Whether you're hauling a dirt bike to the track, loading an ADV bike for a weekend trip, or transporting a motorcycle in a trailer or truck bed, securing it properly is one of the most important parts of the trip.
A motorcycle that isn't properly secured can shift as you accelerate, brake, turn, or hit bumps in the road. A loose strap or poorly positioned bike can quickly turn into damaged plastics, scratched paint, bent parts, or a motorcycle on its side.
The good news is that tying down a motorcycle doesn't need to be complicated.
With a solid wheel chock, quality tie-down straps, secure anchor points, and the right setup, you can keep your motorcycle stable from the time you load it until you reach your destination.
In this guide, we'll walk through the equipment you need, how to tie down a motorcycle step by step, where to attach your straps, how tight they should be, and some of the most common mistakes to avoid.
Important: Every motorcycle is different. Always check your motorcycle owner's manual for manufacturer-recommended transport procedures and tie-down points before securing your bike.
What Do You Need to Tie Down a Motorcycle?
Before loading the bike, get everything ready. Trying to find a strap or reposition a wheel chock while you're balancing a motorcycle in a trailer isn't much fun.
A typical motorcycle hauling setup includes:
- Quality tie-down straps with an adequate working load limit
- Soft loops or tie-downs with integrated soft loops
- Secure, properly installed anchor points
- A motorcycle wheel chock
- A loading ramp when loading into a truck or trailer
Depending on your motorcycle and hauling setup, additional rear tie-downs may be used to further limit side-to-side and forward-and-back movement.
The exact number of straps and appropriate attachment points can vary by motorcycle, which is another reason to check the manufacturer's recommendations before loading.
Why Soft Loops Matter
Metal hooks aren't something you want rubbing against painted, polished, or easily damaged parts of your motorcycle.
Soft loops create an attachment point between the motorcycle and the hardware on the tie-down strap. They can also make it easier to secure a motorcycle in areas where directly attaching a hook would be difficult.
Some motorcycle tie-downs build the soft loop directly into the strap. Rad Haul Swivel-Hook Soft-Loop Moto Tie Downs, for example, combine an integrated soft loop with a swivel carabiner and rubber-coated S-hook, eliminating the need to keep track of separate soft loops during loading.
Whatever system you use, make sure the attachment point itself is structurally appropriate for securing your particular motorcycle.
Why Use a Motorcycle Wheel Chock?
Tie-down straps secure the motorcycle, but controlling the front wheel is also an important part of a good hauling setup.
A motorcycle wheel chock positions the front wheel and helps prevent it from moving from side to side while you're securing and transporting the bike. It can also make the loading and tie-down process easier by giving the front tire a consistent place to go.
That becomes especially useful when you're hauling regularly.
Traditional fixed wheel chocks work well when a trailer has one dedicated layout, but not every trailer is used for the same thing every weekend. You might haul two dirt bikes one trip and a side-by-side the next.
That's one reason we designed the Rad Haul E-Track Motorcycle Wheel Chock around a compact, removable E-track setup.
It installs into E-track and can position a motorcycle straight or at an angle up to 45 degrees without adding wedges or re-bolting the chock. The adjustable cleat height is designed for everything from small 50cc dirt bikes through full-size 450s and ADV bikes.
Angling the motorcycles can also help make better use of trailer space when you're hauling multiple bikes.
The goal of the chock is simple: give the front wheel a controlled position while your tie-down system does the work of securing the motorcycle.
How to Tie Down a Motorcycle Step by Step
There isn't one universal tie-down configuration that works for every motorcycle, trailer, and pickup. Different motorcycles have different frames, suspension designs, handlebars, bodywork, and manufacturer-recommended attachment points.
The basic process, however, remains similar.
Step 1: Prepare Your Truck or Trailer
Get the hauling setup ready before loading the motorcycle.
Make sure your truck or trailer is parked on a stable, level surface whenever possible. Inspect the area where the bike will sit and make sure you have enough room around it to attach and tighten the straps.
