đī¸ Motorcycle Transport Made Simple
Motorcycle towing in Calgary typically costs $100â$200 for local transport and $300â$600+ for long-distance routes like Calgary to Edmonton (300 km). A flatbed tow truck with a wheel chock and soft-loop straps is the safest method for any bike â running or not. Enclosed trailer transport offers maximum protection for high-value machines.
Need a bike moved? Call (587) 885-2326 for motorcycle towing anywhere in Alberta, 24/7.
Alberta’s riding season is short enough as it is â roughly May through September for most Calgary riders. The last thing you want to lose is saddle time dealing with a breakdown, a long-distance purchase, or a move that requires professional motorcycle transport. But motorcycles are not cars. They require specialized securing techniques, different loading equipment, and operators who understand that a scratched tank or bent handlebar is not just cosmetic damage â it is heartbreak.
Whether you need emergency roadside motorcycle towing in Calgary, planned transport from Calgary to Edmonton, or a seasonal move to storage, this guide covers every method, every cost, and every preparation step to get your bike there safely. And if your bike has been sitting idle long enough that the battery is dead, we cover battery boost services too.
When You Need Professional Motorcycle Transport
đ¨ Roadside Breakdown
Flat tire, dead battery, mechanical failure, or a drop that left the bike undrideable. You need a tow truck that can safely load and transport a two-wheeled vehicle without causing additional damage.
đĻ Online / Out-of-Town Purchase
You bought a bike from a private seller in Edmonton, Red Deer, or Lethbridge. It either is not rideable, is not yet registered, or you do not want to put highway kilometres on a freshly purchased machine.
đ Seasonal Storage Move
Moving your bike to or from winter storage. Many Calgary riders store bikes at home, at a friend’s heated garage, or at a commercial storage facility â all requiring transport if the bike is winterized.
đ Collision / Insurance Claim
Your bike was in an accident and needs to go to a body shop, dealer, or insurance adjuster location. Our accident recovery towing handles motorcycle pickups from collision scenes.
đ ī¸ Shop / Dealer Transport
Moving a non-running bike to a specialty shop, dealer service department, or custom builder. Especially common for project bikes, vintage restorations, and warranty work at distant dealers. See also our guide to moving non-running vehicles.
đ Relocation / Moving
You are moving to or from Calgary and need your motorcycle transported with your household. A long distance tow on a flatbed is often simpler and safer than riding a bike through unfamiliar territory while also managing a move.
Motorcycle Transport Methods Compared
For emergency breakdowns and most planned moves, a flatbed tow truck is the most practical and widely available option. The bike rides fully supported on the platform with all contact points off the ground â no tyre wear, no road debris, no chain or drivetrain stress.
How a Professional Tow Operator Secures Your Motorcycle
This is the section that matters most to riders. A car can absorb minor shifting during transport. A motorcycle cannot â it will fall over. Here is the professional securing process used by experienced motorcycle tow operators:
Position the wheel chock
A steel or heavy-duty plastic wheel chock is placed at the front of the flatbed. This cradles the front tyre and prevents forward/backward movement. On purpose-built trailers, chocks are permanently bolted in. On flatbeds, they are strapped or bolted down before loading.
Load the bike via ramp
If the bike runs, it is walked up a ramp in first gear at idle. If not, it is pushed up with the operator and a helper, or winched. The bike is always loaded front-wheel first and kept perfectly straight on the ramp â never at an angle.
Seat the front tyre in the chock
The front wheel is pushed firmly into the wheel chock until it is held securely. At this point, the bike should stand nearly upright with minimal support.
Attach soft-loop straps at four points
Soft fabric loops go around the handlebars (or triple tree / frame) at the front and around solid frame points at the rear. Metal hooks never contact the bike directly â they attach to the soft loops, then down to tie-down points on the bed. A minimum of four straps is standard: two front, two rear, creating a stable diamond pattern.
Tighten with slight front suspension compression
The front straps are tightened to slightly compress the front forks â this preloads the suspension and keeps the straps taut over bumps. Over-tightening is avoided to prevent fork seal or suspension damage. The bike should be perfectly upright, not leaning.
Shake test and verify
The operator pushes the bike from multiple directions. It should not shift, wobble, or rock. Straps are re-checked after the first few kilometres of driving and periodically throughout the trip.
Red flags to watch for: If a tow operator tries to hook metal chains directly to your bike frame, does not use a wheel chock, uses fewer than four straps, or lays the bike on its side â stop them. These practices cause damage. Reputable operators know how to handle motorcycles. When you call (587) 885-2326, tell the dispatcher it is a motorcycle so we send a driver experienced with two-wheel transport.
