Motorcycle Towing Made Easy: Complete Guide to Tow A Motorcycle Safely on Perth Roads
Do you ride a bike around Perth’s suburbs, the coastline, or the winding Perth Hills? If yes, you know one thing for sure: adventure doesn’t always go as planned.
A flat tyre in the hills, a dead battery in Fremantle, or a breakdown halfway through a weekend ride to Mandurah… They all can stop your journey in an instant. And towing motorcycles wrong way can cause more damage.
One slip, one loose strap, or one shaky ramp is all it takes.
At South City Towing, we meet adventure riders all the time. From big touring bikes to cruisers and ADV machines covered in dust. So, we get what your bike means to you. We’ll guide you on how to tow a motorcycle safely.
So, you can take it to repair shop next time without damaging your pride and joy.
Types of Motorcycle Towing Perth Services
Yup there are more than one method available for motorbike tow.
Since every bike is different. E.g. regular motorcycles are easy to carry but adventure riders carry much more weight. That’s why, you should always choose the right towing method. It depends on your bike’s condition and the transport distance.
1- Flatbed Towing
The safest method for heavy cruisers, big adventure bikes, and long-distance tourers. Your bike sits completely on the tray, secured from all sides. You should choose it for long distances across Perth or for bikes that aren’t rolling properly.
2- Motorcycle Trailer Transport
Some riders prefer motorcycle trailers for shorter moves. A proper motorcycle trailer comes with wheel chocks, ramps and anchoring points designed for two-wheel transport. It is safer even for big bikes like Harleys and GS models.
3- Tilt Tray Towing
It is perfect for bikes that can’t be rolled or steered. The tray lowers down, creating a gentle loading angle. You can use it for sports bikes, accident-damaged bikes, or bigger adventure bikes with tricky weight distribution.
4- Hitch Carrier
A hitch carrier is a platform that connects directly to the tow hitch of your vehicle. It works well for lightweight motorcycles and scooters. Because they sit securely above the ground. Plus, your vehicle must have a properly rated hitch to handle the weight.
Heavy bikes, cruisers and adventure motorcycles are too large for this method.
5- Specialised Motorcycle Transport Movers
For bikes with aftermarket accessories, luggage racks, panniers, off-road protection, or custom builds. A specialist setup helps protect every attachment during transport.
Gear Every Perth Rider Needs to Tow a Motorcycle
Adventure riders know the importance of right gear. So, keep the following equipment for bike towing with you always. Because emergencies don’t come with prior notifications.
- Heavy-duty ratchet straps with soft loops
- A wide loading ramp so your heavy bike won’t slip
- Soft Loops to protect bike from strap scratches.
- Wheel chocks to stop any rolling
- Protective gloves for grip
- A level loading surface
If you’re towing an adventure bike with crash bars, panniers, or soft bags, check nothing obstructs the tie-down points. Loose items on big bikes can shift weight during transport.
How to Tow a Motorcycle Safely from Perth Suburbs: Step-by-Step Guide
If you ride a Harley, a BMW GS, a Triumph Tiger, or a Yamaha Tenere or any other model, listen out. These steps will keep your bike secure and help you tow it safely.
1- Choose the Right Towing Method for Your Bike
Heavy and adventure motorcycles need stable support. Flatbeds and tilt trays are safest for them. Large bikes have higher centres of gravity. So, the right platform helps prevent tipping.
2- Gather the Right Towing Gear
Adventure bikes have extras like GPS units, crash bars, tall windscreens, pannier racks. Make sure your straps fit around the frame without rubbing those accessories. Always choose strong ratchet straps over elastic cords.
3- Prepare the Motorcycle
Turn the bike off, remove the key and switch off electronics. Take off loose gear like tank bags, soft bags, or over-the-seat luggage. On adventure bikes, check skid plates and side stands for stability before moving the bike.
Check the tyre pressure of your bike if its wheels need to roll on ground.
4- Load the Motorcycle Carefully
Make the ramp aligned to level of your chosen towing vehicle.
Walk the bike up the ramp slowly. Heavy bikes need steady control. If you ride two-up or with mates, ask someone to support the bike from the side. Keep momentum slow and controlled for safety of your bike.
5- Secure the Motorcycle
Use soft loops around strong parts:
- Lower triple clamp
- Frame sections
- Fork brace (if suitable)
Avoid strapping to high handlebars, windscreens or plastic guards. Shake it gently after securing to test for shaking. The bike should stand upright without leaning.
6- Tow the Motorcycle Safely
Drive smoothly while coming down from the Perth Hills or cruising coastal roads. Sudden bumps or dips can shift the bike. Check your straps at every stop on longer trips. Repeatedly check the straps during the towing journey for safety.
Take special cautions in underpasses, parking garages, and narrow or busy roads.
7- Unload the Motorcycle
Again, align the ramp to the level of towing vehicle. Carefully remove the attached straps. Roll the bike back slowly, keeping it centred on the ramp. Heavy bikes pick up speed quickly on a downward slope. So, keep a steady hold on the front brake.
Common Motorcycle Towing Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
Too tight straps | Over-compresses the suspension, which can cause leaks or long-term damage. |
Wrong anchor points | Strapping to handlebars or weak points can bend metal or stress the bike’s structure. |
No wheel chock | Allows the bike to roll or tip during transport, increasing the risk of falling. |
DIY towing without proper gear | Homemade hitches or improvised tie-downs often fail, leading to instability and potential accidents. |
And if you want to get absolute safety, there is no match to professional services.
How Professional Motorcycle Towing Service Can Help You?
Bikes are more sensitive than cars. Incorrect techniques can cost you hundreds in repairs or worst-case send your bike tumbling off a trailer. A DIY tow can easily cause:
- Strap failure
- Bent handlebars
- Scraped panniers
- Fork compression damage
- Frame stress
- Drops while loading
Especially if you ride adventure bikes and heavy machines, you need extra care. They have weight, height and accessories that make towing harder than it looks.
Motorcycle Transport Movers Perth keeps your bike stable from loading to the moment it’s back on ground. They know how to position your bike to balance weight and secure it so nothing shifts mid-trip. Plus, they also adjust driving style during tow.
For riders who explore WA’s long roads, calling a professional is the smartest choice.
South City Towing: Perth’s Trusted Motorcycle Towing Service
At South City Towing, we use proper chocks, soft loops, wide ramps and secure anchor systems for heavy motorcycles. Our team is also trained in smoother braking & slower turns.
Adventure riders trust us because we understand bikes. E.g. heavy tourers, cruisers and ADV machines built for long rides. We know Perth’s suburbs, hills and coastal routes well, so we reach you fast wherever you break down.
With 24/7 availability, transparent pricing and a fully equipped fleet, we make sure your bike gets from the roadside to its next stop safe and secure.
Need Reliable Motorcycle Towing for Your Bike?
Call Motorcycle Transport Specialists from South City Towing
If your adventure bike stalled in the Perth Hills, your cruiser quit near Fremantle, or your tourer broke down mid-ride, you have the right number to call.
At South City Towing, we tow heavy bikes, touring bikes and adventure motorcycles every day. Our team uses specialised equipment to keep your bike upright and protected. We’re fast, careful and available 24/7 for Perth riders who love the open road.