Before loading, check:
- Wheel chock position
- Tie-down anchor locations
- Condition of the straps and webbing
- Hooks, carabiners, buckles, and other hardware
- Loading ramp position and security
- Clearance around the motorcycle
If you're using E-track, make sure the track and fittings are properly installed and suitable for the load.
It's also a good idea to roughly plan your strap angles before the bike is loaded. A secure attachment point isn't very useful if the motorcycle blocks access to it once it's in place.
Step 2: Load the Motorcycle
Use a loading ramp that is appropriate for the motorcycle and the height of the truck or trailer. Make sure the ramp is securely positioned and cannot slide away from the vehicle while the motorcycle is being loaded.
Reducing the loading angle when possible can make the process easier, particularly with heavier motorcycles.
If you're not comfortable loading the bike alone, get another person to help.
Once the motorcycle is inside the truck or trailer, move the front wheel into the wheel chock or its intended position.
Step 3: Position the Front Wheel
Seat the front tire securely in the wheel chock.
With a traditional setup, the motorcycle will usually face straight forward. Depending on your trailer configuration and wheel chock, however, angled loading may also be an option.
Angling motorcycles can be useful when you're trying to fit multiple bikes into an enclosed trailer or leave additional room for other equipment.
If you're using a repositionable E-track wheel chock, adjust its location and angle for your trailer layout before beginning the final tie-down process.
Regardless of the angle, make sure the tire is properly positioned against the chock before securing the motorcycle.
Step 4: Choose the Correct Front Tie-Down Points
This is one of the most important parts of securing a motorcycle, and it's also where generic advice can cause problems.
There is no single attachment point that is correct for every motorcycle.
Some motorcycles have manufacturer-designated tie-down locations. On others, a strong structural location around the frame or triple-clamp area may be appropriate.
Avoid blindly attaching a strap to a handlebar simply because it's convenient. Depending on the motorcycle, handlebars and controls may not be designed to handle tie-down forces and can potentially bend or become damaged.
Also avoid attaching straps to:
- Mirrors
- Brake or clutch lines
- Wiring
- Plastic bodywork
- Turn signals
- Exhaust components
- Other parts that can bend, move, or break
Consult your motorcycle owner's manual for recommended transport points whenever possible.
Once you've identified an appropriate attachment location, a soft loop can provide a connection point without putting a metal hook directly against the motorcycle.
Step 5: Attach and Tension the Front Straps
Attach one tie-down to each side of the motorcycle.
Ideally, the straps should pull the bike toward secure anchor points while providing lateral stability. Avoid positioning the straps where they rub against plastics, cables, brake lines, painted surfaces, or sharp edges.
Take the slack out gradually.
Rather than fully tightening one side and then moving to the other, work back and forth between the straps. This helps keep the motorcycle centered and upright as tension increases.
Check the motorcycle's position as you go.
The goal is a bike that remains upright and stable without unnecessary stress on the motorcycle or its components.
Step 6: Apply Appropriate Suspension Compression
The suspension should generally have some compression once the motorcycle is secured.
Your motorcycle's suspension continues to move while the truck or trailer travels over bumps and uneven roads. If there isn't enough tension in the system, suspension movement can allow the straps to temporarily lose tension.
But more compression isn't automatically better.
Do not crank the straps down until the suspension is completely bottomed out. Excessive compression can place unnecessary stress on the motorcycle and its suspension.
There isn't one percentage of suspension compression that applies to every motorcycle. Use enough tension to keep the motorcycle secure and the straps loaded while still leaving suspension travel available.
Follow manufacturer-specific transport recommendations when available.
Step 7: Secure the Rear of the Motorcycle
Once the front is stable, evaluate the rear of the bike.
Rear tie-downs can help limit side-to-side movement and prevent the back of the motorcycle from moving around as the vehicle accelerates, brakes, and turns.
Suitable rear attachment locations vary widely between motorcycles. Depending on the bike, a structural frame location, swingarm, or another manufacturer-approved point may be appropriate.
Avoid running straps against brake lines, wiring, exhaust components, bodywork, or other delicate parts.
