Motorcycle Towing in Montreal: Safe Transport Guide
Standard car tow trucks aren’t designed for two-wheeled vehicles. Improper towing can scratch your paint, damage your fairings, or even drop your bike. That’s why motorcycle towing requires specialized equipment and trained operators.
At Montreal Towing, we provide safe, professional motorcycle towing for sport bikes, cruisers, scooters, and everything in between. Here’s your complete guide to getting your bike transported safely in Montreal.
Motorcycles and Two-Wheelers We Tow
Our motorcycle towing service handles all types of two-wheeled (and three-wheeled) vehicles:
Motorcycles
- Sport bikes – Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Ducati, BMW
- Cruisers – Harley-Davidson, Indian, Victory, Honda Shadow
- Touring bikes – Honda Gold Wing, Harley Road Glide, BMW K1600
- Adventure bikes – BMW GS series, KTM Adventure, Honda Africa Twin
- Standard and naked bikes
- Vintage and classic motorcycles
- Custom choppers and bobbers
Scooters and Mopeds
- Vespa and Piaggio
- Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki scooters
- Electric scooters
- Mopeds and small-displacement bikes
Three-Wheelers
- Trikes – Can-Am Spyder, Harley trikes
- Slingshots
- Sidecar rigs
Custom Bikes? If your motorcycle has modifications—custom pipes, lowered suspension, extended swingarms—let us know when you call. We’ll bring the right equipment to handle your specific setup.
Why Motorcycles Need Specialized Towing
You wouldn’t want a car tow truck driver strapping down your motorcycle without proper training. Here’s why bike towing requires specialized service:
Balance and Stability
Motorcycles are inherently unstable when not in motion. Without proper wheel chocks and securing methods, bikes can tip over during loading, transport, or unloading—causing expensive damage.
Delicate Components
Motorcycles have exposed components that can be damaged by improper handling:
- Fairings and bodywork – Plastic panels scratch and crack easily
- Mirrors and levers – Break off if snagged
- Exhaust pipes – Custom pipes are expensive to replace
- Paint and chrome – Metal hooks and chains cause scratches
- Windscreens – Crack under pressure
Suspension Concerns
Motorcycles should be secured with their suspension slightly compressed to prevent bouncing during transport. Over-tightening straps can damage fork seals and suspension components.
Drivetrain Protection
Unlike cars, motorcycles shouldn’t be towed with wheels on the ground. Chain or belt drive systems can be damaged, and transmissions aren’t designed for passive wheel rotation.
Equipment We Use for Safe Motorcycle Transport
Professional motorcycle towing requires the right tools. Here’s what we use:
Motorcycle-Specific Flatbeds
We use trucks equipped with hydraulic lift beds designed for motorcycles. The bed lowers to ground level for easy loading—no steep ramps that risk dropping your bike.
Wheel Chocks
Heavy-duty wheel chocks secure your front wheel, preventing the bike from rolling or tipping. We use adjustable chocks that fit different tire sizes, from scooter wheels to wide cruiser tires.
Soft Loop Straps
Metal hooks can scratch handlebars and frames. We use soft loop straps that wrap around bars and frames without causing damage. These loops connect to ratchet straps for secure tie-down.
Ratchet Tie-Downs
High-quality ratchet straps provide controlled tension to secure your motorcycle. We position straps at four points—two at the front and two at the rear—for complete stability.
Protective Padding
When necessary, we use protective padding to prevent contact damage between your bike and truck bed or tie-down equipment.
Our Motorcycle Towing Process
Here’s what to expect when you call for motorcycle towing in Montreal:
1. Assessment
When you call, we’ll ask about your motorcycle type, location, and any special considerations (custom parts, damage, etc.). This helps us send the right equipment.
2. Dispatch
We dispatch a motorcycle-equipped tow truck to your location. You’ll receive an ETA and can track your driver’s arrival.
3. Safe Loading
Our operator will:
- Lower the hydraulic bed for ground-level access
- Walk your bike onto the bed (or carefully roll it if not running)
- Position the front wheel in the chock
- Attach soft loop straps to handlebars and frame
- Secure rear straps to the swingarm or frame
- Verify the bike is stable and won’t move
4. Transport
During transport, we drive carefully—avoiding sudden stops, sharp turns, and rough roads when possible. Your bike stays secure throughout the journey.
5. Safe Unloading
At your destination (repair shop, home, storage), we reverse the process—carefully removing straps and walking your bike off the bed.
When Do You Need Motorcycle Towing?
