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Transporting a Motorcycle by Carrier

This video shows how to correctly secure the bike to the loading dolly, load the bike and dolly onto the carrier deck, secure the bike to the deck, and unload, all the while keeping yourself and your customer’s property safe.

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STEPS FOR TRANSPORT BY CARRIER
  1. Place bike’s transmission in neutral whenever possible.
  2. Do not lock steering.
  3. Remove the keys from the motorcycle’s ignition so they don’t get lost in transport.
  4. Shut the fuel off, if possible.
  5. Make sure the camlocks on windscreen are secure, or remove the windscreen and put in your cab.
  6. Check the screws holding the seats to ensure they’re secure, or remove the seats and put in your cab.
  7. Check that any saddlebags are secure.
  8. Attach the loading dolly to the carrier’s bridle.
  9. Attach the loading securement straps to the loading dolly.
  10. Load the motorcycle into the motorcycle dolly with the front wheel facing forward whenever possible. This will simplify off-loading.
  11. Move the bike into the loading dolly. Keep handlebars straight. Use the kickstand to help support the bike if you’re maneuvering the bike by yourself.
  12. Secure the bike to each side of the loading dolly with straps. Stay clear of all cabling, brake lines and control lines.
  13. Secure the front tire of the bike to the upright part of the loading dolly. Protect the rim by wrapping a wool seatbelt cover around the strap.
  14. Engage the PTO in preparation for loading the bike and dolly assembly onto the deck.Attach the straps that will be used later to secure the dolly assembly to the carrier deck. This prevents you from having to go onto the carrier deck later. Ramping may be necessary for loading onto a pick-up truck or trailers.
  15. Winch the bike and dolly 2/3 of the way onto the deck.
  16. Secure the bike to the carrier deck. Always use a minimum of a 4-point tie-down to secure the motorcycle. (Federal D.O.T. requirement.) Run tie-down straps from the handle bars at the front of the motorcycle to each side of transport vehicle. At the rear of most motorcycles, you can attach straps to the frame beneath the seat or just above the rear shocks on both sides of the bike, then to each side of the carrier. Be sure to apply downward force to the bike’s suspension when ratcheting straps tight to absorb shock load and prevent a disconnection. Use kevlar, nylon or polyester straps.
  17. Release the winch and allow slack in the loading bridle.
  18. Reverse the process to unload the bike.
CAUTIONS

  1. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s operating instructions for the dolly you’re using.

    Two operators may be required when loading a bike onto a carrier, trailer or pick-up truck. It is not recommended to allow the customer to help.

    When loading a carrier, never permit anyone behind the deck of the carrier until the casualty has been loaded and secured.

    For safety, load and secure the bike without placing yourself on the deck of the carrier.

    The RPM range for the wrecker or carrier PTO should be idle to 1,000 RPMs.

    When securing the straps, stay clear of all wiring, brake lines and other cabling. To protect the seat or any chrome, plastic or paint, use a wet sponge underneath the strap or use a wool seatbelt cover around the strap.

    Never use the kickstand to support a bike while in transport.