Built for Bikes: How We Handle Motorcycle Tows

Strap by Strap

There’s a sweet spot between summer’s heat and winter’s chill. It’s when the trees start turning and the highways light up in gold and orange. It’s also peak season for two-wheelers. From sport bikes to cruisers, we see more riders stretching out their miles this time of year. And with all those bikes on the road, the need for I-94 motorcycle towing climbs right along with the odometer. We’re not just talking about crashes. Bikes get flat tires. Batteries go dead. Sometimes a rider just needs to move their bike from one city to another. Whatever the reason, when a motorcycle needs a lift, we’re the ones who make sure it’s done right.

Ann Arbor flatbed towing

Bikes Aren’t Cars, We Don’t Tow Them Like Cars

Let’s be clear: motorcycles need a different kind of care. You can’t just drag one onto a truck and hope for the best. It’s not about force. It’s about balance, security, and respect for the machine. We’ve spent years perfecting our I-94 motorcycle towing approach, and it all starts with using the right equipment.

How We Tow Motorcycles Without a Scratch

A bike isn’t just cargo. Owners often form deep emotional attachments to their tow-wheelers. It’s someone’s ride, sometimes their pride. So when we show up, here’s what we do:

  • Flatbeds Only: We never tow a bike with a hook. Our flatbed trucks offer a stable platform, keeping the entire bike off the ground from the moment it’s loaded.
  • Soft Straps and Wheel Chocks: We secure the front and rear tires with straps that don’t damage the paint or the chrome. Wheel chocks hold the bike upright during transit.
  • No Sudden Moves: We drive as if we’ve got glass on the bed, because we might as well. Sudden stops and jerky turns don’t belong in motorcycle towing.
I-94 flatbed towing

Not Every Tow Is an Emergency

Sure, we get the accident calls. A bike gets laid down on the shoulder. A deer jumps out near Battle Creek. But we also handle plenty of planned jobs:

  • Garage-to-garage relocations before winter storage.
  • Out-of-state sales or trade-ins where the buyer can’t ride it home.
  • Breakdowns that aren’t urgent: the bike won’t start, but there’s no danger.

In each case, riders call us because they know we’ve got the setup and the know-how to move their machine without leaving a mark.

Motorcycle Towing FAQ: Smooth, Safe & Scratch-Free

1. Why is motorcycle towing different from car towing?

Motorcycles are lighter but less stable. They need:

  • A flatbed platform to keep both wheels off the ground
  • Wheel chocks to keep them upright
  • Soft, non-abrasive straps to avoid scuffing paint or chrome

Cars can be pulled or wheel-lifted; bikes need a gentler, more balanced approach.

2. Do I really need a flatbed for every motorcycle tow?

Yes. Hook-and-chain or wheel-lift towing can stress forks, bend bars, or drag tires. Flatbeds keep the whole bike level and secure — especially crucial for cruisers, sport bikes with low fairings, and vintage machines.

3. What precautions keep my bike safe during transport?

Professional I-94 motorcycle towing crews:

  • Use soft-touch straps to prevent scratches
  • Tighten straps at the frame or suspension points, never on bars or levers
  • Employ front wheel chocks for stability
  • Drive smoothly — no hard stops or sharp turns

4. How do you tow lowered, custom, or high-value bikes?

We bring the right ramps for low clearance and adjust tie-down angles to avoid stressing custom pipes, bags, or fairings. If needed, we’ll load the bike solo on the flatbed and pad sensitive areas for extra protection.

5. Can you help if my bike is stuck in a tight spot?

Yes. Whether it’s in a parking garage, behind a fence, or on a gravel shoulder, we ask about location details before dispatch so we can bring the right gear and maneuver safely.

6. Is it safe to tow a bike that tipped over on the shoulder?

Usually yes. We’ll inspect it first to make sure wheels and forks can roll or be winched without causing more damage, then load it upright with a chock and straps.

7. What are the most common reasons riders call for I-94 motorcycle towing?

  • Flat tires from road debris
  • Dead batteries after storage or long rides
  • Fuel issues on long stretches of I-94 or I-275
  • Minor drops or tip-overs that leave the bike unridable
  • Garage-to-garage moves for winter storage or new purchases

8. Can I ride along with my bike on the tow truck?

Safety regulations usually don’t allow passengers in the tow vehicle bed, but you can often ride in the cab with the driver — just confirm when you call.

9. How soon can a tow truck arrive on I-94 or nearby routes?

Arrival time depends on traffic, weather, and your exact location. Dispatch will give you an ETA when you call, and our goal is to reach you as quickly and safely as possible.

10. Why trust Nationwide for I-94 motorcycle towing?

Because we:

  • Specialize in bike-friendly towing techniques
  • Use flatbeds, chocks, and soft straps every time
  • Handle custom and vintage rides with extra care
  • Offer 24/7 service along I-94, I-275, and connecting highways
  • Treat every bike as if it were our own

Count On Nationwide for I-94 Motorcycle Towing  

We get it. Riding season is precious. When your two-wheeler needs a lift—whether it’s tipped, stuck, or just needs a ride—we’re here. At Nationwide Towing, our Ann Arbor towing and I-94 motorcycle towing team is part of the ride. Strap by strap, wheel by wheel, we treat every bike like it’s the only one on the road. Because for that rider, it is. Our I-94 motorcycle towing experts towed everything from custom choppers to vintage café racers. We’ve loaded bikes in city traffic, rural roads, and right off gravel shoulders. Every call gets the same care from our I-94 motorcycle towing team.

Ready when you need us: summer heat, fall leaves, long rides, and everything in between.
Because that’s what we do: I-94 motorcycle towing done with care, straps, and flatbeds.

Call a Tow Truck Near You