The Best Motorcycle Ramp

Buying Guide

You can’t always ride your motorcycle wherever you want to go. Sometimes you might want to load it up and take it on a long trip with you, for instance. You can easily carry your motorcycle on the back of a truck or a trailer but getting it onto the vehicle for transport can be tough.

That’s where a motorcycle ramp can come in handy. Simply rest it on the back of the vehicle and run it toward the ground, similar to the ramps that are attached to moving vans. Once loaded, you can usually fold the ramp up and slide it onto the back of the vehicle next to the bike so that you’ll have it ready when you arrive at your destination.

Motorcycle ramps aren’t just for bikes, though. Many people use them for vehicles like four-wheelers, tractors, mowers and mobility scooters, along with dirt bikes. If you plan to use your ramp for a four-wheeled vehicle, you’ll either need one that’s wide enough to accommodate it or two separate ramps—one for each wheel.

Once you’ve determined what you’ll be using your ramp for, you can start looking at specific features. The width is one factor, but also pay attention to length. You may have only limited space for loading your bike, so an extra-long ramp won’t be ideal. However, a longer ramp gives you more surface area for loading up your bike, which you may find easier if you’re sure you’ll always have the extra space.

Lastly, look at the extra traction you get from the ramp you choose. Some are built with materials that give your tires more to grip as they travel across. A serrated design can also increase the traction, making it safer for walking, riding and pushing vehicles across.

• Safety is the top consideration when you’re choosing something like a motorcycle ramp. Make sure you go for one with the capacity to handle the loads you’ll be moving across them.
• Consider not only where you’ll keep the ramp while you’re transporting your vehicle, but also where you’ll store it once you’re home. Many fold up into a smaller length to make storage easier.
• The weight of the ramp also comes into play. Aluminum ramps can provide the durability you need while still being lightweight enough to carry from one place to another.
• You’ll likely also want to protect the vehicle you’re loading the bike onto against scratches. Some ramps have rubber tips that grip onto your truck bed or other surfaces. This provides the support you need without scratching up the vehicle or trailer.
• Corrosion can be a problem with any metal. The quality of aluminum or alloy used in your ramp will ensure it holds up against moisture over years of use.
• If you buy a single-runner ramp, avoid riding your bike or other vehicles up it. You’ll need to push those, as single-runner ramps aren’t built for that. A full-width ramp, on the other hand, will give you the space you need to put your feet down as you ride your bike up.
• Larger motorcycles may require two or more people for loading. Plan ahead to make sure you have enough hands to help out.
• The vehicle you’ll be using to transport your motorcycle is a very important consideration. A motorcycle trailer is the easiest way, but that might not always be an option. If you’re transporting your bike regularly, you may find it’s worth the investment.
• For transport using the bed of a truck, the type of truck is important. A two-wheel-drive long-bed pickup will be easier than a four-wheel-drive stepside truck, primarily because of the long bed’s extra room and lower load height. If you’re shopping for a new truck, keep in mind that longer beds are going to always work best for transporting your bike.