Broken Motorcycle: How to Tow a Two-Wheeler?

If there is a mechanical or electronic problem with a car, towing the vehicle is relatively easy. This operation, while requiring obvious precautions, does not require heavy equipment. A motorcycle may be much more compact and light, but its transport is more complicated. How to tow a motorcycle? Here is the procedure to take home a broken-down two-wheeler.

Specificities of motorcycle towing and methods

Since the motorcycle has only two wheels, you cannot tow it just to bring it home as you can with a car. There are several methods of safely returning a motorcycle. To do this, you will need specific equipment or vehicle.

Flat towing

As its name suggests, flat towing consists of laying the motorcycle on one of its sides on a sufficiently large surface. Flat towing is one of the most widely used methods as it offers a high degree of safety.

Indeed, what is on the ground cannot fall lower. If the two-wheeler is well secured, the operation is safe (both for the motorcycle and for other road users). You will need a van or trailer to do this.

Towing on a specific trolley

Specialized companies sell specific towing carts for motorcycles. Concretely, it looks like a trailer whose rear can fall on the ground to act as a ramp. The bottom of the trailer is equipped with a locking device for the front wheel.

Rear-wheel towing

Towing on the rear wheel (or cradle) is done using special equipment that is attached to the tow ball of any vehicle. This is a frame that is intended to accommodate the front wheel of the motorcycle.

The rear wheel rolls on the road. All well secured, you can then board the vehicle and tow the motorcycle. The advantage of this method is its cost since it requires affordable equipment.

Secure the motorcycle

Regardless of the method used, you must ensure that the motorcycle is securely immobilized using straps. This is all the more important if you opt for flat towing. A speed bump or a turn could indeed damage the two-wheeler during transport.

Things to know before towing a motorcycle

Before embarking on a motorcycle towing operation, there are other things to consider. You must first ensure that you respect the rules in terms of PTAC. In other words, is the weight of the motorcycle less than the mass that the vehicle can legally carry? If you use a friend’s equipment, keep in mind that there are also driving license constraints when hitching over 750 kg.

In the case of borrowing the team of an acquaintance who does not require a trailer license (less than 500 kg), the license plate number of the trailer must correspond to the plate of the car. Also, check that your insurance covers hitches. And to conclude, check that the lights of the trailer are working before setting off.