Rear tie-downs are generally used to help control unwanted movement rather than heavily compress the rear suspension. Follow the motorcycle manufacturer's recommendations for your particular setup.
Step 8: Raise the Kickstand
A kickstand can be useful temporarily while you're getting the motorcycle positioned and beginning the tie-down process.
It shouldn't be relied on as part of the final securement system.
Once the bike is upright and supported by the tie-down setup, raise the kickstand before transport unless the motorcycle manufacturer specifically directs otherwise.
The motorcycle should be held by the wheel chock, tie-downs, and secure attachment points rather than resting its weight on the kickstand.
Step 9: Perform a Final Stability Check
Before closing the trailer door or pulling away, inspect the entire setup.
Check that:
- The motorcycle is upright and positioned correctly
- The front wheel is properly seated
- All straps have adequate tension
- Hooks and carabiners are fully engaged
- Strap hardware is properly secured
- Nothing is rubbing against bodywork, wiring, hoses, or sharp edges
- The kickstand is up
- Excess webbing is secured
- The rear of the motorcycle cannot easily move side to side
Give the motorcycle a controlled push from different directions.
You may see some normal movement from the motorcycle's suspension, but the bike itself shouldn't be able to shift significantly around the trailer or truck bed.
If something doesn't look right, fix it before driving.
How Tight Should Motorcycle Tie-Down Straps Be?
Motorcycle tie-down straps should be tight enough to keep the bike upright, maintain tension, and prevent unwanted movement without completely bottoming out the suspension.
Loose straps can allow the motorcycle to shift, while excessive tension can unnecessarily load suspension components or put stress on the motorcycle's attachment points.
After tightening the straps, check the motorcycle from the front and rear and give it a controlled push. If the motorcycle can shift significantly within the truck or trailer, revisit the strap tension and attachment points.
Where Should You Attach Tie-Down Straps on a Motorcycle?
Use strong, structurally appropriate attachment points recommended for your particular motorcycle.
Depending on the bike, these may include manufacturer-designated tie-down points, portions of the frame, or appropriate locations around the triple-clamp area.
Don't choose an attachment point simply because a hook fits around it. A location that's appropriate on one motorcycle may not be suitable on another, so check the owner's manual before securing the bike.
Common Motorcycle Tie-Down Mistakes to Avoid
Most motorcycle hauling problems aren't caused by some complicated technical failure. They're often the result of simple setup mistakes.
Here are some of the big ones to avoid:
- Using worn or damaged straps: Inspect webbing and hardware before every trip. Replace equipment that shows significant wear, cuts, fraying, deformation, or damage.
- Using weak attachment points on the motorcycle: Mirrors, plastics, controls, and other delicate components aren't substitutes for structural tie-down points.
- Using questionable truck or trailer anchors: Your motorcycle tie-down is only as secure as the anchor holding the other end.
- Allowing metal hardware to rub against the bike: Soft loops and coated hardware can help protect painted or finished surfaces.
- Bottoming out the suspension: More strap tension isn't always better.
- Leaving the kickstand down: Once the motorcycle is properly secured, the stand generally shouldn't be supporting the bike during transport.
- Leaving loose webbing unsecured: Tie off excess strap material so it isn't whipping around during the trip.
- Forgetting the rear of the motorcycle: Even with a stable front end, the rear can move laterally if the overall setup doesn't control it.
- Assuming every motorcycle ties down the same way: Always account for the specific motorcycle you're hauling.
A few extra minutes during loading can save you from finding a bike leaning against the wall of the trailer when you arrive.
Tying Down a Motorcycle in a Truck Bed vs. a Trailer
The basic principles are the same whether you're hauling a motorcycle in a pickup bed, open trailer, or enclosed trailer. You still need to control the front wheel, use secure anchor points, choose appropriate attachment locations on the motorcycle, and maintain proper strap tension.
The biggest differences usually come down to available space, anchor locations, and loading configuration.
