If you ride on two wheels, sooner or later you’ll need to haul on four. Maybe you’re picking up a new bike, heading to a race, or dealing with a breakdown. Either way, the bike needs to arrive exactly as it left.
Quick answer: The best way to tie down a motorcycle is to brace the front wheel in a wheel chock, then secure the bike with four straps: two at the front and two at the rear. Each strap should pull down and outward to a solid anchor point, with soft loops protecting the bike from metal hooks.
What You’ll Need
- A loading ramp, plus a strap to secure it to the truck
- Four ratchet or cam buckle tie-down straps
- Four soft loop straps
- A wheel chock (recommended for heavy bikes and frequent hauling)
- Four strong anchor points, such as BullRing retractable truck bed tie-down anchors
- A friend to help steady the bike
How to Tie Down a Motorcycle: Step by Step
1. Secure the ramp and pre-set your front straps
Strap the ramp to your truck bed or tailgate so it can’t slide backward during loading. Before the bike goes up, hook one end of each front strap to the anchor points at the front of the bed. That way they’re within reach once the bike is in place.
2. Load the motorcycle
Walk the bike up the ramp slowly and under control. A second ramp or a sturdy step beside the main ramp gives you solid footing so you can stay level with the bike as it climbs.
3. Brace the front wheel
Roll the front tire into a wheel chock. A chock holds the wheel straight and gives the bike a fixed point to pull against. If you don’t have one, wedge the front tire firmly into a front corner of the bed.
Hauling a dirt bike? Add a fork brace between the front tire and fender to keep the forks from staying fully compressed during the trip.
4. Strap down the front
Have your friend sit on the bike to hold it upright. Wrap a soft loop around a solid point on each side: the frame, crash bars, or the fork tubes above the lower triple clamp. Only fabric should touch the bike.
Attach the strap hooks to the soft loops, then tighten each side a little at a time. Stop when the front suspension is visibly compressed and the bike stands upright on its own.
5. Strap down the rear
Rear straps keep the back wheel from hopping or sliding, and they back up the front straps if one loosens. Loop each strap around the frame, subframe, or swingarm and run it to the rear anchor points. Tighten until snug. Overtightening can damage the bike.
6. Tie off the slack and check your work
Tie up any loose strap ends so they don’t flap in the wind. Push on the bike from each side. It should move with the truck, not on its own. Recheck strap tension after the first few miles and at every stop.
Why Anchor Points Matter
Straps are only as strong as what they’re hooked to. BullRing retractable tie-down anchors install in your truck’s stake pockets and give you solid anchor points at the corners of the bed, right where motorcycle straps need to pull from. When you’re not hauling, they sit flush and out of the way.
Find the BullRing anchors that fit your truck →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many straps do I need to tie down a motorcycle?
Four: two at the front and two at the rear. The front straps do most of the work, and the rear straps stop the back end from shifting.
Should the kickstand be up or down when hauling a motorcycle?
Up. Once the straps are tight, the bike should stand upright on its own. Leaving weight on the kickstand can damage it or let the straps work loose.
How tight should motorcycle tie-down straps be?
Tight enough to compress the suspension and stop all movement, but not so tight that the forks bottom out.
Can I tie down a motorcycle without a wheel chock?
Yes. Wedge the front tire into a front corner of the truck bed. A chock is still the better choice for heavy bikes or regular hauling.