Get The Right Weight Classification
Just like you wouldn’t want to get on an elevator with a limit of 1000 pounds when you’re moving a 900-pound piece of furniture, so too does the weight classification for your motorcycle matter when you move it from place to place. Odds are your bike weighs significantly less than the Guinness world record for motorcycles at 10,000 pounds, but you still need a weight threshold of at least 800 pounds for security and safety to both your bike, your truck, and yourself. A truck, trailer, or ramp with less weight capability is not worth whatever savings it may offer in comparison to a heavy-duty option.
Prepare The Bed
Unless you have no problem with a bike that’s scratched, battered, and full of dings, you’ll need to secure the vehicle within the trailer or truck bed when you transport it. Cut plywood to protect the pickup truck’s window, or any windows within a trailer. Nail or tie down wood planks that will grip your motorcycle wheels securely. Finally, place a large block beneath the bike with the kickstand up for support.
Tie It Down
Even better are tie-down straps and wheel holders that can hold the motorcycle securely in place. You need ratcheting tie-down straps that have some give to attach to the handlebars. Ratchet the line until taut, but not to the point where the suspension has less than about half an inch of play. You will need to mount D-rings or some other device to the floor of the trailer to mount the tie-down straps to. Most pickup truck beds have integrated loops to handle this task. Motorcycle parts stores like Motosport.com carry everything you need.
Car Bibles reports that sport bikes have less delicate suspension, while a cruiser has more rake and thus is harder to turn. As such, you can apply more pressure on a sports bike tie down than a cruiser, but both need a small amount of wiggle room to avoid damaging the suspension. Attach a buckle strap (not a ratchet) to the rear wheel, and tighten it to the maximum degree possible.