Motorcycles can break down on the road, just like cars, so you need a quick and safe way to get them to a repair shop or back home. But unlike most cars, motorcycles need more care during towing because they are lighter, have only two wheels, and parts like the handlebars, mirrors, and engine are exposed, so you can’t just hook them up and drag them along.
There are two common motorcycle towing methods: flatbed and cradle towing; each works differently and has strengths and weaknesses.
Benny’s Towing service provides quick and safe motorcycle towing near me, and we’ll walk you through the differences between flatbed and cradle towing in this article to help you make the right choice when you need help.
What Is Flatbed Motorcycle Towing?
Flatbed motorcycle towing service uses a tow truck with a flat platform on its back (flatbed) that remains horizontal to keep the bike steady during towing.
Here is how the flatbed motorcycle towing process usually works:
- The tow truck arrives, and the driver tilts the bed to create a smooth ramp.
- Experts will either push or ride the motorcycle up the ramp if it can move or use a hydraulic winch to pull it up if it can’t move on its own.
- The driver secures the bike using straps, tie-downs, or wheel chocks and raises the flatbed back to position.
- The driver drives the truck to the designated location.
Professional motorcycle towing near me, like Benny’s Towing Service, will advise you to use flatbed towing to protect your bike from damage during transit, especially if it’s very valuable or fragile.
Flatbed Motorcycle Towing Applications
Flatbed towing works well for motorcycles in the following circumstances:
- Long-distance towing: It keeps the bike safe and steady on highways or long trips.
- Large and heavy bikes: It works well for touring bikes, cruisers, or motorcycles with sidecars.
- Bad weather or rough terrain: It protects the bike from rain, snow, mud, or flying debris.
- Expensive or custom bikes: It prevents damage to paint, wheels, and delicate parts.
- Damaged motorcycles: It is good for motorcycles that won’t start or can’t roll using cradle towing.
Flatbed motorcycle towing will keep your bike safe from damage during transit because the entire vehicle is off the road.
Pros and Cons of Flatbed Motorcycle Towing
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Protects the tires, suspension, engine, and other parts from damage | ❌Usually costs more than other motorcycle towing methods |
| ✅ Works well for long-distance towing and rough roads | ❌Loading and securing the bike takes more time and care |
| ✅ Safer for expensive, heavy, or custom motorcycles | |
| ✅ Reduces the risk of scratches or damage from road debris. |
What Is Cradle Motorcycle Towing?
Cradle motorcycle towing near me uses a special cradle or rack attached to the back of a tow truck or a pickup to secure the motorcycle with its front wheel while the back wheel remains on the road and rolls as the truck moves.
Here is how cradle motorcycle towing works:
- The tow truck arrives with a cradle rack attached to the back of the truck or hitch.
- The operator lowers the cradle and guides the motorcycle’s front wheel into the slot.
- The front wheel sits firmly in the cradle to keep the motorcycle upright.
- The driver uses strong straps to secure the handlebars, forks, or frame to keep the bike from tipping.
- The rear wheel stays on the ground and rolls during the tow to the destination.
Cradle Motorcycle Towing Applications
Cradle motorcycle towing service is ideal for the following circumstances:
- Short-distance tows: it is great when the repair shop is near, or the issue is minor.
- Cities or tight spaces: It is easier to maneuver with a cradle than a flatbed in cities and narrow streets.
- Bikes that can still roll: It is good for towing bikes with minor damage.
Cradle Motorcycle Towing Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Quick and easy setup and does not need a large flatbed truck | ❌ May not work well for heavy, custom, or low-clearance motorcycles |
| ✅ Costs less than flatbed towing in many cases | ❌ The rear suspension and drivetrain may suffer stress during transport |
| ✅ Fits well in tight city streets and small parking spaces | ❌ Not safe for long-distance towing or rough roads |
| ✅ Works best for short tows when the motorcycle can still roll | ❌ The rear wheel stays on the road and may wear out or get damaged |
Safety Comparison: Flatbed vs. Cradle Motorcycle Towing Service
When you understand the safety factors of flatbed and motorcycle towing near me, you can avoid damages during transit and keep your bike in good condition.
The following table shows how flatbed and cradle motorcycle towing compare in terms of:
- Stability
- Stress on tires and suspension
- Risk of damage
- Securing the bike
- Protection from bad weather
| Safety Factor | Flatbed Motorcycle Towing | Cradle Motorcycle Towing |
| Stability on the Road | The flatbed lifts the bike to keep it steady and upright during the trip. | The cradle holds the front wheel, but the back wheel rolls and may cause the bike to shake. |
| Tire and Suspension | The tires do not touch the road, so they stay in good shape, and the suspension remains safe. | The back wheel stays on the road and rolls, which can wear the tire and stress the suspension. |
| Risk of Damage | The bike stays off the road and away from dirt and bumps. | The moving back wheel and loose straps can let the bike bounce, tilt, or get scratched. |
| Securing the Bike | Straps hold the bike at many points to keep it straight and stop it from moving during transit. | The cradle holds only the front, so the bike can lean or wobble if the straps are not tight. |
| Weather Protection | Some flatbeds have covers to shield the bike from rain, dirt, and bad weather. | Cradle towing leaves the bike open to rain, dust, and damage from the weather. |
| Overall Safety | Flatbed towing gives better safety for long trips or expensive bikes. | Cradle towing is fine for short trips but can damage the bike when handled carelessly. |
Flatbed vs. Cradle Motorcycle Towing: Which Method Should You Choose?
When your motorcycle breaks down or needs a lift, you should talk to the motorcycle towing service before they arrive and ask if they use a flatbed or cradle method. You should also inquire whether their drivers have experience with motorcycles because towing a bike isn’t the same as towing a car, and a small mistake can lead to big repairs.
Flatbed towing lifts the whole bike off the ground and keeps it steady, so it works better for most motorcycles, especially if they are expensive, damaged, or heavy, while cradle towing works well when you need a quick tow over a short distance.
In the end, be sure to think about your bike’s safety, and when you need help towing your motorcycle, call Benny’s Towing Service today. We offer both flatbed and cradle towing, and our experienced drivers will handle your bike with as much care as possible.