A motorcycle should travel upright on a flatbed with the front wheel held and the bike strapped at the frame, not dragged or hooked by the forks. If your bike goes down in Centennial, Centennial Towing takes calls at (970) 432-4480; tell them the make, whether it rolls, and whether it fell.
Bikes get damaged by the tow more often than by the breakdown. Straps across a fairing, a kickstand left down, or a front wheel left free to swing: each leaves a mark that was not there at the roadside.
So the useful thing is knowing what a proper load looks like before the truck arrives. Centennial Towing dispatches from Centennial, and you can describe your bike to a person on the phone at (970) 432-4480.
How should a motorcycle be secured on the truck?
The front wheel sits in a chock or channel so it cannot turn. Straps go on solid points, such as the frame or lower triple clamp, and are tightened so the suspension compresses a little and holds the bike without strain.
Ask the driver which points they use. If your bike has a carbon fairing, clip-on bars or an exposed exhaust, say so first.
What if the bike has fallen or will not roll?
Tell the dispatcher before the truck leaves. A bike lying on its side with fluid leaking needs a different approach from one parked at the kerb, and a seized rear wheel or locked brake changes how it gets loaded. Do not try to restart a bike that went down.
Should I ride it home if it still starts?
Only if the brakes, tires and steering are sound. A bike that overheated, lost oil or has a bent bar is not safe, even if it runs. When in doubt, have it carried.
- Make, model and approximate weight
- Rolls or does not roll
- Fell or stayed upright
Can you tow my motorcycle on a flatbed?
Call (970) 432-4480 and give the make and model. A flatbed with a front wheel chock is the usual way to carry a bike, so ask about that setup.
Is it OK to tow a bike with a tow rope?
Avoid it. Dragging a bike by a rope or the forks can damage the steering and leaves no braking control.
What should I take off the bike first?
Pack away bags and loose gear. Take photos of the bike before it is loaded.