Motorcycle Transport Costs in Alberta
Motorcycle tows are generally less expensive than car tows over the same distance because bikes are lighter and faster to load. However, the operator still commits the same truck and time. Popular riding routes near Calgary â Highway 1A to Cochrane, Highway 2 to Airdrie, and the mountain routes to Banff and Jasper â are all within our coverage area. Always check 511 Alberta for road conditions before long rides. For a comprehensive breakdown of towing rates, see our 2026 tow truck cost guide. Call (587) 885-2326 for an exact quote â we price by route, not by guesswork.
Motorcycle Towing & Transport â Calgary & All Alberta
(587) 885-2326
Flatbed transport âĸ Emergency motorcycle towing âĸ Soft-loop straps âĸ Wheel chock equipped âĸ 24/7
Preparing Your Motorcycle for Transport
If your bike is being moved in an emergency, skip this section â the tow operator handles everything. But for a planned move, this checklist protects your machine and speeds up the process:
Photograph the bike before transport. Take clear photos of every side, the tank, fenders, exhaust, and any existing damage. This documents the bike’s pre-transport condition in case of a dispute.
Check tyre pressure. Properly inflated tyres load and secure more easily. Low-pressure tyres can shift in the wheel chock during transport.
Reduce fuel to about 1/4 tank. Enough to move the bike on and off the truck, but reduced weight and spill risk. A full tank on a sport bike adds 10â15 kg of unnecessary sloshing weight.
Remove loose accessories. Saddlebags, tank bags, GPS units, phone mounts â anything that could fall off or be damaged during loading. Stow them separately.
Check for fluid leaks. Oil, coolant, or fuel leaks create a mess on the flatbed and a safety hazard. If the bike leaks, inform the operator so they can place absorbent material under it.
Disable any alarm system. Vibration from the flatbed can trigger aftermarket alarms repeatedly, draining the battery and annoying everyone on the highway.
Charge the battery. If the bike runs, a charged battery makes loading easier (first gear up the ramp). If it does not run, a battery boost may get it started for loading.
Have your keys and documents ready. Registration, proof of ownership, and keys (if available). Know what the tow driver needs from you.
Transport Considerations by Motorcycle Type
What to Do If Your Motorcycle Breaks Down on an Alberta Highway
A motorcycle breakdown is more dangerous than a car breakdown â you are more exposed, less visible, and have no metal cage around you. Act quickly:
Get completely off the road. Pull as far onto the shoulder as possible. If there is a pullout, use it. On Highway 2 at 120 km/h traffic, a motorcycle on the shoulder is extremely hard to see.
Move away from the bike. Stand well behind the guardrail or up the embankment. A parked motorcycle hit by a distracted driver will launch like a projectile.
Make yourself visible. Keep your high-vis gear on. Use your phone flashlight if it is dark. If you carry a reflective vest (you should), put it on.
Call (587) 885-2326. Tell the dispatcher you need motorcycle towing, your exact location (highway, direction, nearest landmark or exit), and the type of bike. We will send a flatbed equipped for motorcycle transport.
Do not attempt highway-side repairs unless it is something simple (kicked chain back on, reconnected a loose wire). Working on a bike next to fast-moving traffic is one of the most dangerous things a rider can do.
If your bike dropped but is still rideable, check for fluid leaks, handlebar alignment, and brake lever function before continuing. If in doubt, a tow is always the safer option. For more on your rights during a tow, see our Alberta towing laws guide.
Does Insurance Cover Motorcycle Towing in Alberta?
The same coverage that applies to cars generally applies to motorcycles â but the limits matter more because motorcycle-specific towing is not available everywhere:
đŗ SEF 35 Endorsement
If your motorcycle insurance includes the SEF 35 rider, it reimburses $50â$200 per incident for towing and roadside assistance. You pay out of pocket and submit the receipt to your insurer. This is available on motorcycle policies in Alberta.
đ AMA Motorcycle Coverage
AMA membership covers motorcycles if the bike is registered to a member. Coverage limits (5â320 km) depend on your tier. Basic covers very little; Premier is needed for long-distance tows like Calgary to Edmonton. Wait times can be long in riding season.
đ ī¸ Manufacturer Roadside Assist
Harley-Davidson H.O.G., BMW Motorrad, Ducati, and others offer roadside assistance with new bike purchases (typically 1â3 years). This usually includes towing to the nearest dealer â but “nearest dealer” may not be your preferred shop.
For a complete breakdown of what is and is not covered, see our Alberta insurance and towing guide. Regardless of what coverage you have, calling us directly gets a truck rolling immediately.
