Modern motorcycles are fairly reliable, meaning breakdowns are rare (provided you keep on top of regular maintenance). That’s not to say you won’t ever run out of petrol, suffer a broken throttle or clutch cable, a flat battery or other failure.
When it does happen you may well need a tow from another rider (never a driver).
Correct preparation
Keep in mind that, legally, any towed bike must have broken down yet be able to roll safely. It must also have functioning brakes, brake lights and indicators.
Steps
- Find a small diameter tow rope that gives you about four metres clear distance between the bikes
- Tie it to a strong point on the rear of the towing motorcycle
- Pass the other end over or under a substantial central part of the towed bike - the front fork yoke (lower triple clamp) is often suitable
- Then pass once around the left handlebar grip where the rider can hold it from slipping, yet quickly release it. Never tie the tow rope to the towed bike as the rider must be able to cast it off instantly if need be.
What not to tow
- Bikes with gearbox or shaft drive failure (the rear wheel may lock)
- Bikes with a pressure-lubricated gearbox shouldn’t be towed far as this may seize, again locking the rear wheel.
Towing technique
- Take up all rope slack before starting to tow and again after any stops (jerking will break it or pull the towed bike sideways)
- Ride slowly and smoothly to keep the towrope taut. Note that the legal maximum speed for towing a motorcycle is 30 km/h
- Continue signalling direction changes or when braking
- If the rope goes slack slow gently until it is taken up, otherwise stop and start again
- Corner much slower than usual - the towed bike will swing wide.
