Towing a Motorbike in Brisbane? 8 Things to Keep in Mind

Towing a Motorbike in Brisbane ? 8 Things to Keep in Mind

06 Jul 2026

Motorbike towing is probably the last thing any rider wants to think about. But what if your bike suddenly breaks down, refuses to start, or gets involved in accident? Then it becomes the safest way to get it where it needs to be. However, there’s a mistake that many people make - assuming a motorcycle can be transported like a car.

Bike requires specialised handling and right equipment. Fail to arrange both and you might end up facing scratches, instability, or unnecessary damage during transport. A minor can turn into an expensive repair bill. But hey, avoiding these mistakes are easier than you think.

In this blog, Brisbane Towing and Recovery—a trusted provider of motorcycle towing services— is going to list some of the things a motorcycle owner should know before booking motorbike towing services.

Let's get started.

1. Choose a Company That Specialises in Motorbike Towing

Like we said before, motorbike transport is totally different from towing a car. Not every towing company has the experience or equipment needed to transport motorcycles safely.

A good towing company knows how to secure for transport all the different types of motorbikes, like:

Sports bikes
Cruiser motorcycles
Touring bikes
Adventure motorcycles
Scooters

“Experience isn’t expensive. Inexperience is!” The more experienced a towing company is, the lower the chances of your bike showing up with scratches or any other damage. You will have peace of mind that your bike is being handled with care it deserves.

2. Look For Proper Bike Tow Trucks

One of the many mistakes made is assuming all tow trucks can transport motorcycles.

Professional bike tow trucks come with:

Flatbed systems
Motorcycle wheel chocks
Heavy-duty tie-down straps
Loading ramps

These help keep your bike safe and secure. Be sure to ask what kind of tow truck will be used before booking.

3. Examine Your Motorcycle

Check the condition of your motorcycle before the tow truck arrives. Look for:

Scratches
Dents
Broken mirrors
Fairing damage
Loose items

Take photos so you can document the condition of your motorcycle.

4. Take Your Personal Items and Loose Accessories

Motorcycles can carry valuables and the items can easily fall off during transport. Before the tow process, be sure to remove:

Helmets
Tank bags
Saddlebags
Phone mounts,
Cameras and GPS units

5. Give the Tow Company Information About Your Motorcycle

To help prepare the right bike tow trucks for your motorcycle, give the tow company information about the motorcycle, like:

Make and model
Approx. weight
Condition
If it rolls, and
Any custom mods.

6. Knowing Where Your Motorcycle Is Going

Know where your motorcycle is going before the tow truck shows up. Common places include:

Repair workshops
Motorcycle dealerships
Your home
Storage facilities
Insurance assessment centres

Having the destination ready makes the towing process much quicker and avoids unnecessary delays.

7. Inquire Regarding Insurance During Transport

Accidents can occur even with the best precautions by towing companies. Inquire about the insurance offered by the motorcycle towing company you have chosen.

You may even want to check your personal insurance to see if you have coverage for towing your motorcycle in the following situations:

Accidents on the roadway
Mechanical breakdowns
Theft and recovery

Knowing your options and coverage can provide you with added peace of mind.

8. Know the Costs of Towing Before You Commit

There can be a lot of variance in the costs that relate to the towing of motorcycles.

They might include:

The distance traveled
The time of day
Emergency call-out fees
How large is the motorcycle
Where the motorcycle is picked up
Where the motorcycle is delivered

Always get a quote and make sure you understand the costs before you make a booking. Good towing companies will have clear pricing with no hidden costs.

Read our other blogs as well:

Emergency Towing in Brisbane: 10 Things to Keep in Mind

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Oversized Load Towing Essentials and Expert Tips to Do it Right

Types of Tow Trucks: Everything You Need to Know

10 Car Towing Tips to Avoid Accidents in 2025

Why You Need Professional Motorbike Towing?

Motorcycles are far more prone to damage or loss of control during towing. Even small movements can:

Damage the fairing
Bend the handlebars
Scratch the paint and mirrors of the motorcycle

Specialised motorcycle tow trucks are equipped with a purpose-built loading system. Operators use wheel chocks, soft straps, and secure tie-down methods for two-wheelers. These ensure your vehicle remains stable throughout the journey. It will reach its destination safely, be it home, repair workshop, or any other location.

When is It Necessary to Use a Motorbike Towing Service?

There are a number of cases where professional motorbike towing is required.

Mechanical Failure

Issues with a motorbike's engine or electrical system can leave a bike inoperable.

Flat Tyres

A flat or punctured tyre may leave a bike in an unsafe riding condition.

Post-Accident Transport

After an accident, a bike allows for safe transport to avoid additional damage.

Battery Failure

If the battery goes dead and no other roadside assistance can be applied, towing is the only answer.

Get Reliable Motorbike Towing When You Need It

There are times when you may need to better understand how motorbike towing works in order to make the best decision for the circumstances. There are times when the knowledge of the motorbike towing process is secondary to choosing an appropriate towing service. The knowledge and use of appropriate interventions of specialised tow trucks can be the difference in safely transporting a motorbike.

For all your motorbike towing needs in Brisbane, choose Brisbane Towing and Recovery. Whether you have experienced a breakdown, have been in an accident, or have needed transport, our professional team of experts ensures your bike is handled with utmost care and attention throughout the entire to finish the tow.

Call 0438 155 555 for a tow quote!

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