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By Maningham Towing
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Motorcycles fall into their class of special needs and care when towing vehicles. Questions such as “Can motorcycles use tow trucks? ” come ringing in the mind, be it a breakdown, an accident, or simply wanting your motorcycle transported. The answer at Maningham Towing is an absolute yes! Our specialized motorcycle tow truck services are exactly what a doctor ordered for those riding, extending an extra special and gentle touch in handling, knowing that your bike will arrive safely and efficiently.
Can Motorcycles Use Tow Trucks?
Yes, motorcycles can and do take tow trucks! Not every towing company will be able to take on a motorcycle because these kinds of vehicles have needs unlike any other car or truck when it comes to towing. Motorcycles require specialized towing equipment that will fit them safely while in motion without causing further damage to them. Here at Maningham Towing, we employ motorcycle-specific tow trucks to manage bikes of any size, from scooters to heavy touring bikes.
How to Hook a Tow Truck to a Motorcycle?
Towing a motorcycle requires precision and the right equipment to safely transport the motorcycle. There are several ways to hook a motorcycle to a tow truck; they just all depend on what type of equipment is being used. We’ll describe the different methods of motorcycle tow trucks and how they work below.
1. Flatbed Towing
Flatbed towing is one of the safest ways to motorcycle tow trucks. This procedure allows the entire motorcycle to be placed atop a flatbed truck with no part of the bike touching the road at any instance during transportation. How this works:
Step 1: Loading the Motorcycle onto the Flatbed
First, the driver of the tow truck will use a loading ramp to slowly roll the motorcycle up onto the flatbed.
Once the motorcycle is on the flatbed, he will centre it and align it in a place where it would not move during transportation.
Step 2: Tying Down the Motorcycle
Now, the professional has to tie down the motorcycle with heavy-duty straps or tie-downs. These are attached to the bike’s frame or other specific tie-down points. One should avoid attaching the straps to sensitive parts of the motorcycle, like the handlebars or mirrors, since these can get easily damaged.
The straps are tightened to secure the motorcycle in place during transportation.
Step 3: Transportation of the Motorcycle
Once the bike is well strapped, the flatbed is hoisted, after which the tow truck can hit the road. With the motorcycle fully off the road, this technique guarantees minimum damage.
Flatbed towing is best suited for motorcycles that have major mechanical problems, whose wheels might be damaged or those that cannot be ridden following an accident.
2. Motorcycle Trailer Towing
Another common method of motorcycle tow trucks involves the use of a motorcycle trailer. These are trailers specially designed to convey motorcycles, and they can be towed with either a regular tow truck or with a separate vehicle. The following is how motorcycle trailer towing works:
Step 1: Alignment of the Motorcycle
The driver would then centre the motorcycle and align it with the trailer’s ramp. Some of the trailers have sidewalls to hold the bike upright once loaded or wheel chocks.
Step 2: Tie-down Motorcycle
Like in flatbed towing, the motorcycle will be strapped down with heavy-duty straps. These straps act as a support and safety for the motorcycle from shifting or tilting on the way.
Step 3: Towing the Trailer
Once the motorcycle is securely strapped down, the trailer couples with the tow truck and the vehicle is on its way. The trailers are best to be used for much longer trips or if the owner wants multiple motorcycles at a single time.
3. Wheel-Lift Towing
Wheel-lift towing is another less-used option for motorcycle tow trucks, compared to flatbed and trailer towing. It involves lifting the front wheel of the motorcycle off the ground, while the rear stays on the road. Here’s how wheel-lift towing goes:
Step 1: Attaching the Lift
A special wheel lift is then attached to the front wheel of the motorcycle; this lift raises the front wheel off the ground while the back wheel rolls freely on the road.
Step 2: Securing the Motorcycle
The motorcycle is then strapped down with straps in such a way that it will not fall off during the transport.
Step 3: Towing the Motorcycle
The towing truck starts the process with the front wheel lifted and the rear wheel on the road. This method is used when the distance is comparatively short or there is no access to a flatbed or trailer.
This is done only when the motorcycle is in good shape and the back wheel is operational because the rear tyre would be in contact with the road since it’s being towed.
Trust Maningham Towing for Your Motorcycle Towing Needs
At Maningham Towing, we pride ourselves on offering reliable and professional motorcycle tow truck services.