Motorcycle Towing Ottawa | Safe Flatbed Transport for Every Bike

Last updated: 2026 | Service guide for Ottawa riders | Posted by Ontario Towing


Motorcycle towing is not something you can do with a standard wheel-lift truck. A two-wheeled vehicle cannot be secured with a metal yoke the way a car can. Motorcycles require flatbed transport with proper loading equipment, soft straps, and tie-down points that keep the bike upright and stable during the entire trip. Ontario Towing has been providing safe motorcycle towing across Ottawa since 1999.

Whether you ride a sport bike, cruiser, touring motorcycle, adventure bike, or scooter, we have the equipment and experience to transport it without damage. Call us at (613) 619-4545.

Quick Answer: All motorcycles must be transported on a flatbed tow truck. Ontario Towing secures your bike upright using wheel chocks, soft straps, and multiple tie-down points. We handle sport bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, adventure bikes, and scooters across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.

Why Motorcycles Need Specialized Towing

A motorcycle is not a small car. It balances on two wheels, has exposed mechanical components, and can tip over from a light push. Standard tow trucks are not designed to handle motorcycles safely. A wheel-lift truck has no way to secure a bike without dragging it, and dragging a motorcycle will destroy the frame, fairings, and engine case within metres.

Flatbed towing is the only safe method. The bike is loaded onto a flat platform, secured upright with a front wheel chock, and strapped down at multiple points using soft tie-downs that will not scratch paint or chrome. Our drivers are experienced with loading motorcycles of every size and style.

Warning: If a tow company shows up with a wheel-lift truck for your motorcycle, do not let them touch it. A wheel-lift cannot safely secure a two-wheeled vehicle. Insist on a flatbed or call Ontario Towing at (613) 619-4545.

Types of Motorcycles We Transport

Bike Type Loading Considerations
Sport BikesLow clearance, delicate fairings, clip-on handlebars require careful strap placement
CruisersHeavy weight, wide handlebars, chrome surfaces need soft strap protection
Touring BikesVery heavy (some over 400 kg loaded), saddlebags and windscreens require extra clearance
Adventure / Dual SportTall height, knobby tires, panniers and crash bars affect tie-down positioning
ScootersLighter weight but less stable, plastic body panels scratch easily
Custom / ChopperExtended forks, non-standard geometry, one-of-a-kind parts that cannot be replaced

When You Need Motorcycle Towing

Breakdowns on a motorcycle are more stressful than in a car. You are exposed to traffic, weather, and road conditions with no cabin to protect you. Common situations where riders call Ontario Towing include flat tires (most motorcycles do not carry a spare), dead batteries after sitting through a long Ottawa winter, engine failures, accident recovery, and seasonal transport to and from storage.

We also handle planned transport for riders who buy a bike from a private seller or dealership and need it delivered to their home. If you purchased a motorcycle online or from another city, we will pick it up and bring it to you on a flatbed.

Accident Recovery for Motorcycles

Motorcycle accidents often leave the bike on its side with fluids leaking and bodywork damaged. Our drivers know how to safely lift and load a damaged motorcycle without causing additional harm. We secure loose parts, handle fluid spills, and transport the bike to the repair shop or storage location you choose.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, your first priority is your own safety. Call 911 if there are injuries, then call Ontario Towing at (613) 619-4545 for the bike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Ontario Towing operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We respond to motorcycle towing calls at any hour, including overnight and on holidays.

We use a front wheel chock to hold the bike upright and soft ratchet straps attached to multiple tie-down points on the frame. The bike is secured so it cannot move, lean, or shift during transport. We never strap to handlebars, mirrors, or any component that could bend or break.

Yes. We carefully lift damaged motorcycles and secure them on the flatbed even when bodywork is broken, wheels are bent, or the frame is compromised. We transport it to the shop or destination you choose.

Yes. Many Ottawa riders store their bikes for winter and need transport to and from storage facilities. We provide seasonal pickup and delivery on a flatbed so your bike never has to ride through salt or snow.

The price depends on the distance and time of day. We give you the full price on the phone before dispatching. Call (613) 619-4545 for a quote.

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Ontario Towing provides 24/7 service across Ottawa and the National Capital Region.

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(613) 619-4545
(613) 619-4545