Steps to Start Motorcycle Towing Company

Are you looking for a good business? If your area has a high concentration of motorcycle owners, then a motorcycle towing business might be ideal for you. This is because motorcycles are bound to get into an accident or mishap at one time or another, and this would necessitate the use of motorcycle towing services like yours.

A motorcycle towing business is quite an important service motorists need anywhere.

That is because people cannot predict when and where their vehicles will suddenly quit on them and stop running. In this case, they need someone to bring their motorcycles to the nearest shop and fix them. In this case, a motorcycle business will do that job for them. As a businessman, that is where you earn your dough.

It is pretty easy to start a motorcycle business. All you have to do is have the necessary equipment and other requirements, and you’re all set.

Find Office Space

The first thing you need is office space. Without your office, you couldn’t establish your presence in your neighborhood. You also need your office to be able to transact formally with your clients and keep the necessary records.

Alternatively, even if your business is home-based, you still need a workshop if you plan on fixing motorcycles after towing them. You also need space to park your towing vehicles and keep them safe.

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Prepare the Equipment

Of course, to be able to tow motorcycles and get them out of a tight spot, you would need some essential towing equipment. Here are some of them:

  • Motorcycle loader
    This towing equipment is designed to load a motorcycle onto the flatbed safely. Most motorcycle loaders have locking mechanisms, providing secure support for motorcycle towing. This equipment can cost at least US$1000 to $3000 in 2023.
  • Handlebar straps
    This is designed to support the motorcycle’s handlebars, keep them secured to the flatbed, and keep them from rotating during transit. Handlebar straps cost at least $8 for every pair sold.
  • Motorcycle Wheel Chock
    As its name suggests, the chock stops the wheels from moving while the bike is transported. This is ideal and is handy when the owner wants the bike transported upright. Each wheel chock generally costs at least US$50.
  • Towing truck
    This is the most important equipment of all. You won’t be able to tow and transport motorcycles without a towing truck. Prices vary for each truck and would depend on the model and gross weight. A new tow truck would cost $20,000-$50,000 in 2023. You can also buy preowned trucks at cheaper prices. It will come in a range of $7,000-$20,000, depending on the model and manufacturing year.

Avail of Business Insurance

Last but not the least is insurance. Claims are inevitable, especially if you inadvertently damage – even slightly – your customer’s motorcycles; you can face a lawsuit for compensation. Insurance will ensure you don’t pay for it out of your pocket. This is good if you want to protect yourself from losses.
 

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15 Comments

  • Brandon Johnson said on September 21, 2009
    Do you have to have an actual towing truck in order to tow motorcycles, or can you just use just a tilt cycle trailer attached to a work truck.
  • CRASH MONKEY said on February 6, 2010
    I live in Sacramento Ca. and i would like to know if a Trailer and a P/U Truck would work. I think it would but i was told that some bikes go down in some really odd and strange places would (or) cause some issues in retrieving the Bike(s). By the Way Great Article and Thanks for all of Your Help. May You have a Great and Blessed Day. CRASH MONKEY
  • SKULL&TOW said on February 24, 2010
    I started towing bikes in the summer helping my bike buddies and then did side jobs for others I have a trailer with a fold down ramp. I had my personal ins cover cargo but then had to drop that and go through a commercial ins co. Since i was doing towing for private owners i got a consent towing permit($350) and license($100). I had to get $300k liability ins and enough to cover damage for cargo and submit that with tow rates. these are written for tow trucks towing cars. Anyway, I thought i could make money but i had no towing business all winter and now my next quarter ins payment is up and its as much as what my trailer and equipment cost. I do custom tank art and bike painting.
  • Raoul Rosario said on March 3, 2010
    I want to start a motorcycle towing company in Orlando, Fl US
  • Big John said on July 9, 2010
    I started a towing business to tow motorcycles a year ago using a special trailer. This year I got a job as a tow truck driver. I keep busy constantly with vehicles more than when I was towing motorcycles. I should of just started a tow company for cars from the start with the option for motorcycles. Its easier to tow wrecked bikes too. There is definitely more money towing cars. I plan to have my own tow truck and start it again soon.
  • RolGal said on August 2, 2010
    I would like to buy or build a motorcycle towing company in Arizona
  • Mark Smith said on September 27, 2010
    I am looking to start a motorcycle specific towing service and a shop for basic maintenance (tire changes, oil changes, basic repairs, etc.). I am located in Gaston County North Carolina. I need to know the local and state regulations for this venture.
  • joe said on September 30, 2010
    i can help i have motorcycle towing biz in la
  • oz said on October 4, 2010
    hello everyone! i have great news for those of you who are interested in starting a motorcycle roadside assistance and mobile mechanic service company for motorcycles. i am the owner of Moto-Tow & Moto-Club LLC (www.moto-club.com), and we are looking for qualified individuals who are interested in becoming authorized Moto-Club licensees in CA, AZ, NV, FL, GA, IL, NY, NC, SC, VA, CO, HI, LA, NM, OH, OK, TX and more—please contact us for further information at (877) 811 CLUB (2582)
  • rick said on January 10, 2011
    When in the D/FW area of Texas, call Ride Safe and Secure Motorcycle Towing-817-319-2222. Our trucks are equipped with electric platform lifts made for motorcycle towing.The platform goes out flat on ground,this make it easier to load the bikes.We are TDLR Licensed and insured.We are the preferred tow company for over 30 local bike shops.We are 24/7.Our drivers are uniformed and well trained.Call us if you need a tow,remember to always-Ride Safe.
  • Vic said on September 14, 2012
    The best way to start a motorcycle towing business is from an experienced motorcycle towing operator. If you would like to start a motorcycle towing business look us up at EZ Bike Tow on the web or youtube.
  • Jacobus Germishuizen said on June 6, 2013
    I am living in South Africa Gauteng Springs. I would like to start a bike towing service in my area but i need more information on what is required and how much it will cost me to start a business in this field
  • Sean said on June 15, 2013
    I am thinking of starting a motorcycle towing company but i'm not sure how to get paid if i'm picking up a bike with tow insurance. Any ideas?
  • alton thomas said on February 22, 2016
    Hey I'm in Monroe LA thinking about starting my own motorcycle transporting .Looking for some help. 3185829932.
  • Chunky bros said on January 7, 2020
    What's up man. Thinking about starting a motorcycle towing business. What are the requirements for starting one? Like what licenses do I need, what permits exactly? I will have a long bed truck with a lift on it? Would I need a commercial license for that or am I okay with a regular license? Also, will I need a class m license for the motorcycles?

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