🏍️ Quick Answer — Motorcycle Towing in Ottawa
Motorcycle towing in Ottawa costs $90 – $200 for local transport (within 20 km), with long-distance rates of $2.50 – $4.50/km beyond that. Flatbed tow trucks with soft tie-down straps are the only safe method — never let anyone hook-and-chain a motorcycle. Available 24/7 for breakdowns, accidents, seasonal transport, and show bikes.
📞 Call (613) 317-3924 for motorcycle towing now. | Remorquage moto disponible en français.
Your motorcycle is not just a vehicle — it is an investment, a passion, and for many Ottawa riders, a way of life. So when something goes wrong — a breakdown on the 417, a flat in the Gatineau Hills, or an end-of-season move to winter storage — the last thing you want is a tow operator who treats your bike like a beater sedan. Motorcycle towing requires specialized equipment, specific loading techniques, and operators who understand that even a small scratch on a tank or a scuff on chrome is unacceptable.
At Towing Ottawa, our motorcycle towing service uses flatbed trucks equipped with low-angle ramps, wheel chocks, and soft tie-down straps to keep your bike upright and damage-free from pickup to destination. We transport sport bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, choppers, dirt bikes, trikes, scooters, and electric motorcycles — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across Ottawa, Gatineau, and beyond.
This guide covers everything Ottawa riders need to know about motorcycle towing: how it works, what it costs, what to look for in a safe transport service, and when you might need one.
When You Need Motorcycle Towing in Ottawa
Motorcycle towing is not just for emergencies. Ottawa riders call for transport in a wide range of situations:
🔧 Roadside Breakdown
Engine failure, electrical issues, chain or belt problems, overheating — if the bike will not run, a flatbed gets you to a mechanic safely.
🚨 Accident / Collision
Dropped your bike or were involved in a crash? Damaged motorcycles must be flatbedded — riding is unsafe and can worsen frame damage.
🛞 Flat Tire
Most motorcycles have no spare. A flat means you need a tow to a shop or home — especially if the tire is tubeless and cannot be plugged roadside.
🔋 Dead Battery
Motorcycle batteries are smaller and drain faster in storage. If a battery boost does not work, the bike needs a tow to get the battery replaced.
❄️ Seasonal Storage Transport
End of riding season? We transport your bike to winter storage (garage, heated unit, dealer) and back again in the spring. No need to ride in cold weather.
🏆 Show Bike / Collector Transport
Transporting a show bike, vintage motorcycle, or custom build? Flatbed towing avoids road grime, bugs, and mileage on your collector piece.
🛒 Purchase Pickup / Delivery
Bought a bike online, at auction, or from a private seller? We pick up and deliver motorcycles across Ontario and Quebec — no licence or trailer needed.
🍺 Cannot Ride Home
Had one too many? Do not risk a DUI or an accident. We will flatbed your motorcycle home safely while you take a cab — no judgment, just a responsible call.
How Motorcycle Towing Works: The Safe Loading Process
A proper motorcycle tow is very different from towing a car. Here is how a professional service handles your bike:
Flatbed Positioning
The flatbed is tilted to its lowest angle and positioned as close to the bike as possible. A low-angle ramp is deployed for safe loading.
Guided Loading
The operator walks the bike up the ramp (if rideable) or uses a winch with a motorcycle-specific cradle. The bike is guided into a wheel chock that locks the front tire in place.
Soft-Strap Tie-Down
Soft loop straps (never chains or hooks) are attached to solid frame points — handlebars, triple clamp, rear pegs, or frame rails. The straps compress the front suspension slightly to keep the bike stable and upright. A minimum of four tie-down points is standard.
Pre-Transport Inspection
The operator checks all tie-down tension, verifies the transmission is in gear (prevents rolling), and takes photos of the bike’s condition before transport — documentation you can request for insurance purposes.
Transport & Unloading
The flatbed travels via the most direct route to your specified destination. On arrival, the process reverses — straps removed, bike guided down the ramp, and handed off in the same condition it was loaded.
