Would you like to transport your motorbike easily on tours instead of covering monotonous stretches of motorway on your bike? Transporting it on a trailer is a safe and simple solution. In order to bring the motorbike safely from A to B with the trailer, the machine must be carefully secured in advance with the help of tension straps. We have compiled all the useful tips and information on transporting a motorbike with a trailer.

1. Which trailer is suitable for transporting a motorbike?

Depending on the size of the motorbike and how often you transport it, different trailers are suitable. First of all, of course, you need to make sure that the trailer is the right size. As a rule of thumb, the trailer should be 20 to 30 cm longer than the motorbike. Also make sure that the trailer has sufficient carrying capacity and that the total weight of the trailer and motorbike does not exceed the permissible total weight of the towing vehicle. 

But which trailer type is the right one? If you often transport one or more motorbikes, a special motorbike trailer such as a lowering trailer is ideal. Thanks to the hydraulic lowering function, the motorbike can be loaded effortlessly without the need for a ramp. The trailer can be retrofitted with drop sides to make it usable for other purposes.A lowerable box trailer also protects the motorbike from wind and weather. But a classic low-loader with low loading height, where the bike is loaded onto the trailer via a ramp, can also be used for transport. These are also ideal all-purpose trailers and can therefore be used for other transport tasks around the house and garden in addition to motor sports.

2. What is needed to transport a motorbike? The right accessories at a glance

To make the motorbike transportable with the trailer, there are different accessory options:

Tension straps: 
The tension straps have to withstand a lot to secure the motorbike during the journey. When choosing, always pay attention to the tensile strength (LC = lashing capacity). For motorbikes up to 200 kg, straps with LC = 175 daN (daN = decanewton, 1 decanewton = 10 Newton) are sufficient. For heavy machines LC = 500 daN is recommended. Furthermore, the lashing straps should be equipped with ratchets to facilitate lashing. You can also find more on the subject of lashing straps in our blog article on securing loads on trailers.

Loading ramps:  
To compensate for the difference in height to the trailer, you will need a ramp. Pay attention to the features such as maximum load capacity as well as width and length of the ramp. The following applies: The wider the ramp, the easier it is to drive onto it.

Stand rail and front wheel stand:  
A motorbike rocker or front wheel stand makes loading onto the trailer easier, as they hold the front wheel of the motorbike vertically without any other aids. It is important that the stand is mounted as far forward as possible and that the width fits the tyre of the motorbike. Another option are stand rails. These provide additional support for the rear tyre and ensure a stable stand. 

Tarpaulin structure:  
A tarpaulin protects the motorbike from wind, weather and dirt during the journey. Transport in a box trailer is even more protected, as it can also be locked.

3. How to properly secure a motorbike on the trailer? Step-by-step instructions

Transporting a motorbike on a trailer requires some safety measures. The first loading operation is best carried out with a helper, as this can avoid many a dicey situation, especially when loading. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to secure your motorbike safely on a trailer:

1. Drive the motorbike onto the trailer: 

Attach the ramp rail and push the motorbike over the ramp onto the trailer. To do this, you can carefully push the motorbike alongside you in first gear. If the trailer can be lowered, there is no need for the ramp. If possible, load together with a second person who will stabilise the motorbike so that it cannot tip over.

2. Place the motorbike on the trailer: 

The motorbike must now be positioned so that it can be secured with tension straps in the next step. Make sure that the front wheel is stably supported towards the front. A front wheel stand is suitable for this, as it immediately holds the machine upright. If there is no way to bolt the stand down, you can also place the motorbike on the side stand to brace it and protect the front wheel from slipping with a wedge or similar.

3. Lash the motorbike to the trailer: 
 
Now comes the most important step - attaching the four tension straps. First place one strap around the front of the triple clamp from the right and one from the left and tighten them alternately so that the motorbike straightens up. Then attach the two lashing straps at the rear. If the side stand was used, it is now folded back in. Finally, do not forget to fix the loose ends of the straps to protect the motorbike from scratches.

3 tips for the optimal use of the tension straps:

• In some cases it is unavoidable that a tension strap touches the fairing or the exhaust pipe. To prevent the strap from damaging the surface, protect these areas, e.g. with a cloth, foam insulation or paint protection film. 

• Position the lashing points evenly on the cargo bed of the trailer. Make sure that the straps are tensioned as symmetrically as possible so that the motorbike stands straight.  

• Secure the lashing straps to fixed motorbike parts. Suitable attachment points for the straps are the frame or stable add-on parts such as footrest extensions or the lower front fork bridge. 4.  

4. Check the lashing straps while riding: 
 
When transporting, be careful when driving, especially on bends, and keep to the maximum permitted speed with a trailer. Regularly check the tension of the straps to ensure that the motorbike remains stable on the trailer. If the straps are loosened after riding, perform all steps in reverse order. To prevent the motorbike from falling over when unloading, ask a second person to hold the motorbike when loosening the tensioning straps on one side.

Conclusion: Safety is the top priority when transporting motorbikes. With a little routine, the right equipment and careful preparation, loading is a breeze. Whether you are an occasional rider or a motorbike professional - we will be happy to advise you on choosing the right trailer and accessories.