Breakdowns
Motorcycles break down for many reasons:
- Dead battery that won’t jump start
- Electrical failures
- Fuel system problems
- Clutch or transmission issues
- Chain or belt failures
- Engine problems
Our breakdown towing gets your bike to a mechanic quickly.
Flat Tires
Unlike cars, most motorcycle riders don’t carry spare tires. A flat tire means you need a tow—especially for tubeless tires that can’t be easily repaired roadside.
Accidents and Drops
If your bike goes down, it may not be safe to ride—even if it starts. Bent handlebars, damaged controls, or frame issues require professional inspection. Our accident recovery service handles damaged bikes with extra care.
Running Out of Gas
While our roadside assistance includes fuel delivery, sometimes it’s easier to tow your bike to the nearest station—especially if you’re in an unsafe location.
Seasonal Transport
Many Montreal riders need bikes transported for:
- Moving to/from winter storage
- Purchasing a used motorcycle
- Taking your bike to a new mechanic or dealer
- Track day or event transport
Scooter Towing in Montreal
Scooter towing follows the same principles as motorcycle towing, with a few differences:
Size and Weight
Scooters are lighter than most motorcycles, making them easier to load but also more susceptible to movement during transport. Proper securing is essential.
Wheel Size
Scooters typically have smaller wheels than motorcycles. We use adjustable wheel chocks that accommodate various wheel sizes.
Center Stand vs. Kickstand
Many scooters have center stands, which provide additional stability during loading. We work with whatever your scooter has.
Plastic Bodywork
Scooters often have extensive plastic bodywork that scratches easily. We take extra care with strap placement to protect panels and fairings.
Tips for Riders Needing a Tow
Before You Call
- Know your location – Have the address or nearest cross-streets ready
- Identify your bike – Year, make, model helps us prepare the right equipment
- Note any damage or modifications – Let us know about custom parts or existing damage
- Have your destination ready – Address of the repair shop, home, or storage
While Waiting
- Stay visible – If on the road, use hazard lights or reflective gear
- Move to safety – Get off the roadway if possible
- Don’t try to fix unfamiliar issues – You might cause more damage
- Protect your gear – Secure helmets, jackets, and valuables
During Loading
- Stay available – The operator may have questions about your bike
- Point out concerns – If something looks wrong, speak up
- Remove loose items – Saddlebags, tank bags, and accessories should come with you
Motorcycle Towing Service Areas
We provide motorcycle towing throughout Montreal and surrounding areas:
- Plateau-Mont-Royal
- Griffintown and Old Montreal
- Verdun and LaSalle
- Côte-des-Neiges and NDG
- Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
- Downtown Montreal
- West Island and South Shore
Need your motorcycle transported further? Our long-distance transport service covers all of Quebec.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does motorcycle towing cost in Montreal?
Motorcycle towing rates in Montreal typically start at $75-$100 for local tows, plus per-kilometer charges for longer distances. The final cost depends on your location, destination, and time of day. We provide upfront quotes before dispatch so you know exactly what to expect.
Can you tow a motorcycle that won’t start?
Yes, we tow motorcycles that won’t start. Our operators can manually roll non-running bikes onto the truck bed. We handle dead batteries, electrical failures, engine problems, and any other issue that prevents your bike from running.
Do you tow scooters and mopeds?
Yes, we tow all types of scooters, mopeds, and small-displacement motorcycles. Our equipment accommodates various wheel sizes and vehicle weights, from 50cc scooters to large touring bikes.
Will towing damage my motorcycle?
Not when done properly. We use motorcycle-specific equipment including wheel chocks, soft loop straps, and flatbed trucks to ensure damage-free transport. Our operators are trained specifically in motorcycle handling and take extra care with every bike.
Can you tow a motorcycle after an accident?
Yes, we handle accident recovery for motorcycles. We take extra care with damaged bikes, securing them properly regardless of their condition. We can transport your motorcycle to a repair shop, your home, or a storage facility and provide documentation for insurance claims.
24/7 Motorcycle Towing in Montreal
When your bike needs transport, trust the team that understands motorcycles. Montreal Towing provides:
- 24/7 availability for emergency motorcycle towing
- Specialized equipment: wheel chocks, soft straps, flatbed trucks
- Trained operators who ride themselves
- Safe transport for sport bikes, cruisers, scooters, and trikes
- Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
Call Now: 514-483-6944
Safe motorcycle towing for riders across Montreal—available 24/7.
Note: All prices mentioned in this article are provided for general reference and informational purposes only. These prices are not fixed and may vary depending on facts, market conditions, location, time, availability, or other relevant factors. Actual prices may change without prior notice. Readers are advised to verify details independently before making any decisions.
