How to Load a Motorcycle on a Truck

Selecting a Motorcycle Trailer

Learning how to tie down a motorcycle is a lot easier if you have the right type of trailer—and a bike that’s secured properly will be protected no matter what conditions you encounter on the road from Portland to Lebanon. We highly recommend that you get a trailer dedicated to carrying motorcycles. Flatbed trailers made for this purpose have a lower loading height, which means that you won’t need as long of a ramp as you would with a higher trailer. 

Selecting a Motorcycle Loading Ramp

When you start shopping for a motorcycle loading ramp, you’ll notice that some are arched and others bend in one spot at an angle. We suggest the arched type, which combines multiple grades into a smooth curve. This softer grade makes it easier to ease the weight of the bike from the ramp to the truck bed and reduces the risk of damage to your bike presented by a break-over angle.

How to Tie Down a Motorcycle: Step By Step

1. Get a dedicated motorcycle loading ramp and trailer.
2. If possible, back your truck up to a hill or ditch.
3. Remove the tailgate.
4. Loading your bike onto your truck alone? Make sure your ramp is wide enough to walk up. You can also use a step to climb up into the truck bed.
5. If you’re working with a friend, team up to get the bike in position and move it.
6. Use strong ties to secure the motorcycle. This is an important step, so be sure to reach out to our team for details on exactly ​​how to tie down a motorcycle to your truck bed.
7. Check on your bike regularly while en route to your destination to make sure it’s still secure.

Learn More About Your Bike in Salem 

We love to ride at Timber Town Harley-Davidson, and we’re here for you if there’s anything you need to know about protecting and maintaining your Harley. Don’t hesitate to visit us near Albany—or ask our service center technicians for more info on winterizing and washing your bike, step-by-step guides to basic DIY maintenance like oil changes, and more!

*NO PURCH/PAYMENT NECESSARY. Open only to legal US/DC (excl HI) & Canada residents, above age of majority. Entries will only be accepted on 2/15/2025. You do not have to be present to win. You may “RSVP” to the Ride into 2025 Event starting 1/27/2025 at RSVP Dealers (see list here). The 1st 100 people who RSVP will receive Poster Prize. An RSVP is not an entry & you must enter on 2/15/2025 to be eligible to win. See full rules for entry details. Winners will be determined by 2/18/2025. Prizes include (1) 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra Motorcycle (ARV: $31,949), (1) 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST Motorcycle (ARV: $25,249), (1) Trip for 2 for European Bike week, incl motorcycle rental for 5 days, guided tour & 4 nts’ hotel stay (ARV: $7,000), (2) $2025 USD H-D® Dealership shopping sprees at winner’s Preferred Participating Dealer (ARV: $2025), (12) $500 USD H-D Dealership shopping sprees at winner’s Preferred Participating Dealer (ARV: $500), & 100 Posters (ARV: $1). Limit (1) prize (other than Poster) per person. Motorcycle winners must pay tag/title/dealer & fees prior to receipt of Motorcycle Prize. Winners resp for all taxes/costs not stated above. Other restrs & elig lims apply. For entry methods, winner selection, eligibility & prize details & restrictions, see full rules at HD-promo.com/rideinto2025. Sponsor: Mighty Loud, Inc. H-D or its affiliates. H-D, Harley, Harley-Davidson and the Bar & Shield logo are among the trademarks of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. All rights reserved. Void where prohibited.

**While supplies last. Offer limited to the first 100 attendees.