Protecting Your Motorcycle From Damage During Towing
Motorcycles are more vulnerable to towing damage than cars. Here is what to watch for â and what to demand â when a tow truck arrives for your bike:
Insist on a flatbed. Motorcycles should never be towed with a wheel-lift truck â the yoke is designed for car tyres and will damage a motorcycle wheel, fender, or frame.
Confirm soft-loop straps. Metal hooks directly on chrome, painted surfaces, or plastic will leave scratches and dents. Soft fabric loops are the industry standard for motorcycle securing.
Verify wheel chock use. Without a chock, the front tyre can roll and the bike can fall. No chock = no tow. Period.
Watch for uninvited operators. Under Alberta towing laws, tow trucks cannot approach within 200 metres unless you called them. If an unknown truck appears at your breakdown, you have the right to refuse. Read our predatory towing guide for more.
Get a receipt and photos. Document the bike’s condition after loading and request a detailed receipt showing the company, driver, and destination.
Frequently Asked Questions â Motorcycle Transport in Alberta
How much does motorcycle towing cost in Calgary?
Local motorcycle towing within Calgary costs $100â$200 for a standard pickup. Cross-city moves run $150â$275. Long distance transport to Edmonton is typically $400â$650. Rates vary by distance, time of day, and bike type. Call (587) 885-2326 for an exact quote.
How much does it cost to transport a motorcycle from Calgary to Edmonton?
Flatbed motorcycle transport from Calgary to Edmonton (approximately 300 km via Highway 2) typically costs $400â$650. Enclosed trailer transport for high-value bikes may cost more. Marketplace shipping services quote similar routes at $450â$750 depending on the provider and timing.
Can a tow truck carry a motorcycle?
Yes â a flatbed tow truck is the standard method for professional motorcycle transport. The bike is loaded via ramp, secured in a wheel chock, and strapped down at four or more points with soft-loop straps. A motorcycle should never be transported using a wheel-lift tow truck, as the equipment is designed for cars and will damage the bike.
How do you tow a motorcycle that won’t start?
A non-running motorcycle is loaded onto a flatbed using a winch or by being pushed/rolled up a ramp in neutral (if the transmission is not locked). The process is the same as a running bike â wheel chock, four-point strap-down, shake test. No keys or running engine is required for flatbed transport.
Will towing damage my motorcycle?
Not if done correctly. Professional operators use soft-loop straps (never metal hooks on the bike), wheel chocks, and proper strap tension to prevent movement without over-compressing suspension. The biggest risk of damage comes from inexperienced operators or DIY towing without proper equipment. Always insist on a company experienced in motorcycle transport.
Can I transport a motorcycle in winter?
Yes. Flatbed transport works in any season. For winter moves (to or from storage, for example), the main consideration is ice on the ramp during loading. The operator will salt or sand the ramp surface. Ensure the bike’s tyres are inflated and brakes are not seized from sitting. Cold weather does not affect the transport itself since the bike is stationary on the flatbed.
Does AMA cover motorcycle towing?
Yes, AMA membership covers motorcycles registered to the member. The towing distance covered depends on your tier: Basic covers only 5â10 km, Plus covers 160 km, and Premier covers 320 km. For a Calgary-to-Edmonton tow, you would need the Premier tier. Summer wait times for motorcycle towing through AMA can be long during peak riding season.
How many straps should be used to secure a motorcycle for transport?
A minimum of four ratchet or cam-buckle straps: two attached to the front (usually via soft loops around the handlebars or upper triple tree) and two at the rear (attached to solid frame points). Some operators add a fifth strap securing the front wheel to the chock. Straps should be at roughly 45-degree angles for maximum stability.
Can you transport a motorcycle with saddlebags and a windshield attached?
Yes, but it is better to remove them if possible. Saddlebags add width and weight that can shift during transport. Windshields can crack from road debris on an open flatbed. If you cannot remove them, inform the operator so they can adjust strap placement. Enclosed trailer transport eliminates these concerns entirely.
Do you transport motorcycles from other provinces to Calgary?
We primarily serve Alberta routes â Calgary, Edmonton, Banff, Red Deer, Lethbridge, and everywhere in between. For cross-province transport (e.g., Vancouver to Calgary), we can handle the Alberta portion or coordinate with a BC carrier. Call (587) 885-2326 to discuss your specific route.
Your Bike Deserves a Safe Ride.
Professional motorcycle towing with wheel chocks, soft-loop straps, and experienced operators. Calgary and all of Alberta, 24/7.
(587) 885-2326