How to Load a Motorcycle into a Truck

If you’re thinking about loading up your Fat-Boy into the 8-foot bed of your F-150 Raptor, you’re in good company. Many riders prefer to use their truck for hauling their bikes instead of the hassle of towing, maintaining and storing a trailer. Choosing the right ramps for your motorcycle is an important qualifier to being able to get your bike loaded correctly, as it taking the time to ensure that your ride won’t shift during transport. Here is the step-by-step process of how to correctly load and tie-down your motorcycle:

Loading the Motorcycle

The loading process is simple if you follow the proper steps to minimize the risks of injuring yourself or tipping your bike!

Truck is parked in Flat Area

Make sure your truck is parked in a flat area, or backed up on a slight incline, as that will help reduces the angle of your ramp for easier loading. Turn your truck off and apply the e-brake. Reinforce or remove your tailgate if necessary. The last thing you want is to damage your tailgate or tip your bike, so if you think your tailgate will need extra support, add it before you start the loading process.

Use front wheel chocks

Position and secure a front wheel chock in the bed of your truck so that you can secure your bike as soon as its loaded. Then, set up your tie-downs by securing one end of your straps to your truck bed or sides, then set them out of the way so that you can tie down your bike as soon as it is loaded.

Place loading ramp into position

Place your loading ramp into position of your tailgate or truck bed. Make sure you’re using the appropriate ramp for your motorcycle! Larger bikes like touring or cruisers should always be loaded with full-width ramps, whereas sports bikes and standard motorcycles might be ok with single runners and a hitch step. Keep in mind that you will not be able to drive your motorcycle up on a single runner ramp, and it’s always better to have a friend nearby to assist you.

Use tie downs to secure

Use a tie-down strap to secure the ramp to a metal attachment point of your truck, underneath the tailgate. Never tie it to a plastic piece, as it could break or shatter the plastic and result in your ramp and bike getting dumped on the ground!

Full Width vs. Single Runner

If you’re using a full width ramp, slowly and carefully drive up and into your truck bed. If you’re using a single runner, put the bike in neutral and have a friend assist you in loading it up and into the bed.

Secure Front Wheel

When your bike is in the truck bed, make sure the front wheel is secured firmly in the wheel chock.

Use Soft Loops

Use soft loops around the handlebars to secure your tie-down straps to your motorcycle, and make sure your bike is firmly tied down. Avoid over-compressing the suspension if possible.

Removing the ramp

Remove the ramp and secure it to the bed of your truck, taking care to ensure it won’t rub against your motorcycle while in transit.

Double check connections

After driving a few miles, pull over and double-check all connections. Make sure nothing is loose or has shifted before continuing your journey.