How to Load a Motorcycle on a Truck

Selecting a Motorcycle Trailer

Learning how to tie down a motorcycle is a lot easier if you have the right type of trailer—and a bike that’s secured properly will be protected no matter what conditions you encounter on the road from Portland to Lebanon. We highly recommend that you get a trailer dedicated to carrying motorcycles. Flatbed trailers made for this purpose have a lower loading height, which means that you won’t need as long of a ramp as you would with a higher trailer. 

Selecting a Motorcycle Loading Ramp

When you start shopping for a motorcycle loading ramp, you’ll notice that some are arched and others bend in one spot at an angle. We suggest the arched type, which combines multiple grades into a smooth curve. This softer grade makes it easier to ease the weight of the bike from the ramp to the truck bed and reduces the risk of damage to your bike presented by a break-over angle.

How to Tie Down a Motorcycle: Step By Step

1. Get a dedicated motorcycle loading ramp and trailer.
2. If possible, back your truck up to a hill or ditch.
3. Remove the tailgate.
4. Loading your bike onto your truck alone? Make sure your ramp is wide enough to walk up. You can also use a step to climb up into the truck bed.
5. If you’re working with a friend, team up to get the bike in position and move it.
6. Use strong ties to secure the motorcycle. This is an important step, so be sure to reach out to our team for details on exactly ​​how to tie down a motorcycle to your truck bed.
7. Check on your bike regularly while en route to your destination to make sure it’s still secure.

Learn More About Your Bike in Salem 

We love to ride at Timber Town Harley-Davidson, and we’re here for you if there’s anything you need to know about protecting and maintaining your Harley. Don’t hesitate to visit us near Albany—or ask our service center technicians for more info on winterizing and washing your bike, step-by-step guides to basic DIY maintenance like oil changes, and more!

Join Us To Honor Our Nation's Heroes

Calling all Military Service Members and First Responders – past and present – to attend a celebration in your honor on Saturday, September 14. Not a service member? Join us to show your appreciation for our local heroes who keep us safe and allow us to ride free.

• Be among the first 100 to RSVP below and claim your commemorative prize pack*
• Additional Prizes & Giveaways*
• Special activities for service members
• Celebrate all active and retired Military, Police, Fire and other First Responders in a way that only Harley-Davidson can

* While supplies last.

** H-D® Members earn up to 2,000 bonus points ($20 value) on a purchase of $100+ between September 13, 2024 9 am EDT through September 15, 2024, at 11:59 pm at participating dealers only; H-D ® Membership must be activated at the time of sale. Points apply to a single transaction for eligible purchases of $100+ before tax and after any sales discounts are applied. Promotion good for genuine H-D® and H-D® licensed products only. Usual point restrictions apply. Please allow up to 72 hours for points to appear in your account. Visit bit.ly/HD_points for details.

*** Sweepstakes entry period from September 13, 2024, at 9 am EDT through September 15, 2024, at 11:59 pm EDT. No purchase is necessary. Purchase does not increase odds of winning. Open only to legal residents of the continental United States, including D.C. and Alaska and excluding Hawaii who are 21 years or older, and legal residents of Canada, who have reached the age of majority in their state, province, or territory of residence at time of entry. Void where prohibited. Need not be present to win. See participating H-D® dealerships for details or visit official rules. Visit official rules at HD-Promo.com/SaluteToService.

**** Donation period runs September 13, 2024, at 9 am EDT through September 15, 2024, at 11:59 pm EDT or when $25,000 is raised, whichever occurs first.