⚠️ Never allow a motorcycle to be towed with a wheel-lift or hook-and-chain truck. These methods are designed for four-wheeled vehicles and will almost certainly damage your bike — dropped bikes, scratched chrome, bent handlebars, and cracked fairings are common results. Always insist on a flatbed tow truck for motorcycle transport.
How Much Does Motorcycle Towing Cost in Ottawa?
Motorcycle towing costs depend on distance, time of day, and the complexity of the pickup (roadside vs. garage, accessible vs. tight space). Here are Ottawa’s typical rates for 2026:
💡 Insurance tip: If your motorcycle broke down or was in an accident, your insurance may cover towing costs. Check your policy for roadside assistance or towing coverage. Many comprehensive motorcycle policies include $500–$1,000 in annual towing benefits. Keep your invoice — you will need it for reimbursement. For general Ottawa towing costs, see our complete guide.
Need Your Motorcycle Towed? We Handle It Right.
Flatbed only • Soft straps • 24/7 • All bike types • Ottawa & Gatineau
Types of Motorcycles We Transport
Our flatbed fleet is equipped to handle virtually any two- or three-wheeled vehicle, regardless of weight, size, or configuration:
🏎️ Sport Bikes
CBR, R6, GSX-R, ZX
🛣️ Cruisers
Harley, Indian, Vulcan
🗺️ Touring Bikes
Gold Wing, Road King
🏔️ Adventure / Dual-Sport
GS, Tiger, Ténéré
🏁 Dirt Bikes
CRF, KX, YZ, KTM
🔧 Custom / Chopper
Extended forks, custom frames
🛵 Scooters & Mopeds
Vespa, PCX, Nmax
⚡ Electric Motorcycles
Zero, Energica, LiveWire
🔱 Trikes & Sidecars
Can-Am, Freewheeler
🏛️ Vintage / Classic
Restored, collectible, show
How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Towing
A little preparation helps the tow operator work faster and keeps your bike safer. Before the truck arrives (if you have time), do the following:
📸 Document the condition. Take photos of your bike from all angles — close-ups of any existing scratches, dents, or damage. This protects you if a dispute arises.
🔑 Leave the key accessible. The operator may need to turn the handlebars or put the bike in gear.
🧳 Remove loose items. Saddlebags, tank bags, GPS mounts, phone holders — anything that can shift or fall during transport should be removed and kept with you.
⛽ Note the fuel level. A half-to-quarter tank is ideal. A full tank adds weight; an empty tank can cause fuel starvation issues if the bike needs to be started for loading.
📍 Share your exact location. If you are stranded, drop a GPS pin and share it with the dispatcher. Describe landmarks if you are on a rural road.
Remorquage Moto Ottawa – Service en Français
Ottawa is a bilingual city, and many of our riders are francophone — especially in Gatineau, Hull, Aylmer, and Vanier. If you are searching for remorquage moto or transport de moto Ottawa, we offer the same professional flatbed motorcycle towing service in French.
Nous offrons le remorquage de motos 24 heures sur 24, 7 jours sur 7, dans la région d’Ottawa et de Gatineau. Nos plateaux sont équipés de sangles souples et de cales de roue pour un transport sécuritaire de votre moto — vélos sport, cruisers, motos de tourisme, scooters et plus encore. Appelez le (613) 317-3924 pour un service rapide.
Ottawa’s Motorcycle Season: Key Dates for Riders
Ottawa’s motorcycle season typically runs from mid-April through mid-October, though adventurous riders push those boundaries. Here is when demand for motorcycle towing peaks — and when to plan ahead:
April–May (season start): Bikes come out of storage. This is prime time for transport from storage facilities back to your garage. Battery failures are common after winter dormancy — keep our number handy for roadside jump starts or tows.
June–August (peak riding): Most breakdowns happen during peak riding months simply because more bikes are on the road. The Gatineau Hills, Calabogie, and Prescott–Russell county routes are popular — and cell service can be spotty. Save our number before you leave the city.
September–October (season end): Cooling temperatures, wet leaves, and early frost make late-season riding riskier. This is also when riders arrange transport to winter storage. Book your end-of-season tow early — October gets busy.
