In March, not only tulips and mimosas bloom, but also the faces of motorcyclists. Why? Yes, because they are already creaking the locks of their garages – if, of course, the motorcycle was stored in a heated garage, because storing a motorcycle in cold and damp in winter means not respecting a motorcycle. We have already written about proper storage in a separate article.
But along with the joy of the new season, sometimes the question of transportation arises. For example, if a motorcycle is not running, it needs repair and, therefore, transportation to a motorcycle service. Other situations when you need to transport a motorcycle, ATV or scooter are paperwork (when the vehicle cannot move on the road and it needs to be transported), traveling using different modes of transport (you do part of the way by train or car, and part by motorcycle ) and various other situations.
In order to prevent violations of the transportation rules, not to damage the motorcycle itself (scooter or ATV), we wrote an article in which we analyzed what transportation methods are, their pros and cons, and the main nuances.
Basic rules for transporting motorcycles
You need to think about the fact that in the process of transportation your equipment:
was not damaged mechanically (that is, did not fall, did not hit the walls of the truck, did not fall off the trailer);
not dirty (an awning, thick film will save from dirt and rain);
not broken (for example, when transporting with a towbar, it is imperative to disconnect the wheels and fork so that this does not lead to a breakdown of the scooter);
in some cases it is necessary to empty the gas tank (when transported in the trunk).
How to transport a motorcycle
Motorcycles generally fall into three categories:
up to 200 cm³ – subcompact;
201-1200 cm³ – medium;
from 1201 cm³ – large.
Depending on the weight, dimensions and characteristics of the motorcycle, you need to choose the appropriate method of transportation. Here are some options to consider.
1. In a minibus
The advantage of this method is its simplicity. All that needs to be organized is the correct loading of the motorcycle on the bus, for this you will need special skids. After you have loaded the motorcycle into the bed, be sure to attach it with straps so that it does not fall during transportation. In addition, with this method, you do not depend on weather conditions – even if it rains or snows, the motorcycle will be clean.
2. In a pickup truck
A pickup truck is a large vehicle with an enclosed cab and an open cargo area with low sides and a tailgate. Pickups can be with a single cab, one and a half or double cab. The length of the body can also be different, and not all motorcycles can fit, although all pickups are quite large. However, with the help of any pickup truck, you can transport an ordinary and even a large motorcycle, if the rear wheel of the car is on the open side.
3. On a trailer
A trailer is a great alternative for transporting motorcycles, quads and scooters if you don’t want to swap your regular car for a pickup truck or van. The trailer is easy to hitch and unhook (at the same time, you need to have a place to store the trailer at a time when you do not need it – a garage, a summer house, a country house or a secure parking lot). The disadvantage of the trailer is that during such transportation, the motorcycle is exposed to external weather conditions – rain, snow, as well as dirt, gravel and dust from the roads. In addition, the trailer must be equipped with lighting and a state number in accordance with the rules of the road.
Transportation of a motorcycle on a special trailer
4. On a tow truck
A motorcycle tow truck is the best option for owners of large motorcycles (more than 1200 cm³).
5. On a special site
This is a special device for transporting motorcycles and scooters. The platform, which is attached to the towbar, works on the principle of a trailer, only it is flat, without sides. You need to make sure that the license plates are readable after the installation of the platform, and all rear lights remain in the line of sight for other drivers. With this method, you need to secure the motorcycle very securely so that it does not stagger or fall off during transportation, and it is also best to cover it with a thick film or a blanket from gravel flying from the road.
6. With partial loading
Partial loading is common among cars, when, in the event of a breakdown, one car tows another – the front wheels rise, the rear wheels remain on the ground. Motorcycles can also be transported in this way. To do this, you need to attach the front wheel to the towbar or a special area under the trunk of the car. The motorcycle will follow the car, leaning on the rear wheel. With this method, technical fluids can flow out, as there is a non-standard angle of inclination of the motorcycle. This method is best suited for motorcycles with a short base. The disadvantage of this method is that those pits that a car can easily bypass may not be bypassed by a motorcycle (the rear wheel will get stuck in the pit) and then you risk damaging the motorcycle mechanisms.
