Loading your motorcycle shouldn’t be a stressful event. With the right equipment, it can be a simple, safe, and routine part of your journey. Choosing the correct ramp is the single most important step to protect yourself, your bike, and your truck. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Before we dive into the details, it’s important to understand the risks of using the wrong ramp. A ramp that is too short, too weak, or not properly secured can lead to disaster. Common problems include the ramp slipping off the tailgate, the motorcycle bottoming out and getting stuck, or the ramp failing under the weight. These scenarios can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your bike and truck, and more importantly, can result in serious personal injury. Investing a little time to select the proper ramp is the best way to ensure every loading and unloading process is smooth and accident-free.
The first and most critical specification to check is the weight capacity. This number tells you the maximum load the ramp is designed to handle safely. Exceeding this limit is extremely dangerous.
How to Calculate Your Required Capacity: To find the minimum capacity you need, you must add two things together:
Total Required Capacity = (Motorcycle Wet Weight) + (Your Weight)
Always choose a ramp with a capacity that is comfortably above your calculated total. For example, if your Harley-Davidson Street Glide (around 830 lbs) and your own weight (200 lbs) total 1,030 lbs, you should look for a ramp rated for at least 1,250 lbs or, even better, 1,500 lbs. This extra buffer provides a crucial margin of safety.
The length of the ramp is what determines the steepness of your loading angle. A ramp that is too short for your truck’s height will create a dangerously steep incline. This makes it difficult to push the bike up, increases the risk of losing control, and can cause the motorcycle to “bottom out” or “high center,” where the frame scrapes against the edge of the tailgate.
A Simple Rule for Length: The higher your tailgate, the longer your ramp needs to be. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a loading angle of 15 degrees or less.
To find a safe minimum length, measure your tailgate height (from the ground to the flat surface of the tailgate). For a standard pickup truck with a tailgate height around 30-36 inches, a ramp that is at least 8 to 9 feet long is generally recommended for a safe and comfortable angle.
The width of your ramp affects your confidence and stability while loading.
Beyond the core specs, different ramp designs offer unique benefits.
What is the best material for a motorcycle ramp? Aluminum is the most popular and recommended material. It offers an excellent combination of strength and light weight, making the ramps easy to handle. It is also completely rust-proof. Steel ramps are also available; they are typically less expensive and very strong but are significantly heavier and can rust if the paint or coating gets chipped.
Can I load a heavy motorcycle by myself? Yes, but it requires caution and the right technique. The safest method for one-person loading is to walk the bike up the ramp under its own power. Stand on the left side of the bike, use the clutch and throttle to gently power it up the ramp, and use the front brake to control its speed. A wide ramp is essential for this method so you have a place for your feet. Never attempt to “ride” the bike up the ramp like a stunt rider.
How do I properly use the safety strap? Lay the ramp on the tailgate. Loop one end of the strap around a secure cross-member of the ramp, usually near the top. Run the other end to a secure point on your truck, such as the tow hitch or a frame tie-down point. Tighten the strap until there is no slack and the ramp is held firmly against the tailgate. Wiggle the ramp to ensure it is completely secure before loading.