How to Load and Secure a Motorcycle in a Moving Truck

To secure a motorcycle in a moving truck, use two to four ratchet tie-down straps attached to the truck’s built-in anchor points. Loop soft-loop straps around the front fork tubes (not the handlebars), compress the front suspension 20–30%, and ratchet each strap tight so the motorcycle cannot lean or fall. Use a front wheel chock to prevent rolling and a rear tire strap or additional tie-downs to keep the bike locked in place. This guide walks through each step — from loading with a ramp to securing in a U-Haul, van, or pickup truck bed.

1. Loading

First things first. Before you come to tie down the motorcycle, there are a few things to make the process of loading it a lot less risky. Your best friends for this procedure are a good ramp and a good, well, friend.

If you don’t own a ramp and none came with the truck or van you’re using, you may prefer to build your own. Full instructions for building a ramp from scratch can be found here. In brief, you’ll need some DIY equipment, some lumber and confidence in your woodworking abilities.

If you have a ramp, here’s what you need to remember. Keep the ramp on a level surface – tarmac or concrete preferably – so there is a minimal risk of the motorcycle tipping on its ascent.

It can help to position the truck (or van) and ramp on a sloping surface so that gravity will supplement the force needed to push a motorcycle up the incline. If you have a larger or heavier-than-average motorcycle, this is a useful tip.

It is recommended that you do not try to lift the motorcycle on yourself, whether it’s large or small. Don’t be a hero! If you are forced to attempt this, try to have the motorcycle on a platform higher than the street level, akin to a loading dock, to reduce the height you will need to lift the motorcycle.

A little support goes a long way, and a friend, neighbor or family member will be of great assistance during this. The more the merrier. One to hold the motorcycle on the other side of the ramp, to prevent it from tipping one way or the other, and another to greet the motorcycle as it enters the truck bed, is the ideal number. If this isn’t possible, don’t worry. Follow the previous steps and you should be fine.

So now your motorcycle is in the truckbed or van interior. What now?

2. Securing

It is much easier to secure the motorcycle if you have a friend to hold it upright as you do. If you don’t have anyone else handy, use the kickstand – but remember to flick it up before you drive off, otherwise, the kickstand can gouge a hole in the truck bed or van floor.

Avail yourself of two tie-down straps. You can purchase them at any hardware store, home center and most garages. Tie one end of the strap to the side of the truck bed or van interior in line with the front tire. (It doesn’t matter which side you tie down first.) Next tie the end of one strap to the trailer body. Then tighten the knot to keep it secure. Most trucks will have special tie-down points for this purpose. Look for hooks or loops on the bed/floor before you begin.

Loop one strap around either of the front suspension tubes. Start with the one on the same side that you tied the first strap. Loop around the tube, taking care not to loop around the shock absorber. The shock absorber is not strong enough to restrain your motorcycle.

Then tighten the ratchet! Make sure it is as tight as it will go without damaging your motorcycle. Repeat the same procedure on the other side of your motorcycle. They should be taut enough that the motorcycle cannot fall over. Don’t be afraid to give it an experimental push to make sure of this.

If you’re concerned the straps may damage the bodywork, simply slip a cloth or garment between the strap and the part in question. This will protect the bodywork without sacrificing the tightness of the straps.

When tying down the rear of the motorcycle, you can loop around the rear tyre to make absolutely sure the motorcycle will not roll in transit.

Now you’re ready to begin!

3. Tips and Tricks

A few helpful tips and tricks to ensure the safe arrival or your motorcycle and you:

• Drain as much fluid from the motorcycle as you can before loading. This will cause less centripetal force to be applied to your motorcycle as well as mitigating the risk of leaks.
• Speaking of leaks, just in case one occurs it can be helpful to lay down a cloth or rag under the motorcycle to catch any drips. This has two benefits: It should prevent any stains on the truck bed, and, if the motorcycle is travelling in an enclosed space with the driver, it will help soak up anything that might cause toxic fumes.
• A wheel chock will also help your front tyre from turning side to side.
• Try not to rest the rear motorcycle tyre against the tailgate if you can help it. There’s always the risk that the tailgate will pop open!

4. An Even Easier Method

If you want an even better guarantee of your motorcycle’s safety, it’s wise to rely on a professional. Citizenshipper has hundreds of vetted and experienced motorcycle transporters waiting to hear about your shipment and offer a quote. Because CitizenShipper is an online marketplace to link customers with transporters, prices are driven down by competition and you need not expect a hefty quote. You are also free to pick and choose which transporter you want, and able to contact them to find out everything you wish to know about their equipment and their knowhow.

So why wait? Post your shipment for free on CitizenShipper and find out very quickly what options you have. Remember to mention your motorcycle make and model, destination, origin and time frame, and let the marketplace do the rest.

Prefer to leave it to the pros? If securing your motorcycle yourself feels like too much risk, CitizenShipper connects you with background-checked motorcycle transporters who handle loading, securing, and delivery. Get free quotes →

What You Need Before Loading a Motorcycle Into a Truck

Before loading a motorcycle into a pickup truck, cargo van, or trailer, it’s important to gather the proper equipment to keep both the bike and the people handling it safe. Motorcycles are heavy, awkward to balance, and easy to damage if they shift during loading or transport. Having the right gear makes the process smoother and significantly reduces the risk of tipping, scratches, or tie-down failures.

