{"id":3053,"date":"2020-08-03T05:37:27","date_gmt":"2020-08-03T11:37:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citizenshipper.com\/blog\/?p=3053"},"modified":"2026-05-15T09:05:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T15:05:09","slug":"how-to-secure-a-motorcycle-in-a-moving-truck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citizenshipper.com\/blog\/how-to-secure-a-motorcycle-in-a-moving-truck\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Load and Secure a Motorcycle in a Moving Truck"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u201330%, 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 \u2014 from loading with a ramp to securing in a U-Haul, van, or pickup truck bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Loading<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t own a ramp and none came with the truck or van you\u2019re using, you may prefer to build your own. Full instructions for <\/span>building a ramp from scratch can be found here<\/span><\/a>. In brief, you\u2019ll need some DIY equipment, some lumber and confidence in your woodworking abilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have a ramp, here\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

It can help to position the truck (or van) and ramp on a sloping surface so that gravity will supplement<\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is recommended that you do not try to lift the motorcycle on yourself, whether it\u2019s large or small. Don\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019t possible, don\u2019t worry. Follow the previous steps and you should be fine.<\/span><\/p>\n

So now your motorcycle is in the truckbed or van interior. What now?<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Securing<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It is much easier to secure the motorcycle if you have a friend to hold it upright as you do. If you don\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019t be afraid to give it an experimental push to make sure of this.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now you\u2019re ready to begin!<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Tips and Tricks<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A few helpful tips and tricks to ensure the safe arrival or your motorcycle and you:<\/span><\/p>\n