So you want to load a motorcycle on a pickup truck but don’t have anything even resembling a motorcycle ramp near you to help.
Well, luckily, there is a way that you can bring your motorcycle up to the pickup truck bed without even needing a loading ramp or motorcycle ramps.
Even if you don’t have a dedicated motorcycle trailer to haul your bike, you can get it up in your truck.
And even if it seems almost impossible, there is a way you can do it without relying on motorcycle ramps, even if you have a heavy bike.
Different ways to load a motorcycle on a truck bed
Now if you want to take your motorcycle somewhere, the best way to take it somewhere is with the help of a pickup truck.
But even the truck isn’t enough, since you might be thinking that a truck without a ramp is practically useless.
However, there are a few ways that you can load a motorcycle securely on a pickup truck, without even using one ramp.
All you will actually need are a few tie down points and ratchet straps to keep the bike tied down and reduce any movement.
Here are a few ways that you can load a motorcycle.
First the front wheel, then the rear wheel
One option that you have to make the loading process easier is to first load front wheel, and then move on to the rear wheel. The rear wheels in a bike can also give it the power it needs to get up on the truck.
First bring the truck up to the bike and lift the front wheel on the truck bed. Then have one person hold on to the front brake as others first lift the bike.
After other people get a good grip from the rear, let go of the brake and slide the bike on the truck, while being careful of the rear axle.
Finally, use tie downs or good straps to keep the motorcycle in place.
Create a makeshift loading dock
The next option is to create a makeshift loading dock, which can make for a better loading angle and generally makes it easier to life the motorcycle into a truck.
In such a situation, you get to lift the motorcycle better than from a flat surface. first lift the rear tire on the elevated surface.
Next, lift the bike from the front and then back up the truck to bring the bike on the truck bed. Finally, lift the back from the back to finally bring it on the pickup truck.
This is especially useful if you are trying to get a heavy motorcycle on a pickup bed. And now, you can take your motorcycle to the bike shop.
Another way to load a bike without a motorcycle ramp
Manually lifting your motorcycle and bringing it on the truck can be a very difficult process, and you often need to a handful of people help.
Even if you can do the heavy lifting by yourself, you still need at least one other person to hold on to the front brake and help you with the straps and handlebar harness.
However, there is another way that you can load a motorcycle without relying on an arched ramp. While
Arched ramps can be very helpful when trying to get you motorcycle on a truck and using ratchet straps and tie downs to hold it in place.
But if you can’t find straps or tie downs to keep the bike in place, you could get wheel chocks. Using a wheel chock is for your own safety.
How you will keep your motorcycle in place when you finally load it is a matter of personal preference. But there is another way that you can easily load a motorcycle on your pickup bed the that can even make sure your bike fits.
Using a pickup truck winch
Another great way of getting your motorcycle into a truck is by using a winch. It doesn’t require a very complicated setup and all you need is the right terrain to load up your bike.
Granted you will have to exercise extra caution and double check the anchor points that you choose.
Hooking up the winch
Hook up the winch to your bike and your pickup truck. Make sure you hook them up with the strongest parts of both the bike and your truck. When you see the straps tight, you can start loading your bike.
If the winch can do its job right, you don’t even need any strong friends to help with loading a motorcycle.
A few tips to make loading a motorcycle much easier
Suffice it to say that loading a motorcycle without a ramp can be very difficult, especially if you don’t have a few strong friends to help you.
So, here are a few tips to help make the loading process much easier.
Use softer tie downs
The first important tip that we can offer, other than choosing the right time to push and load a motorcycle, is to use softer tie downs.
Use tie downs designed for bikes
Preferably, you want to use tie downs specifically designed for motorcycles as to not damage it. While you want to secure your bike, it should not be at the expense of your bike.
Remove any loose bits from the bike
You don’t just want to make sure that your bike fits on the truck, you also want to make sure it is secure and that it can safely reach your destination.
Make sure there are no loose bits
The best way to get around this is to get your gear and remove any loose parts from your bike. This could even include fork seals or a side stand, or generally anything that could fall off.
Make sure you lock in your bike
Even if you can’t find an arched ramp or a motorcycle ramp, you need to make sure that your bike is properly strapped into the truck bed.
If you used a wheel chock, make sure the bike properly locks into it. If you’re just using tie-downs, then make sure the straps are tight.
You can still use straps
Even if the straps are your only option, make sure they are right on the left and the opposite sides.
Use more than just one strap
Just make sure you don’t just use a single strap, and attach many to the vehicle to secure your bike.