🏁 Quick Answer
Motorcycle towing in Ottawa requires a flatbed tow truck — never a wheel-lift or hook-and-chain truck. 613 Towing provides safe, damage-free motorcycle transport 24/7 across Ottawa using soft straps, wheel chocks, and experienced operators who know how to handle two-wheeled vehicles properly.
Need your motorcycle towed now? Call (613) 295-2264 for fast, safe pickup.
Your motorcycle is not just a vehicle — it is a passion, an investment, and often an irreplaceable machine with custom parts and finishes. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, there are hundreds of thousands of registered motorcycles across the province, and keeping them safe during transport is just as important as riding safely. When your bike breaks down on Highway 417, gets a flat on a back road near Kanata, or needs to be moved to a new mechanic shop across town, you need motorcycle towing in Ottawa that treats your ride with the same care you do.
Unfortunately, not all tow companies know how to handle motorcycles properly. A standard wheel-lift tow truck designed for cars can scratch your paint, bend your frame, or even drop your bike entirely. That is why motorcycle towing Ottawa riders trust requires a specialized approach — and at 613 Towing, we have the flatbed trucks, the soft-strap equipment, and the experienced operators to do it right.
Why Motorcycles Need Flatbed Towing (Not a Regular Tow Truck)
Motorcycles have two wheels, no enclosed frame around them, and exposed mechanical and cosmetic parts that are vulnerable to damage. A traditional wheel-lift or hook-and-chain tow truck is designed for four-wheeled vehicles and simply does not work for bikes. Here is why flatbed towing is the only safe option for motorcycle towing:
💡 Pro Tip: When calling for motorcycle towing, always ask: “Will you be using a flatbed truck with soft straps and a wheel chock?” If the answer is no, call someone else. At 613 Towing, flatbed transport is our standard for every motorcycle job.
How 613 Towing Safely Transports Your Motorcycle
Our motorcycle towing service follows a careful, step-by-step process to make sure your bike arrives at its destination without a single scratch:
Assess the Situation
Our driver arrives and evaluates your motorcycle’s condition, position, and any damage. We note the bike’s make, model, and any existing scratches or dents before loading for full transparency.
Lower the Flatbed & Position the Ramp
The flatbed is tilted to create a low-angle ramp. If the motorcycle can roll, it is carefully walked up the ramp. If not, we use the winch with a motorcycle-specific dolly to pull it onto the bed without dragging.
Secure with Wheel Chock & Soft Straps
The front wheel is locked into a wheel chock to prevent rolling. Then we use heavy-duty soft straps (never metal chains) around the handlebars or frame, pulling the bike down to compress the suspension slightly for maximum stability.
Double-Check Everything
Before raising the flatbed and driving, our operator walks around the bike to verify every strap is tight, the chock is locked, and nothing is rubbing against paint or chrome. We also secure any loose accessories (mirrors, saddlebags).
Safe Transport & Careful Unloading
We drive cautiously to your destination — whether that is your home, a motorcycle shop, a dealership, or a storage facility. Upon arrival, the unloading process reverses the steps above with the same level of care.
When Ottawa Riders Need Motorcycle Towing
There are many situations where motorcycle towing in Ottawa is the right call. Some of the most common reasons riders contact us include:
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Breakdown or Mechanical Failure
Engine trouble, electrical failure, chain or belt snap, overheating — anything that stops your bike from running.
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Flat Tire on the Road
Unlike cars, most motorcycles do not carry a spare tire. A flat means you need a tow to a tire shop.
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After an Accident
Damaged bikes need flatbed transport to a body shop. We handle accident towing with insurance documentation.
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Seasonal Storage Transport
Moving your bike to winter storage in November or back home in April? We safely transport it without you needing to ride in cold conditions.
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Buying or Selling a Motorcycle
Purchased a bike from a seller across Ottawa? We deliver it to your door on a flatbed — no need to ride an unfamiliar bike home.
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Long-Distance Motorcycle Transport
Moving to Montreal, Toronto, or beyond? 613 Towing offers long-distance towing for motorcycles across Ontario and Quebec.
