Moving a motorcycle seems much easier than moving a car. After all, it is smaller and lighter. Although it is possible to move the motorcycle on your own, either by riding it or by towing it, most who have done it will tell you that it seems easier than it really is.
We are not trying to discourage you from moving a motorcycle on your own. By all means, do it because experience is one of the best teachers. This post is meant to help you know what to expect when you move it on your own.
When you know the challenges you could face, you could better prepare for it. You also get to decide whether you are willing to do the work or take the easier route by leaving it in the hands of the professionals.
Table of Contents
ToggleThe reason why people decide to transport their own motorcycle is that they think they could save money out of it. Additionally, they also have better control over the situation so they feel that they could better take care of the motorcycle.
When you transport the motorcycle on your own, you get to decide when it leaves. You are the one who’s going to make the schedule and you’re also responsible for following it.
While it is true and possible to be in control and to save money out of transporting the motorcycle on your own,.not all save money out of it. Only when it is done right would you be able to save money out of it. Additionally, it will also depend on the distance that you need to cover. Furthermore, if the motorcycle receives damage due to improper shipping, then you’ll have to spend more trying to repair the damage.
One of the main challenges for transporting a motorcycle on your own is the lack of equipment. Do you have a flatbed or a trailer that can accommodate your entire motorcycle? The good news is there are some who rent these out.
However, you still have to have the right tools and equipment to secure your motorcycle in it. It is very important that the motorcycle is properly secured or else it might fall during the transport. You need high-quality tie-downs to ensure that they are secure in place. Even with an enclosed trailer, the motorcycle could still get damaged when it bumps around the trailer.
Another piece of equipment that might not have is a ramp that would help you successfully load your motorcycle in the trailer. Although you can improvise by using wood planks, you still have to make sure that they are securely attached to the trailer before you load. If not, then it could fall down and your motorcycle could go with it.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, it is important for you to secure the motorcycle on the trailer or on the flatbed. Along with the lack of tools or equipment, you may also lack the knowledge on how to do that.
There is a certain way to secure the motorcycle using the tie downs. It should not be too loose or too tight. When it is too loose or too tight, you risk damaging the motorcycle and that’s the last thing you want to do.
If you are going to attach the motorcycle on a dolly or a towing cradle, you also have to be careful while driving the vehicle. Even if the front wheel is secured on the cradle, there is still a chance for it to tip over on its side. That could happen when you are making a sharp turn. If you don’t notice that your motorcycle is tipped over, you could drag it on its side for a long period of time, which could really damage your motorcycle.
Time is another resource you’d be spending if you transport your motorcycle. If you need to transport it crossing several states, then you’d have to travel longer. If you transport it by means of riding it, you need to stop and take a rest.
Furthermore, if you tow it, you’d also have to stop to rest and to check if it is still secure in place. Connections can get loose due to the vibrations while traveling. That’s why you always have to check regularly.
If you are unsure about towing your own motorcycle or if you and your motorcycle met an accident, there is no other towing company that you should call in the Raleigh area than Straight-Away Towing Service…