KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Bikes ride upright on a flatbed, never dragged on one wheel.
- A wheel chock holds the front tire; soft straps protect paint and chrome.
- Leave the key with the bike so the steering lock can be released.
- Take loose gear and soft luggage off before loading.
- We take bikes home, to a shop or to a dealer.
How do you tow a motorcycle without damaging it?
The safest way is on a flatbed. We roll the bike up, set the front wheel into a wheel chock so it stays straight and upright, then tie it down with soft straps around solid points on the frame and bars. Soft straps don't rub through paint the way bare hooks or chains can.
We compress the suspension a little so the bike sits firm and can't bounce loose over bumps. Mirrors, levers and fairings are kept clear of the straps.
Can a motorcycle be towed with a regular tow truck?
A wheel-lift truck is built for car towing. Lifting a bike by one wheel leaves it unstable and puts weight on parts that aren't made for it, so we don't do motorcycle towing that way. A flatbed with a chock is the right tool.
If your bike is down on its side after a slide or crash, we stand it up carefully first, check that it can roll, and then load it. If a wheel won't turn, we tell you before we try to move it. If you have Collision coverage, ICBC's motorcycle safety page explains what it includes for damaged riding gear.
What to have ready for motorcycle towing
A few small things make loading quicker and safer. Use this checklist while you wait.
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Ignition key | Unlocks the steering so the bike can roll straight |
| Side stand up or down as asked | We control the bike while it's on the ramp |
| Soft bags and tank bag removed | Straps sit cleanly and nothing falls off |
| Helmet and riding gear with you | Keeps them safe and out of the way |
| Notes on any damage | We know which parts to avoid strapping to |
| Destination address | So we can confirm the price before loading |
Which bikes can you tow in Bridgeport, Richmond?
Most road bikes fit on our flatbed: sport bikes with low fairings, heavy cruisers and touring bikes, standard bikes, scooters and dirt bikes. Low fairings need a gentle ramp angle, and heavy bikes need more people on the push, so tell us the make and model when you call us.
Electric motorcycles and scooters ride the same way. If the battery is flat or the bike is in a locked mode, let us know so we can plan the load.
Where can your motorcycle go after a tow?
We can take your bike home, to any shop in Richmond or nearby, or to a dealer in Richmond or Vancouver. If you were in a crash, it can go to the body shop you and ICBC agree on. Longer trips out of town are quoted before pickup.
Motorcycle towing on Bridgeport's roads
River Rd runs past warehouses and yards along the North Arm, and yard debris on the road can be hard on a bike tire. If you pick up a puncture there, pull well off the road and we'll bring the flatbed truck to you.
Hwy 99, just west of Bridgeport toward the Oak St Bridge, has narrow shoulders and fast traffic. A bike stopped there is hard for drivers to see, so get yourself away from the lane first and give us a call once you're safe.
Riders who leave a bike near Bridgeport Station on the Canada Line all day sometimes come back to a flat battery. If a boost won't get it running, we can carry it to your shop in Richmond, BC or over the Knight Street Bridge to Vancouver.
Questions drivers ask
Do I need to ride with the tow truck?
No. Many riders meet us at the destination. Just leave the key with the bike or hand it to us at pickup.
Can you tow a motorcycle that has been in a crash?
Yes. After a crash, we check whether the wheels turn, avoid strapping to damaged parts and can take it to the body shop you and ICBC agree on.
Will straps leave marks on my bike?
We use soft straps and place them on solid frame and bar points away from paint and chrome. Tell us about any area you'd like us to avoid.
Can you pick up a bike from a parkade?
Often, yes. Tell us the parkade's ceiling height and ramp layout, and we'll say whether the flatbed can reach or if the bike needs to be walked up first.
How much does motorcycle towing cost?
It depends on the bike, the pickup spot and the destination. We confirm the price before we load it.