How To Load A Dirt Bike Safely

By Tom Stark 

I know, I shouldn't need to go over this topic. But some people just don't use sound judgment sometimes... If you load a bike, it's suppose to go up and stay there until you're taking it out again.

One of the worst things you can do is haul your bike in a lifted truck. I see people do it, and it just makes me chuckle inside. The higher up the truck bed is, the more difficult and strength it will need to load your bike in it; naturally. So, you want to drive a pick-up that has a low bed, or a trailer to make loading easier, particularly if it's just you.

Getting Help

The way that I've always done it is: me and my old man each stand beside a side of the bike. The two of us lift on our side of the forks and handlebars to get the front wheel on the tailgate on the truck. Then we lift up the rear of the bike with the swing-arm. Once both wheels of the dirt bike are in the bed of the truck, I hop up in it to hold on to the bike before it tips over. Also, before loading the bike, we set the tie-straps out and set the hooks over the loops at the front of the bed so they're ready when we have the bike up. We then put a tie-strap on one side of the handlebars, then lean the bike over and place the other strap on. Then it's just tightening it down far enough so the dirt bike won't move.

Being The Lone Hero

For those of you that can't, or plain just don't want to get help, it is possible to load a dirt bike without any help. The first way to do it is putting a dirt bike ramp on the tailgate of the truck, and putting a solid bike stand along side of the ramp approximately a foot or two beyond the tailgate. Push your dirt bike within the handlebars having a running start up the ramp, stepping on the stand while you push it up, and then stepping onto the tailgate as soon as you get the bike up. This could be difficult in the beginning for smaller people, however, if you get enough momentum it will be easier than you think.

A different way of how to load a dirt bike on your own is similar to the previous, but now you aren't using as much strength. Instead, start the bike and place it into first gear. You will still need some momentum, but you can let the bike do almost all work by slipping the clutch and giving it a bit gas to get up the ramp. This does require some practice and technique, so if you aren't confident then I wouldn't consider it alone.
The 3rd solution to load a dirt bike without help is the way that I do it if I haven't any help, though it cannot always be done. If you find a hill or slope, back your truck up to it as close as possible. Put a ramp on the tailgate, then push your bike slowly down the hill and onto the ramp. Make sure the tires stay in the middle of the ramp so it stays in one spot. If the hill is steep or large enough, you will be able to just walk onto the bed of your truck with the bike and strap it down. Bear in mind that if there is no hill then you certainly won't be able to do this, so expect to improvise if you're alone.

If all else fails, it is easy to haul your bikes on a motorcycle carrier, that's easy enough for 1 person to load.
Since we have a regular or short bed truck, we simply cannot shut the tailgate having a full-sized motocross bike. Some try to half-way shut it and strap it... I don't worry about it. I simply ensure the two straps are good and tight on the handlebars, and haven't had any problems with that. You could add another strap or two to the pegs, frame, swing-arm, or rear wheel of the bike if you're that worried.
Best of luck, and try to not look like a goon when you load your dirt bike!

-Tom Stark

http://motocrosshideout.com

I'm running Motocross Hideout in my spare time, writing articles and making videos on dirt bike maintenance, product reviews, and many other tips for fellow and future riders.

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