Here’s a basic motorcycle loading equipment checklist:

• Loading ramp — Aluminum or reinforced wood ramp at least 6 feet long to reduce the loading angle
• Ratchet tie-down straps — Two to four heavy-duty straps rated for at least 1,500 pounds working load capacity
• Soft loops — Prevent scratches and damage to handlebars, forks, or the triple tree when attaching straps
• Front wheel chock — Helps stabilize the motorcycle upright during loading and transport
• Padding or moving blankets — Protect painted surfaces and prevent rubbing against truck walls or other cargo
• A helper — Strongly recommended for balance and safety, especially with heavier cruisers or touring motorcycles

Many riders also use gloves for better grip and non-slip shoes while walking the bike up the ramp. Before loading, make sure the truck bed or trailer has properly rated anchor points for securing the motorcycle safely during transport.

How to Secure a Motorcycle in a U-Haul Truck

U-Haul box trucks are a popular option for moving motorcycles because they provide enclosed protection from weather and include built-in tie-down systems. The company’s 10-foot, 15-foot, and 20-foot trucks all include interior E-track rails and D-ring anchor points that can be used to secure motorcycles safely during transport.

To secure the bike properly, first position the motorcycle at the front of the cargo area with the front wheel centered and ideally placed into a wheel chock. U-Haul rents motorcycle wheel chocks and loading ramps separately at many locations, which can make the loading process much easier and safer.

Once the motorcycle is upright, attach soft loops around the handlebars or lower triple tree to avoid scratching painted or chrome surfaces. Connect ratchet straps from the soft loops to the E-track rails or D-rings on opposite sides of the truck. Compress the front suspension slightly while tightening the straps to prevent the bike from bouncing during transit.

Use at least four tie-down points total:

• Two front straps pulling forward and outward
• Two rear stabilization straps preventing side-to-side movement

Avoid over-tightening straps, which can damage seals or suspension components. After driving a few miles, stop and recheck strap tension.

Another popular U-Haul option is the 6×12 enclosed cargo trailer, which offers lower loading height and easier motorcycle access compared to taller box trucks. Many riders prefer enclosed trailers for shorter moves because they reduce wind exposure and road debris while still offering secure tie-down points.

Shipping long distance? Renting a U-Haul for a cross-country motorcycle move can cost $1,000+ in truck rental, fuel, and tolls. Professional motorcycle transport through CitizenShipper often costs less. Compare quotes for free →

How to Secure a Motorcycle in a Van

Cargo vans are commonly used for motorcycle transport because they provide enclosed protection while remaining easier to drive and park than large moving trucks. Most full-size cargo vans offer approximately 50–55 inches of interior width, which is usually enough room for one standard motorcycle positioned upright.

One important limitation is that many vans lack factory-installed motorcycle tie-down systems. Before transporting a bike, inspect the cargo area for anchor points. If the van does not include sufficient tie-down locations, many riders install aftermarket E-track rails or bolt-in D-rings for safer strap placement.

Because cargo vans have a lower roof height than box trucks, loading can be more difficult. In many cases, you cannot comfortably walk beside the motorcycle while pushing it up the ramp. Instead, riders usually load the bike carefully while standing behind it and keeping it balanced upright throughout the process.

To secure the motorcycle:

• Position the front wheel against the front wall or a portable wheel chock
• Use soft loops around handlebars or triple tree areas
• Attach ratchet straps to anchor points at opposing angles
• Compress the front suspension slightly for stability
• Add rear straps to reduce lateral movement

Padding or moving blankets can help protect interior walls and painted surfaces during transport. Since vans are enclosed, they also offer better weather protection and theft security than open truck beds or utility trailers.

How to Secure a Motorcycle in a Pickup Truck Bed

Pickup trucks are one of the most common ways to transport motorcycles locally because they’re widely available and relatively easy to load. Most riders use a loading ramp attached to the lowered tailgate to roll the motorcycle into the bed.

A bed-mounted wheel chock is highly recommended because it helps stabilize the front wheel while tie-down straps are attached. Without a wheel chock, the motorcycle can become difficult to balance during the securing process.

Once loaded, attach soft loops to the handlebars or lower triple tree and connect ratchet straps to secure anchor points in the truck bed. Many pickups include bed-mounted D-rings, which provide the most secure attachment locations. Some owners also use soft tie-down anchors attached to the bed rails, though fixed D-rings generally provide better stability for heavier motorcycles.

For best results:

• Use two front straps pulling forward and outward
• Add rear stabilization straps if traveling long distance
• Compress the front suspension slightly
• Keep the bike centered in the truck bed

One downside of pickup transport is exposure to weather, road debris, and theft. Rain, dust, and highway grime can accumulate quickly during long-distance trips. Some riders use motorcycle covers, though loose covers can flap in the wind and potentially damage paint if not secured properly.

Frequently Asked Questions