic and structural damage from a dropped motorcycle during towing typically costs $500-3,000 to repair. See the proper equipment and method for motorcycle towing.
What a proper motorcycle tow truck looks like
The correct equipment for motorcycle towing is a flatbed truck fitted with a motorcycle wheel chock and a set of soft loop tie-down straps.\n\nThe wheel chock is a cradle that holds the front wheel of the motorcycle upright and stationary. It mounts to the flatbed deck and keeps the bike from falling sideways during loading and transport. Wheel chocks come in different sizes for different wheel diameters — a chock designed for a 17-inch wheel will not properly secure a 21-inch front wheel on an adventure bike.\n\nSoft loop tie-down straps attach to the motorcycle handlebars and frame using fabric loops rather than metal hooks. The loops prevent contact damage to chrome and painted surfaces while providing the holding strength needed to keep the bike secure.\n\nA flatbed with these two components can safely transport virtually any motorcycle. A flatbed without them is not properly equipped for motorcycle recovery even though it is technically a flatbed.
How to confirm the right equipment before dispatch
When you call for motorcycle towing, ask two specific questions before confirming the dispatch.\n\nFirst: do you have a wheel chock on your flatbed for motorcycles? A qualified operator will answer yes without hesitation and can tell you what size chock they carry. An operator who says they will figure it out or who does not know what a wheel chock is should not be dispatched for your bike.\n\nSecond: do you have soft loop tie-down straps? Again, a qualified operator answers yes immediately. These are standard equipment for any tow company that regularly handles motorcycles.\n\nIf the dispatcher cannot confirm both pieces of equipment, call the next company on your list. A 10-minute wait for a properly equipped operator is far better than the hours and expense of dealing with a dropped or damaged bike.
Situations where a different approach may be needed
Most motorcycles are best served by a flatbed with proper motorcycle equipment. A few situations call for a different approach.\n\nHeavy touring bikes and cruisers with very wide tires may not fit standard wheel chocks designed for sport bikes. A powersports-specific towing company with a range of chock sizes is the best call for these bikes.\n\nMotorcycles that are down on their side and cannot be righted safely at the scene may require a recovery sled or low-clearance loading equipment to get them onto the flatbed without additional damage.\n\nFor short-distance moves in a controlled environment — like moving a non-running bike from a garage to a shop one block away — a purpose-built motorcycle trailer pulled by a pickup truck is a practical alternative. Most rental equipment companies rent motorcycle trailers by the day. See what professional motorcycle towing costs to decide whether a rental or a tow service makes more sense for your situation. See your full motorcycle roadside assistance options.