KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Bikes stored below River Drive buildings are walked out by hand before loading.
- A front wheel chock and soft straps hold the bike upright on the deck.
- Leave the key with the driver so the steering lock can be released.
- After a drop or crash, don't ride the bike home to check it.
- We give you the price by phone before the bike is chocked and strapped.
Motorcycle towing on River Drive from a condo parkade
Motorcycles parked under River Drive buildings are rolled out to the street by hand, not dragged or lifted with car equipment. Riders often tuck bikes into corner spots, beside pillars or in a shared bike area, which leaves little room to turn them around. Our driver walks the bike out with the steering free, so we need the key to release the lock. The same care goes into underground towing on River Drive and motorcycle towing in Tait.
Tell us the parkade level, where exactly the bike sits and whether it is on its side stand or centre stand. A bike with a flat rear tire or a locked-up wheel can't be walked, so we bring a dolly or wheel skate for it. Then mention the gate access, since the ramp is the only way out. Our Bridgeport motorcycle page and contact page cover the rest.
- Parkade level and where the bike is parked
- Key for the steering lock and ignition
- Disc locks or chains removed, or the key for them
- Any flat tire, broken lever or damaged footpeg
How motorcycle towing on River Drive keeps the bike upright
On the deck, the front wheel goes into a chock and soft straps pull the bike down evenly on both sides. Soft loops go around solid points like the lower triple clamp or frame, never around brake lines, wires or plastic panels. The bike rides upright with its suspension slightly compressed, so it can't bounce loose on the way to the shop. Our River Drive flatbed towing uses the same deck, and our Bridgeport flatbed page explains the loading angle.
Scooters, sport bikes and heavy touring bikes each strap a little differently. Tell us the make and model, and whether it has saddlebags, a top case or a fairing that limits where straps can go. Luggage that comes off easily is best removed before the driver arrives. For general rules on vehicle size, see our towing services hub and about Zip Towing.
Motorcycle towing on River Drive in riding season
Most River Drive bike calls come between spring and early fall, when bikes leave winter storage and get ridden. ICBC's motorcycle safety tips note that motorcycle crashes in B.C. peak in summer, and that lane splitting and filtering are illegal here. Early in the season, the common problems are a dead battery after months of sitting, old fuel or a flat tire. Our Bridgeport battery boost service and 24 hour roadside help on River Drive can tell you whether a tow is needed.
When a bike won't start after winter, it is usually safer to tow it to a shop than to keep cranking a weak battery. That is especially true in a parkade, where fumes build up and space is tight. Book the tow through our Bridgeport motorcycle team, or read our tow cost guide first if you want to know what affects the price.
Motorcycle towing on River Drive after a crash or a drop
After a crash or even a slow tip-over, have the bike towed rather than ridden. A bent lever, cracked brake line or damaged fork may not show at first glance. ICBC's motorcycle safety page says six in 10 motorcycle crashes in B.C. happen at intersections, and that Collision coverage can pay up to a set limit for protective gear damaged in a crash. Keep your helmet and jacket for the claim. Our River Drive accident towing page and ICBC and BCAA coverage guide explain the next steps.
Take photos of the bike where it lies, the scene and any damage before it is moved, unless it is blocking traffic. Then the driver lifts it upright with help, checks for leaking fuel or oil and loads it. If the crash happened on a busy road such as No. 4 Rd, our Bridgeport accident towing crew handles the traffic side as well. Once the bike is on the deck, we take it straight to the shop or yard you name, so if you are unsure where it should go, check with ICBC or your repair shop before the driver arrives. Have your gear, photos and the other party's details together when you report the claim. Our contact page is the quickest way to set that up.
| Condition | How it is moved |
|---|---|
| Runs but won't start | Walked out, chocked and strapped |
| Flat or locked wheel | Dolly or wheel skate, then loaded |
| Dropped or crashed | Lifted upright, checked for leaks, then strapped |
| Missing key | Wheel dolly; the steering lock stays on |
Motorcycle towing on River Drive to a shop or further away
Most River Drive bikes go to a Richmond or Vancouver motorcycle shop, and you choose it. Call the shop first to check it can take the bike, especially in peak season. For a bike going to a new owner or a new home outside the Lower Mainland, ask about long distance hauling from River Drive. Our Bridgeport hauling page explains how longer trips are booked.
If the problem turns out to be small, we will say so. A rider who simply ran the tank too low may only need fuel delivery on River Drive or help from our roadside assistance team.
Motorcycle Towing on River Drive: questions drivers ask
Can you get my motorcycle out of a River Drive parkade?
Yes. The driver walks the bike out by hand or uses a wheel dolly, then loads it on the flatbed outside.
Will straps scratch my bike?
We use soft loops on solid points like the triple clamp or frame and keep straps off painted panels and lines.
Do I need to leave the key?
It helps. The key releases the steering lock so the bike can be steered while it is walked. Without it, we use a wheel dolly.
How much does motorcycle towing on River Drive cost?
It depends on the bike, where it is stored and the destination. You hear the price on the phone before the driver touches the bike.