How To Safely Secure A Motorcycle To A Trailer
Published on 06/25/25
When it comes to transporting a motorcycle safely from one place to another, having the right equipment and technique can significantly improve the overall experience.
We’ve put together a detailed guide that explains the best techniques for securing a motorcycle to a trailer using recessed D-rings as anchor points, along with handlebar straps and ratchet straps featuring vinyl-coated S-hooks. Let’s begin.
Preparing to Move a Motorcycle and Equipment You’ll Need
Before you get started, check that your trailer and gear are set up and ready to go. A smooth load begins with the right prep.
You will need:
• (4) Pieces – Recessed D-rings: These low-profile anchor points should be installed in the trailer’s front and rear corners. When installing recessed d-rings, avoid areas with struts or wires installed underneath to prevent any damage to the trailer or wiring.
• (1) Motorcycle Tie Down KIT – Trucking Depot’s Motorcycle Ratchet Strap KIT: Our Motorcycle Ratchet Tie Down Kit includes 4 pieces of our 1-inch ratchet strap with vinyl-coated S hooks and 4 pieces of our motorcycle handlebar straps with a safe assembly working load limit of 833 lbs.
Made from 1-inch polyester tie-down webbing with a 3,000 lbs breaking strength and available in several color options and custom lengths to make it tailored to your motorcycle needs. If you don’t see the exact motorcycle tie-down straps you need, call our experts at 800-444-0956 and we can custom-make the ideal motorcycle straps in-house.
• (4) Pieces – 1 Inch Soft Loop Motorcycle Handlebar Straps: Handlebar soft loops are used to help distribute tension evenly and eliminate the need for using any metal hardware that could otherwise scratch, ding, or dent the motorcycle’s paint or plastic fairings. Despite being named handlebar straps, these straps can also be used to attach to the frame or other locations around the bike as a securement point.
• (4) Pieces – 1 Inch Ratchet Straps with Vinyl-Coated S-Hooks: 1 Inch Ratchet Straps with Vinyl-Coated S Hooks are the most commonly used and trusted tie-down strap of choice for motorcycle securement. Despite being smaller in size, they are made from 3,000 lbs of breaking strength polyester tie-down webbing that provides minimal stretching and excellent durability. Once assembled, each strap has a working load limit rating of 833 lbs.
Trailer Setup: Park the trailer on a flat, level surface and ensure it is firmly connected to a tow vehicle that can handle the total weight of the trailer and motorcycle.
Loading The Motorcycle on the Trailer
Loading a motorcycle onto a trailer is faster, safer, and easier with help. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable doing it alone, don’t hesitate to ask someone for a hand, as it can make the process much smoother.
1. Position the Trailer: Park the trailer on a flat surface to make the loading process easier and safer.
2. Use a Ramp: Position the ramp at the rear of the trailer to roll the motorcycle on smoothly. If your trailer has a built-in ramp, you should use it to help guide the bike into the center of the trailer.
3. Load the Motorcycle: With the help of an assistant, roll the motorcycle onto the trailer and keep it toward the center of the trailer for balanced weight distribution to prevent the bike from tipping over.
Securing the Front End of the Motorcycle
1. Attach Handlebar Straps: Loop the soft loop handlebar straps around each handlebar or the upper fork assembly to avoid damaging the throttle tubes.
2. Connect Ratchet Straps: Hook the vinyl-coated S-hooks from the ratchet straps to the soft loop handlebar straps. Then, connect the other end of the ratchet straps to the recessed D-rings on the trailer. If you’re using a different anchor point, secure the straps to that location instead.
3. Tighten the Straps: Pull the excess strap through the ratchet and tighten the strap until the front suspension compresses about half of its travel. This stabilizes the bike without adding additional stress to the fork seals or suspension components.
Important Note: Over-tightening can cause damage to your motorcycle’s fork seals or suspension components. You should only aim for the bike to be slightly compressed and avoid tightening the strap if you see any indicators that the strap is becoming too tight.
Securing the Rear End of the Motorcycle
1. Choosing Anchor Points: Choose sturdy frame anchor points such as either the passenger peg mounts, subframes, or swingarm. You should avoid attaching to the seat or exhaust, as it could cause tearing of the seat or bending of the exhaust due to overtightening damage.
2. Connect the Ratchet Straps: Begin connecting the ratchet straps with S-hooks to the rear anchor points and the rear recessed d-rings on the trailer.
3. Tighten the Straps: Tighten until the rear suspension compresses slightly and should match the front suspension compression. Overall, you are looking to tighten the straps until they are snug and a couple of additional clicks as needed. If you ever feel unsafe with your tie-down strap configuration, consider adding additional straps to improve the safety of your motorcycle securement.
Final Motorcycle Inspection and Adjustments as Needed
Before you hit the road and start transporting your motorcycle, verify that your motorcycle is securely anchored. This can be done by shaking the motorcycle to ensure that the trailer moves with it as one unit. If the bike shifts independently of the trailer, then it will need to be tightened further to prevent it from moving around or possibly tipping over.
If the motorcycle still moves independently after tightening the straps, consider adding more straps until the motorcycle moves as one unit with the trailer.