Transporting a Motorcycle in a Truck Bed
A pickup bed typically gives you less room to work with and fewer options for positioning the motorcycle. Depending on the height of the truck, you may also be dealing with a steeper loading angle.
Before loading, consider the length of the motorcycle relative to the bed, where your tie-down anchors are located, how the straps will clear the bodywork, and whether the tailgate can be closed or needs to remain down.
A secure loading ramp becomes especially important with taller trucks and heavier motorcycles.
Transporting a Motorcycle in a Trailer
Open and enclosed trailers can offer more flexibility, especially when they're equipped with E-track or other configurable anchor systems.
With more floor space and adjustable anchor locations, you may be able to change the position or angle of the motorcycle, haul multiple bikes, or leave room for riding gear and other equipment.
If your trailer serves multiple purposes, removable or low-profile hardware can also help keep the floor and wall space usable when the motorcycles stay home.
Whichever setup you're using, plan the wheel position, anchor locations, and strap angles before loading the bike.
Should You Recheck Motorcycle Tie-Downs During a Trip?
Yes.
Even a motorcycle that feels solid when you leave can settle after the first part of the drive.
Suspension movement, vibration, and the bike settling into its final position can change strap tension.
Stop after you've been driving for a short period and inspect the motorcycle. Check each strap, attachment point, hook, buckle, and the position of the bike.
For longer trips, check the setup periodically and after particularly rough sections of road.
It takes a couple of minutes and is a lot easier than dealing with a motorcycle that shifted because a strap lost tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Wheel Chock to Transport a Motorcycle?
A wheel chock isn't part of every possible motorcycle transport setup, but it is a highly useful way to position and control the front wheel. When paired with a proper tie-down system, a chock helps prevent unwanted front-wheel movement and can make loading and securing the motorcycle easier.
How Many Tie-Down Straps Do You Need for a Motorcycle?
There isn't one number that applies to every motorcycle and hauling setup. Many setups use two primary front straps along with additional rear securement, but always account for your motorcycle, anchor locations, and manufacturer recommendations.
Should the Kickstand Be Up or Down When Transporting a Motorcycle?
In most tie-down setups, the kickstand should be up during transport. The final setup should support and secure the motorcycle without relying on the kickstand unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.
Can You Tie Down a Motorcycle by the Handlebars?
It depends on the motorcycle. Handlebars shouldn't be treated as a universal tie-down point because some bars, mounts, and controls can be damaged by tie-down forces. Check the owner's manual for approved attachment points.
How Tight Should Motorcycle Tie-Down Straps Be?
Tight enough to keep the motorcycle stable and maintain tension without completely bottoming out the suspension or unnecessarily stressing the motorcycle or its attachment points.
Should You Compress Motorcycle Suspension When Tying It Down?
Some suspension compression can help maintain strap tension, but the suspension shouldn't be completely bottomed out. Follow manufacturer guidance when available.
Can You Transport a Motorcycle in a Pickup Truck?
Yes. Motorcycles are commonly transported in pickup beds using a suitable loading ramp, secure anchor points, quality tie-downs, and a wheel chock or other appropriate front-wheel positioning system.
Make Motorcycle Hauling Simpler
Getting your motorcycle to the trail, track, campsite, or next riding spot shouldn't be the stressful part of the trip.
A good hauling setup comes down to a few fundamentals: control the front wheel, use quality tie-down equipment, attach to the right points, maintain proper tension, and double-check everything before you leave.
That's also the thinking behind the motorcycle hauling gear we build at Rad Haul.
The Rad Haul E-Track Motorcycle Wheel Chock gives riders a compact, adjustable way to position bikes in E-track-equipped trailers and truck beds. Its adjustable design makes it easy to configure your hauling setup for everything from small dirt bikes to larger ADV motorcycles.
Pair it with Rad Haul Swivel-Hook Soft-Loop Moto Tie Downs, which combine 1.5-inch polyester webbing, integrated soft loops, swivel carabiners, rubber-coated S-hooks, and a 500-pound working load per strap.
Simple setup. Secure hold. More time riding.
Lock it down. Roll out. Find everything you need HERE.