All About Motorcycle Towing: What Every Rider Should Know

Motorcycles are more than just transportation. For many riders, they’re a passion, an investment, and something they’ve spent years customizing or maintaining. That’s why motorcycle towing isn’t something that should be treated the same as towing a car.

As a towing company serving riders across Oahu, we’ve towed everything from daily commuters to high-end motorcycles. One thing I’ve learned is that not every towing company is equipped to handle motorcycles properly. In fact, one of the most common things customers tell me is how difficult it is to find a company that even offers motorcycle towing, especially on weekends when more riders are out on the road.

In this guide, I’ll explain when motorcycles need to be towed, how they should be transported, what can go wrong when they’re towed improperly, and how to choose the right towing company.

Why Do Motorcycles Need to Be Towed?

The most common reason we tow motorcycles is mechanical failure.

Unlike a flat tire on a car, many motorcycle breakdowns can’t be safely fixed on the side of the road. When something mechanical fails, the safest solution is usually transporting the bike to a repair shop or back home.

Some of the situations we commonly respond to include:

• Engine problems
• Transmission or drivetrain issues
• Electrical failures
• Dead batteries
• Flat tires
• Accident recovery
• Fuel-related issues
• Chain or belt failures

No matter what caused the breakdown, the goal is always the same: transport the motorcycle safely without causing any additional damage.

Finding a Motorcycle Tow Isn’t Always Easy

One thing many riders don’t expect is how difficult it can be to find someone willing to tow a motorcycle. This is especially true on weekends when more riders are out enjoying the roads around Oahu. Unfortunately, not every towing company has the equipment, experience, or willingness to handle motorcycles properly. If you need a motorcycle towing service, it’s important to choose a company that understands how to safely transport your bike and has the right equipment to protect it during the process.

I’ve received many calls from customers who had already contacted several companies before finding us. Some companies simply don’t tow motorcycles, while others don’t have the proper equipment available.

When you’re stranded, the last thing you want is to spend an hour calling around trying to find someone who can help.

How a Motorcycle Should Be Towed

In my opinion, the safest way to transport a motorcycle is on a flatbed tow truck.

The motorcycle should be secured using a minimum of three properly positioned tie-down points to keep it stable throughout the trip.

Proper tie-down techniques matter just as much as the equipment itself. A motorcycle has a much narrower footprint than a car, and if it’s not secured correctly, it can shift during transport.

When we load a motorcycle, we take our time. Every strap placement matters because our goal is for the bike to arrive in exactly the same condition it was in when we picked it up.

What Can Go Wrong During Improper Motorcycle Towing?

Unfortunately, not every motorcycle is transported correctly.

I’ve seen motorcycles that were improperly secured or transported using equipment that wasn’t appropriate for the job. In some cases, motorcycles have essentially been suspended in a way that allows parts of the bodywork to take unnecessary stress during transport.

That can result in scratched fairings, damaged body panels, bent components, or other avoidable damage.

The problem usually isn’t towing itself. The problem is using the wrong equipment or improper securing methods.

The Information We Need Before Dispatching

Every motorcycle is different, so we ask several questions before sending a truck.

This helps us send the right equipment and avoid surprises when we arrive.

We’ll typically ask about:

• The make and model
• The approximate weight
• Whether the motorcycle has been involved in an accident
• Whether it still runs
• The pickup location
• The destination
• Whether it’s a cruiser, sport bike, touring motorcycle, trike, or custom build
• Any modifications such as lowered suspension, extended forks, saddlebags, or accessories that affect loading

The more information we have upfront, the smoother the tow will go.

A Ducati Owner Who Chose Experience

One call that stands out involved a customer who had recently purchased a Ducati.

Before choosing a towing company, he spent time researching online because he wanted someone experienced with high-end motorcycles.

He ultimately chose us because he saw that we had experience transporting premium motorcycles.

When we arrived, he paid close attention as we loaded his bike. He noticed the care we took while positioning the motorcycle and securing every strap to the flatbed.

That attention to detail gave him confidence that his new motorcycle was in good hands.

Those are the moments that remind me why experience matters.

How to Choose a Motorcycle Towing Company

Not every towing company offers motorcycle towing, so don’t assume they do.

Before scheduling service, ask a few simple questions.

Do You Tow Motorcycles?

This should always be your first question.

Some companies simply don’t have the equipment or trained operators needed to transport motorcycles safely.

Do You Use a Flatbed?

A flatbed is my preferred method for transporting motorcycles.

While there are attachments that allow motorcycles to be towed using other types of tow trucks, the equipment has to be used correctly. I’ve seen examples where improper hookup methods resulted in body damage that could have been avoided.

Whenever possible, I recommend choosing a company that transports motorcycles on a flatbed.

Do You Have Experience With High-End or Custom Motorcycles?

Luxury motorcycles, custom bikes, and heavily modified motorcycles often require extra attention during loading and transport.

An experienced operator will understand where to secure the bike and how to avoid damaging painted surfaces, fairings, and custom accessories.

Final Thoughts

Motorcycle towing requires specialized equipment, careful loading, and attention to detail. Unfortunately, not every towing company is prepared to handle motorcycles the right way.

If you ever need a motorcycle towed, don’t be afraid to ask questions before agreeing to service. Confirm that the company actually provides motorcycle towing, ask what type of truck they’ll use, and make sure they have experience securing motorcycles properly.

At Hawaii Towing Company, we understand that your motorcycle isn’t just another vehicle. Whether it’s your daily rider, your weekend cruiser, or a high-end performance bike, we treat every motorcycle with the same level of care we’d want for our own.