When gearing up for a dirt bike adventure, it’s natural to focus on the thrill of the ride – the open trails, the adrenaline and the freedom of the journey. But before you can hit the dirt, you need to get your bike there safely. There are plenty of ways to transport your bike, whether you’re using a hitch carrier, a trailer or the bed of a ute.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to secure it properly to prevent any movement during the drive. A loose or poorly secured vehicle can lead to costly damage or worse, an accident on the road. Having secure and reliable motorbike carriers is a game-changer. The right one will give you the confidence that your vehicle is safe, no matter how bumpy the road gets.
Models built with durable steel or lightweight aluminium frames offer the strength to hold your two-wheeler securely while keeping things easy to load and unload. With a well-designed carrier, you won’t have to second-guess whether your vehicle will stay in place. You can focus on the adventure ahead, knowing it’ll be right there with you when you arrive. However, knowing how to properly strap your vehicle ensures it arrives safely and ready to ride.
How do you secure a motorcycle on a carrier?
Place the Bike
Getting your vehicle into the right position is the first step in making sure it stays put for the ride. If the setup includes built-in wheel chocks, you’re already a step ahead. If not, securing a good set before loading up is a smart move. These chocks help keep the front wheel locked in place, reducing any shifting when the road gets rough.
Since lifting your vehicle onto the motorbike carrier isn’t a one-person job, a sturdy ramp can make a big difference. Take it slow and steady – rushing the process can lead to slips or awkward positioning. Guiding the vehicle up the ramp with control and easing it into place ensures it settles properly within the chocks. Once you lock in that front wheel, you have a solid starting point for securing the rest of it.
Properly positioning your vehicle means less worry about it shifting while driving. Tight turns and sudden stops won’t be a problem if it’s sitting snugly from the get-go. With this step done right, the next phase becomes much smoother and more effective.
Use Enough Straps
When tying down bikes to motorbike carriers, there’s no such thing as too many straps. A solid setup means using enough to keep everything locked in place without overdoing it. The front section is where you should start, securing each handlebar to the lower part of the carrier. The key here is balance. Both sides should have even tension to keep the vehicle upright and prevent any shifting.
For an extra layer of security, especially if wheel chocks aren’t in place, add a strap around the front wheel. Once the front end is taken care of, attention shifts to the rear. Finding a stable anchor point is important. Some prefer tying down near the seat, while others go straight for the rear wheel. The main thing is to avoid auxiliary parts and stick to the frame for a secure hold. A well-strapped vehicle stays put no matter how bumpy the road gets.
Tighten Straps Properly
A quick once-over ensures your vehicle is properly secured to your motorcycle carrier before cranking up the tension. This part takes a little muscle. Pull those straps tight enough to keep the bike completely stable. If needed, hold it upright while tightening to prevent any shifting. One of the biggest mistakes people make is only focusing on the front section, assuming that’s enough to keep everything secure. But if the back end isn’t properly strapped down, even a little movement can loosen the entire setup once you hit the road.
Once everything is tightened, take a step back and check for any tilting. If the vehicle is leaning to one side, one of the straps might be pulling too much in that direction. Loosen it slightly, adjust the balance and re-tighten. The goal is to have everything perfectly upright and locked in place so that no bump or turn will cause it to shift. With the right amount of tension, the whole setup stays secure, letting you focus on the ride ahead.
Do a Final Check
Before going on your off-road adventure, take a moment for one last check. Grab the handlebars and give the bike a firm shake. If there’s any movement, it means something isn’t tight enough. A little extra time now can save you from a lot of hassle later, so go back and reinforce any loose spots with the motorcycle hitch mount. But if everything stays locked in place, upright, steady and completely secure, you’re ready to roll.
To Wrap Up
A hitch mount is one of the easiest ways to transport a dirt bike, making it a solid choice for riders who want a hassle-free solution. Once you get the hang of securing everything properly, loading up becomes second nature. With your setup locked down and confidence in its stability, all that’s left is to hit the road and enjoy the adventure ahead.
