How to Towing a Motorcycle with Another Motorcycle: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Towing a Motorcycle with Another Motorcycle: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Towing a Motorcycle with Another Motorcycle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Towing a motorcycle with another motorcycle may seem daunting, but with the right technique and safety precautions, you can do it effectively. While people often use cars or trucks for towing, you may find that using another motorcycle is the best option in certain situations, especially if you’re
on a road adventure and one of the bikes breaks down.

Here’s how to tow a motorcycle with another motorcycle safely.

Towing a Motorcycle Important Considerations

Towing a motorcycle with another motorcycle can be very tricky and even dangerous. Therefore, proper attachment of the tow rope is crucial to avoid accidents or damage to either bike. First, the tow rope must be securely fixed to the back of the towing motorcycle. Additionally, it should be aligned with the centerline of the bike to ensure a stable and safe towing process. On the towed bike, the rope should be fed between the instruments and under the center of the handlebars, but not tied on. Instead, wrap the rope a couple of times around the handlebars and hold it with the left hand. This setup allows the rope to be released immediately if something goes wrong.

It is challenging, and I’ve done it before. To make it work, first, you need two willing riders—maybe even a bit daring! Here’s the trick: crazy rider one (CR1) ties the rope to the back of their bike, ideally around something stable like a backrest. Crazy rider two (CR2) holds on to the rope, but just enough that they can let go if needed. CR1 then carefully pulls CR2 along, both praying there’s no traffic. While this setup sounds risky, it’s worked for many, though it requires serious focus, experience, and maybe even a bit of a death wish!

Scenario: Towing with a Kawasaki Ninja 250

If you’re considering towing a dirt bike like a CRF250R with a street bike, such as a Kawasaki Ninja 250, it can be done, but it requires extra care and preparation. For instance, a rider recently traded a BMW F650 for a CRF250R and now has both a Ninja 250 and a CRF250R. The idea is to tow the dirt bike a few hundred miles, leave the Ninja in a parking lot, and go off-roading. While a dual-purpose bike like a KLR650 might seem ideal, owning two bikes with specialized functions can offer a better experience than one bike that handles both tasks at a more basic level. Here’s how to safely attempt this:

  1. Weight and Power Consideration: Towing the CRF250R behind the Ninja 250 for longer distances will put a lot of strain on the Ninja, especially given the weight of the dirt bike.
  2. Tow Rope or Strap: Attach the tow rope to a sturdy part of the Ninja’s rear frame or the passenger peg mounts to distribute the load better.
  3. Towing in Short Spurts: Given the Ninja’s engine capacity, towing should ideally be done in shorter distances, especially if there are inclines. Look for rest stops along the route to prevent overheating.

What You’ll Need

  1. Tow Strap or Rope: First, use a sturdy nylon strap or rope rated for towing. Additionally, make sure it’s long enough to maintain a safe distance between the motorcycles.
  2. Anchor Points: Next, check that both motorcycles have secure points to attach the tow strap, ensuring no components are damaged during the process.
  3. Protective Gear: Finally, both riders should wear full protective gear, including helmets, gloves, and riding jackets, to ensure safety during the tow.
  4. Clear Communication Plan: Have hand signals or a communication system to relay messages between the riders, especially in case of emergencies.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Attach the Tow Strap Securely

  • Locate secure anchor points on both motorcycles. Attach the strap to the rear frame of the towing motorcycle along the centerline, ensuring stability and balance.
  • For the towed motorcycle, feed the strap through the area between the instrument panel and under the handlebars, then wrap it a couple of times around the handlebars. Do not tie it; instead, hold the end in the left hand. This allows for an immediate release if something goes wrong.

Step 2: Maintain a Safe Distance

  • Keep the strap length around 6-8 feet to maintain enough space between the motorcycles. A longer distance makes it easier for the trailing motorcycle to stop without getting too close to the lead bike.
  • Keep the strap taut to avoid jerking motions, especially when starting or stopping.

Step 3: Communicate and Coordinate with the Other Rider

  • Before starting, agree on signals for turning, stopping, and slowing down. This is essential to keep both riders in sync and avoid accidents.
  • Both riders should be aware of the road conditions, as sudden change could create dangerous jerking motions in the tow strap.

Step 4: Start Slowly

  • The towing motorcycle should start off gently to minimize strain on the tow strap and ensure a smooth start for the trailing motorcycle.
  • The rider on the towed bike should keep their feet down and let the towing motorcycle take most of the load until the bikes gain momentum.

Step 5: Ride with Caution

  • Avoid sudden stops, sharp turns, and high speeds. The lead bike should drive at a moderate pace and signal well in advance before slowing or stopping.
  • Both riders should maintain focus and be aware of potential hazards, as towing requires more attention than regular riding.

Step 6: Regularly Check the Tension of the Strap

  • The rider on the trailing motorcycle should keep an eye on the tension of the tow strap. If it starts to sag, communicate with the lead rider to tighten it by adjusting the speed or distance slightly.
  • If the strap becomes too loose or tangled, stop immediately and readjust before proceeding.

Can a Motorcycle Be Towed Behind a Car? An In-Depth Exploration

Tips for a Safe Towing Experience

  • Choose the Right Route: Stick to low-traffic roads with minimal turns, stops, and intersections. Avoid highways or crowded areas where maneuvering may be difficult.
  • Use Your Mirrors: Both riders should regularly check their mirrors to stay aware of traffic and the position of the tow strap.
  • Stay Alert for Hazards: Watch out for potholes, debris, or any obstacles that could impact the stability of the towing setup.
  • Practice Emergency Stopping: Try a few practice stops in a safe area before heading out on the road to get a feel for how the tow setup reacts during braking.

When Not to Tow

  • Steep Inclines or Declines: Towing on steep hills can be risky, as it places excessive strain on both motorcycles and can make braking difficult.
  • Rough Terrain: Uneven ground or off-road terrain increases the risk of strap snapping or motorcycle instability.
  • Long Distances: For longer distances, towing can put significant stress on both motorcycles. Consider calling for roadside assistance if towing seems unsafe.

Final Thoughts

While towing a motorcycle with another motorcycle is possible, it’s best reserved for short distances and emergencies. With the right preparation, equipment, and communication, you can get your disabled motorcycle to a safer location or repair facility. Remember to ride slowly, stay aware of your surroundings, and communicate clearly with the other rider for a smooth towing experience.

In my experience, I’ve successfully towed three bikes using this method. The most recent was an MV Agusta 750/4 that had dropped its clutch. As challenging as towing can be, with careful technique and attention to safety, it can be done reliably in a pinch.

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