Motorcycle Towing in Calgary: Transport & Loading Considerations

Motorcycles need different handling from cars. They can't stand up on their own when strapped down incorrectly, their fairings crack easily, and a bike that's been dropped may have bent controls or a damaged kickstand. Whether your bike won't start at the end of a summer ride, has been in a spill, or needs to get to a shop for its spring tune-up, a careful tow keeps it safe.

Dave's Towing Services has moved vehicles around Calgary since 1992, and we're available 24/7. Here's what riders should know before arranging a motorcycle tow.

How Motorcycle Towing Works

Flatbed transport

We move motorcycles on a flatbed, securing the bike upright with soft straps on solid points such as the triple clamps, the frame or the footpeg brackets. We avoid placing straps over levers, cables or painted surfaces wherever possible.

Wheel chocks and stability

A front wheel chock or a well-placed tie-down keeps the bike from shifting under braking. Tell dispatch about any aftermarket parts, such as a fairing, a lowered suspension or saddlebags, so we can plan the tie-down points.

What to Tell Dispatch

• The make, model and type: sport, cruiser, touring or adventure
• Whether it rolls, steers and the front brake works
• Whether you have the key, and whether the steering lock is on
• Whether the bike has been dropped, and what's damaged
• Access at pickup: a garage, a back lane, a parking lot or a roadside
• The destination: home, a dealership or a motorcycle shop

Preparing Your Bike

• Remove loose items like tank bags, phone mounts and anything in open storage
• If the steering lock is on and you have the key, unlock it before we arrive
• Put the bike in neutral if possible
• Take photos of the bike before loading, especially if it's already damaged
• If the bike is on its side after a spill, don't lift it alone if you're hurt. Wait for help

Common Calgary Motorcycle Calls

Spring wake-ups

After a Calgary winter, many bikes won't start right away. The battery may be flat, or the fuel stale. If a charger or a boost doesn't help, we can take the bike to your shop.

Roadside breakdowns

Riders often head out to the foothills, through Cochrane and Bragg Creek, or south toward Okotoks and Millarville. If you break down on a rural road, tell us the nearest highway number, range road or landmark.

After a spill

If you've been in a crash, check yourself first, and call 911 if you're hurt. Once you're safe, our accident towing service can move the bike to a shop or your home. A dropped bike can have hidden damage to the forks, brakes or controls, so don't ride it until it's been checked.

Shop and seasonal moves

Need your bike moved to the dealer for service, to storage for the winter, or to a new home after a private sale? We do scheduled transports as well as emergency calls.

What About ATVs?

We also move ATVs. Tell us the vehicle type and size when you call so we can confirm. For trailers carrying several bikes, see our equipment and trailer transport service.

Tips for Calgary Riders Before Each Season

• Use a battery tender over winter. Motorcycle batteries are small and drain quickly in the cold.
• Add fuel stabilizer before storage. Stale fuel is a common cause of spring no-starts.
• Check tire pressure and condition in spring. Tires lose pressure over a long winter, and old rubber can crack.
• Carry our number. Save 403-272-3944 in your phone before your first ride of the year, especially if you ride the highways and rural roads outside the city.

Motorcycle Towing FAQ

Will strapping my motorcycle down damage it?

Soft straps on proper tie-down points protect the bike. Tell us about any custom parts or accessories so we can avoid them.

Can you pick up a bike from an underground parkade?

Often, yes. Tell us the clearance height and the level so we can plan.

Can you tow my bike from outside Calgary?

Yes. We serve many communities around Calgary. See our surrounding areas page.

Are you available on summer evenings and weekends?

Yes. We're open 24/7, all year.

Get Your Motorcycle Home Safely

For a breakdown tow or a scheduled motorcycle transport in Calgary, call Dave's Towing Services at 403-272-3944. We're available 24/7, and we've been serving Calgary since 1992.