Rules for transporting a scooter
Scooters can weigh from 60 to 150 kg. In general, the rules for their transportation are very similar to how motorcycles and ATVs are transported. Still, the scooter can be quite light and small, so you have additional transportation options that you can do yourself.
modern scooter
1. By car
Any scooter can easily fit in a minivan or minibus – the main thing is to fix it securely so that it does not fall off on the go. If there are no belts, then the scooter can be transported by laying it on its side.
2. By train or train
The scooter will fit in the vestibule of the train, but you will need to take it to the car on your hands, without starting the engine.
3. With a tow bar
Towing with a device such as a hitch is prohibited. However, if you need to roll the scooter to some place and at the same time you do not go out on public roads, then use this method: weld a tube to the bottom of the towbar with a length that is equal to the distance between the feathers of the fork and a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the front wheel shaft. In this case, the fender and front wheel of the scooter are removed – you transport them separately. Then insert the wheel axle through the shock absorbers and the welded tube and tighten the nut. With this method, the vehicle speed cannot exceed 100 km/h.
4. With trunk
Putting the scooter on its side, you will see that its dimensions may well allow you to transport it in the luggage compartment of the car. Before this, the scooter’s gas tank must be empty, the mirrors removed, and it is better to wrap the scooter in a blanket or film to prevent damage to the plastic case.
How to transport an ATV
An ATV weighs an average of 400 kg – which, of course, excludes its transportation using a special platform or trailer or minibus. For transporting a heavy ATV, the best way is to deliver it using a transport company on a special truck.
General advice for motorcyclists on transportation
Motorcycle transportation is not done very often. Usually such a need arises when repairing or changing tires. If you find yourself in a situation where a motorcycle is with summer tires, and there is ice on the roads, then you definitely shouldn’t go, in this case a motor tow truck will help. If you store your motorcycle in a garage, but need frequent maintenance and repairs, then a trailer is a better option. In general, transportation should be safe for you and other road users – you need to securely fasten motorcycles, scooters and ATVs. But also transportation should not damage the equipment, for this you will need a protective awning and appropriate fasteners.
Another transportation option and more
The best option for transporting a motorcycle is to turn to professionals. The Smartroom is engaged in the transportation of motorcycles according to all the rules. For transportation, we use trucks with large capacious bodies, special devices for rolling equipment inside, and the whole process is organized on a turnkey basis by strong and friendly guys.
Motorcycle storage
How the turnkey motorcycle transportation service works:
you order a service on our website, in a mobile application, through social networks or by phone;
we schedule transportation for a convenient day and time;
at the appointed time, the Smartroom movers come to you, pack the motorcycle or scooter, load it into the car and transport it to the right place;
the cost of the service is fixed – you do not overpay extra money in the process and know the price in advance;
Smartroom movers will do the hard physical work of loading and unloading the motorcycle – you don’t have to do anything yourself;
in the Smartroom you can order and store a motorcycle or scooter at any time of the year.
The Smartroom is not only a moving service, but also a reliable self-storage facility for storing your belongings. It is always warm in the self-storage facility – stable temperature and humidity levels, guaranteed safety and convenient service – we deliver things directly to your home, no need to go anywhere.
You can rent a motorcycle or scooter for the winter or for the whole year. The cost of storing a motorcycle depends on its volume, the smaller the cheaper. Smartroom works in Moscow and the Moscow region – we will pick up your motorcycle anywhere in the city and Moscow region.
Storage of motorcycles in a warm self-storage facility
How to transport a motorcycle – conclusions
The motorcycle must be transported in such a way that it is not damaged during transportation, so that you do not violate the laws and regulations of the road, and also so that it is convenient for you. Many methods in one way or another involve either financial investments (purchase of special devices and fixtures) or physical effort (you have to drag the motorcycle to the site or shift the heavy scooter into the luggage compartment of the car). In order not to spend extra money and your strength, use the services of the Smartroom. We not only transport scooters, motorcycles and ATVs, but we also deal with the safe storage of motorcycles in the off-season. The Smartroom is not just a self-storage facility, it is a comfortable service!
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