How do you transport your motorcycle by road in France?

Why on earth move your motorcycle on a trailer? It's true, motosapiens ride in all weathers. OK, so having to take your bike to the garage after tightening up the engine is a valid excuse. But maybe you don't feel like crossing the whole of France on your motorcycle for a 2-day road enduro trip in the south, or a track session on a non-road-approved bike. In that case, you're probably wondering: how do I transport my bike? We'll tell you all you need to know about the ideal equipment, best practices, legal aspects and securing techniques, so you can move your beautiful bike without rolling it.

It's the most practical and economical solution. All you need to do is find a friend nice enough to lend you his van, ideally emptied of all tools so that you don't end up with a 12" wrench in your tank after a nasty speed bump. You can also opt to rent. And yes, it's very affordable: from €50 a day for a small van. The one thing you mustn't forget on the big day? The loading ramp, or failing that, four muscular or pissed-off mates to load the bike. You can also opt for a moving vehicle with a tailgate. "But isn't a motorcycle in a small Transit too heavy? Don't worry, the payload of a van generally exceeds 600 kilos. So, unless you can squeeze in your two Boss Hosses, there's nothing to worry about. You can, however, take a look at your vehicle registration document to be on the safe side (Gross Vehicle Weight - Unladen Weight = Payload).

Example not to be reproduced:

Do you need to transport your bike on a more regular basis? In that case, renting a van or commandeering your cousin's truck can quickly find its limits. And unless you have the budget to buy your own van, investing in a trailer seems the best solution. By the way, do you need a special license to transport your motorcycle in a trailer? The answer is simple: if the weight of the trailer does not exceed 750kg and that of the car 3500kg, then your B license is sufficient. So what model of trailer should you choose? Here's a quick overview:

The top of the range: the motorcycle trailer

Dedicated to transporting your bike, this trailer offers everything you could wish for: retaining rails, wheel locks, easy-to-use strapping devices, a loading ramp or tipping system, etc... In short, it's a must! The problem is that its use is specific to two-wheelers. No more transporting cinder blocks, for example!

2nd option: the standard flatbed trailer

More versatile, these trailers are less well suited to holding a motorcycle properly. The good news? Later in this article, we'll give you a selection of equipment to make up for that. But beware of the trailer's load capacity! Let's take the example of an entry-level single-axle model with 500kg GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). On the face of it, nothing to worry about? Except that to obtain the payload, you need to subtract the empty weight of the hitch (150kg at the very least). So your bike should not exceed 500-150 = 350kg. Not really suitable for your brand-new BMW R18 Transcontinental and its 400kg of German quality.

What about transverse trailers?

Why on earth should you load your bike perpendicular to the direction of travel? Well, some models have an undeniable advantage: swivel wheels. With the trailer attached to the towing vehicle, you can reverse without worrying about the hitch. Super practical, especially with a camper van.

The wheel block, for ideal support

Whether you opt for a van or a flatbed trailer, securing your bike in an upright position is virtually indispensable. For this, there's the wheel lock, like the Steadystand from Acebikes. Whether you need to fix it in place (by drilling holes) or place it on the ground (stability is ensured by non-slip rubber pads), this device makes loading your bike much easier if you're on your own.

----> Acebikes STEADYSTAND FIXED 90-130 motorcycle wheel lock

----> Motorcycle wheel lock Acebikes STEADYSTAND 90-130

Folding loading ramp, indispensable

Ultra-light products with insane strength: they can support between 300kg and 500kg depending on the model. Super-practical, you can slide it anywhere and unfold it quickly to load or unload your bike all by yourself.

----> Sifam folding loading ramp 340 Kg

----> Acebikes folding loading ramp 680 Kg

Mounting rails or tie-down rings

To be installed on a flatbed trailer or in a van, these anchoring points allow you to securely strap your motorcycle.

----> Rails for motorcycle transport Acebikes FLEXI RAIL

Motorcycle-mounting plates

These little eyelets provide ideal anchorage points for strapping your bike in. It's better than ruining your seat or scratching your fairings, isn't it? Of course, the passenger footrests do the job perfectly.

Tyre fix, to preserve your shock absorber

As the name suggests, this device holds your tire in place. Why not simply anchor it to the frame? To avoid keeping your rear suspension compressed over long periods of time. Your spinnaker seals will thank you.

----> Acebikes TYRE FIX BASIC motorcycle girth

----> Acebikes TYRE FIX motorcycle girth

Fork block, for trails and enduros

In the same vein, this great product lets you securely immobilize your bike without having to compress your front suspension like a donkey. More suited to enduro bikes with long travels, this device limits fork mobility while preserving your spi seals.

----> UFO transport fork clamp

----> Bihr 300 mm transport fork clamp

Straps, your best friends

There are as many strap models as there are bikes. The most important criterion for your choice: the presence of a ratchet. This allows you to precisely measure the pressure applied. Our favorite? The Deluxe Duo from Ace Bikes, with its rubberized hooks covered in wool foam to leave no trace on your beauty. All right... the resemblance to hairpiece handcuffs gives them an erotic toy feel, but motorcycling is all about passion, isn't it?

Handlebar slings, just essential

With its two grip sleeves, this sling lets you strap your motorcycle to the handlebars, ensuring foolproof stability.

----> Handlebar sling with Bihr sleeves

----> R&G handlebar sling (ST0001BL)

Here's a little procedure to help you. Let's start by listing the ideal equipment for transport in a van or flatbed trailer: 3 straps (2 on the handlebars, 1 on the front wheel), 1 wheel lock, 1 handlebar sling and a Tyrefix for the rear tire. When loading for the first time, it's a good idea to enlist the help of a friend. Then, with the engine running and in first gear, mount the bike on the ramp using the clutch. Once the front rim is in the wheel lock, the bike will be vertically stabilized. Which means? The hardest part is over. You can now strap the bike down without fear of it tipping over, starting by attaching the front wheel to the wheel lock. We can't be too careful!

At the rear, the ideal solution is to use a Tyrefix. Otherwise, attach to the passenger footrests, the frame or additional plates. At the front, the ultimate solution is to anchor to the handlebars using a handlebar sling. The rear straps should be stowed behind the bike and the front straps slightly upstream. This prevents any movement in the bike's axis. Do you have to tighten the straps like an Alsatian arm-wrestling champion? Of course not! Compressed suspension forces on the spinnaker joints. So tighten until the bike can't move. No more. The ultimate test? If the trailer or van jiggles when you shake it, mission accomplished!

Finally, make sure there's no slack in the straps to float in the wind. That'll save you some nasty marks on your fairings after crossing France on the freeway with your bike in the trailer.

As you'll understand, two precautions are better than one when it comes to transporting your bike. Despite all our advice, you don't feel comfortable carrying out the operation yourself? You can rely on motorcycle transport specialists like MotobyCat (official BMW and Kawasaki transporter).