Towing a motorcycle isn’t as straightforward as a standard recovery. It only takes one improperly placed strap or a single sharp turn for a motorcycle to suffer major damage during transit. Unlike cars, motorcycles have high centres of gravity, exposed mechanics, and delicate paintwork that demand a specialised approach.
Many riders make the mistake of calling the first towing company they find online. However, the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is the quickest way to put your motorcycle at risk. At Northern Suburbs Towing, we believe your motorcycle deserves a transport solution engineered for the bike itself.
Read on as we explore why specialised towing is the only way to transport your motorcycle safely.
The Challenges of Motorcycle Towing
Transporting a motorcycle requires a precise understanding of balance and suspension. Because of their narrow stance and high centre of gravity, bikes are prone to tipping when placed on the back of a tow truck. Every turn or lane change on Perth’s busy roads puts your motorcycle at risk of shifting and falling over.
Attempting to secure a motorcycle with traditional wheel lifts or straps designed for cars often places undue stress on expensive fairings or exposed engine components. Instead of securing the bike, untrained operators frequently over-tighten straps, creating immense hydraulic pressure, which can blow fork seals. For any rider, this means a minor breakdown can quickly escalate into a series of costly cosmetic and mechanical repairs.
The Advantage of Specialised Gear
Choosing specialised towing for your motorcycle means choosing high-quality equipment specifically engineered for two wheels. Professional motorcycle transport relies on a combination of tilt-tray technology and soft loop straps designed to protect your motorcycle. Utilising a tilt-tray or flatbed truck ensures your bike remains completely off the ground, eliminating tyre and suspension wear and protecting it from road debris. Flatbed towing also provides a stable foundation, preventing the bike from tipping over.
Aside from tilt trays, bikes also require specialised tools that reinforce security throughout the transit. This process involves using a front-wheel locking cradle or a motorcycle wheel chock to hold the motorcycle in a vertical position. In addition, soft-loop straps are used to secure the motorcycle without damaging the paint or placing unnecessary stress on other components.
By combining flatbed towing and specialised tools, the towing process becomes a seamless, damage-free operation.
The Hidden Costs of Cheap Towing
While choosing a towing service with a cheap price tag may seem tempting, cheap towing often means sacrificing the professional expertise and specialised equipment needed to keep your motorcycle protected.
The most common downfall of an amateur tow is cosmetic damage. It only takes a hard strap or an unpadded metal hook to scratch your motorbike’s coat and damage the fairing. These cosmetic damages don’t just affect your motorcycle’s aesthetic; they also require costly repairs and can reduce its resale value.
Beyond the surface, improper handling results in mechanical damage that is both hard to detect and expensive. Without a proper understanding of motorcycle towing, an untrained operator may use inappropriate tie-down points or over-tighten straps, damaging your bike’s forks and suspension.
Professional Motorcycle Towing
A breakdown is stressful enough, and the last thing you should worry about is transit damage. If you’re looking for reliable and professional motorcycle roadside assistance in Perth, look no further than Northern Suburbs Towing.
We specialise in motorcycle recovery, using dedicated tilt-tray tow trucks and motorcycle-specific equipment to prevent costly cosmetic and mechanical damage. Our team is fully trained to handle all your towing needs, from sportbikes to vintage motorcycles, ensuring a stress-free towing process from start to finish.
Whether you need an emergency towing service or scheduled transport, our experts are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us today.