Winter (November–March): Bikes should be in storage. If you need a motorcycle moved during winter — relocation, selling, or bringing to a shop for off-season maintenance — we are available year-round.
What to Look for in a Motorcycle Towing Service
Not every towing company knows how to handle a motorcycle. Before you hand over your keys, verify the following:
✅ Flatbed equipped. The company should confirm they are sending a flatbed — not a wheel-lift truck. Ask specifically.
✅ Motorcycle experience. Ask if the operator has loaded motorcycles before. Loading technique matters — an inexperienced operator risks dropping your bike on the ramp.
✅ Soft straps and wheel chock. Metal chains and hooks scratch chrome and damage paint. Proper motorcycle towing uses soft loop straps and a front wheel chock.
✅ TSSEA certified. Under Ontario’s Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, all tow operators must hold a valid provincial certificate. Check for the certificate number on the truck.
✅ Pre-transport documentation. A reputable operator photographs your bike before loading. This protects both you and them in case of a damage dispute.
More Towing & Roadside Services
Beyond motorcycle transport, Towing Ottawa provides full roadside assistance for all vehicle types:
Frequently Asked Questions: Motorcycle Towing Ottawa
How much does motorcycle towing cost in Ottawa?
Local motorcycle towing in Ottawa typically costs $90–$150 for distances within 20 km. Longer distances add $2.50–$4.50 per kilometre. After-hours or holiday calls may include a $25–$50 surcharge. Call (613) 317-3924 for an exact quote.
Can any tow truck tow a motorcycle?
No. Motorcycles should only be transported on a flatbed tow truck with proper tie-down equipment. Wheel-lift and hook-and-chain trucks are designed for four-wheeled vehicles and will likely damage your bike. Always request a flatbed specifically.
Do you tow scooters, mopeds, and trikes?
Yes. We transport all two- and three-wheeled vehicles, including electric scooters, Vespa-style mopeds, Can-Am trikes, sidecar-equipped motorcycles, and electric motorcycles like Zero and LiveWire.
Is motorcycle towing available 24/7?
Yes. We provide 24/7 motorcycle towing across Ottawa, Gatineau, and surrounding areas. Breakdowns and emergencies do not follow a schedule, and neither do we. Typical response time is 20–40 minutes within city limits.
Will my motorcycle be scratched during towing?
Not with proper technique. Our operators use soft loop straps (never metal hooks), wheel chocks, and padded contact points. We document the bike’s condition before loading and take the most direct route. The goal is zero-contact transport — your bike arrives in the same condition it left.
Can you tow my motorcycle to winter storage?
Absolutely. Seasonal storage transport is one of our most popular motorcycle towing services. We pick up your bike at the end of riding season and deliver it to your storage facility, and reverse the trip in spring. Round-trip rates start around $150–$300 depending on distance.
Does insurance cover motorcycle towing?
Many comprehensive motorcycle insurance policies include roadside assistance or towing coverage ($500–$1,000 per year). If your breakdown or accident is covered, keep your invoice for reimbursement. Check your specific policy or call your insurer before the tow if possible.
Can you transport a motorcycle from Ottawa to Toronto or Montreal?
Yes. We offer long-distance motorcycle transport across Ontario and Quebec. Ottawa to Toronto runs approximately $500–$700; Ottawa to Montreal is roughly $300–$450. Contact us for an exact quote based on your route.
What if my motorcycle was dropped or is on its side?
Our operators are trained in motorcycle recovery. We will carefully right the bike, assess for fluid leaks (fuel, oil, coolant), and load it onto the flatbed with extra caution for any existing damage. We document everything for your insurance claim.
Offrez-vous le remorquage de moto en français?
Oui! Notre service de remorquage de motos est disponible en français. Nous desservons Ottawa, Gatineau, Hull, Aylmer et les environs. Appelez le (613) 317-3924 pour un service en français, 24 heures sur 24.
Motorcycle Towing You Can Trust
Flatbed only • Soft straps • 24/7 • Sport bikes to touring bikes • Ottawa & Gatineau