How To Load A Dirt Bike

I understand, I shouldn’t have to go over this topic. However some people just don’t use good judgment sometimes… Any time you load a motorcycle, it’s suppose to go up and remain there until you’re taking it out again.

One of the worst things to 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 takes to load your bike in it; naturally. So, you'd like to drive a pick-up that has a low bed, or even a trailer for making loading easier, especially when it’s just you.

Getting Help

The best way I’ve always done it is: me and dad each stand right next to a side of the bike. Both of us lift on our side of the forks and handlebars to have the front wheel over the tailgate of the truck. We then lift up the rear of the bike via the swing-arm. Once both wheels of the dirt bike are in the bed of the truck, I hop up inside it to retain the bike before it tips over. Also, before loading the bike, we set the tie-straps out and hang the hooks on the loops at the front of the bed to make sure they are set when we get the bike up. Then we put a tie-strap on one side of the handlebars, then lean the bike over and put 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 anybody that can’t, or plain just don’t need help, you can load a dirt bike all by yourself. The 1st way to do it is placing a dirt bike ramp over the tailgate of your truck, and putting a solid bike stand beside of the ramp about a foot or two off 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 is difficult initially for smaller people, however, if you can get enough momentum it can be easier than you think.

A different way of how to load a dirt bike alone is related to the first, but now you aren’t using as much strength. Instead, start the bike and place it into first gear. You will still require some momentum, however, you can let the bike do most of the work by slipping the clutch and giving it a little gas for getting up the ramp. This will require some practice and technique, so if you aren’t confident then I wouldn’t try it on your own.

Another approach to load a dirt bike without any help is the way in which I actually it if I do not have help, though it cannot always be done. If there is a hill or slope, back your truck up to it as close as you possibly can. 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. Generally if the hill is steep or big enough, you should be able to just walk into the bed of the truck with the bike and strap it down. Keep in mind that if there is no hill then you won’t be able to do this, so don't be surprised to improvise if you’re alone.

If all else fails, you can haul your bikes with a motorcycle carrier, which is easy enough for one person to load.

Since we have a regular or short bed truck, we cannot shut the tailgate with a full-sized motocross bike. Quite a few people try to half-way shut it and strap it… I don’t worry about it. I just be sure the two straps are good and tight on the handlebars, and haven’t had any problems with that. It's fine to use another strap or two around the pegs, frame, swing-arm, or rear wheel of the bike if you're that worried.

Best of luck, and try not to look like a goon whenever you load your dirt bike!

-Tom Stark 
Motocross Hideout