How Much Does Motorcycle Towing Cost in Ottawa?
Motorcycle towing Ottawa pricing depends on the distance, time of day, and any special handling requirements. Here is what to expect:
All prices include flatbed loading, soft-strap securing, and delivery. 613 Towing always provides an upfront quote before dispatching — no hidden fees. For a broader look at towing rates, visit our Ottawa towing cost guide.
💡 Save Money: If you are transporting your motorcycle for a non-emergency reason (seasonal storage, purchase pickup), scheduling the tow during regular business hours can save you $25–$50 compared to emergency or after-hours rates. Call us and mention “scheduled motorcycle transport” for the best price.
Safe Motorcycle Towing — 24/7 Ottawa
Flatbed transport • Soft straps • Wheel chocks • Zero scratches
Types of Motorcycles We Tow in Ottawa
Our motorcycle towing service handles every type of two-wheeled vehicle. No bike is too big, too small, too heavy, or too expensive for our team:
How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Towing
If you have time before the tow truck arrives (for example, a scheduled transport rather than a roadside emergency), these steps will help ensure the smoothest motorcycle towing experience:
- Remove loose accessories — Take off saddlebags, tank bags, phone mounts, and any aftermarket accessories that could shift or get damaged during transport.
- Fold in mirrors — This reduces the bike’s width and protects mirrors from being bumped during loading.
- Check tire pressure — Properly inflated tires roll more smoothly up the ramp and sit more securely in the wheel chock.
- Turn off the fuel petcock (if applicable) — On older carbureted bikes, closing the petcock prevents fuel leaks during transport.
- Note existing damage — Take photos of your bike from all angles before the tow. The Canada Safety Council recommends documenting vehicle condition before any transport to protect yourself in case of disputes.
- Have your keys ready — The operator may need to turn the handlebars to lock or unlock steering for proper positioning.
Motorcycle Towing Coverage Across Ottawa
We provide motorcycle towing Ottawa riders can count on across all of Ottawa and the surrounding region. Our drivers are stationed strategically for fast response times, whether your bike breaks down in the city centre or on a rural highway:
- Downtown Ottawa — Elgin, ByWard Market, Centretown, Glebe
- Kanata — Stittsville, Kanata North, Kanata South, Carp
- Orleans — Avalon, Chapel Hill, Queenswood Heights
- Nepean & Barrhaven — Merivale, Baseline, Greenbank, Half Moon Bay
- Greater Ottawa area — Manotick, Vars, Kemptville, Highway 417/416 corridors
Motorcycle Towing Mistakes That Can Damage Your Bike
Whether you are towing yourself or hiring a company, avoid these common mistakes that can lead to costly damage during motorcycle towing:
⚠️ Using Metal Chains or Hooks — Metal hardware will scratch paint, chip chrome, and can dent lightweight frames. Always insist on soft nylon or ratchet straps with protective sleeves.
⚠️ Strapping to Plastic Fairings — Straps must attach to solid metal points (handlebars, frame, footpegs). Strapping to plastic fairings will crack or break them under tension.
⚠️ Not Using a Wheel Chock — Without a chock, the front wheel can turn during transport, causing the bike to tip and fall on the flatbed. A proper chock is non-negotiable.
⚠️ Choosing a Non-Specialized Tow Company — Not all tow companies have motorcycle experience. Ask if they have a wheel chock, soft straps, and flatbed capability. If they hesitate, call 613 Towing instead.
More Towing & Roadside Services From 613 Towing
Beyond motorcycle towing Ottawa riders rely on, we offer a full range of towing and roadside services for all vehicle types:
- 24-hour towing — Cars, trucks, SUVs, any time of day
- Heavy-duty towing — Commercial vehicles and large trucks
- Roadside assistance — Battery boosts, lockouts, tire changes, fuel delivery
- Winching & recovery — Stuck in ditches, snow, or mud
- Scrap car removal — Cash for junk vehicles
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does motorcycle towing cost in Ottawa?
Local motorcycle towing within Ottawa typically costs between $85 and $200 depending on distance, time of day, and any special handling requirements. Long-distance transport (for example, Ottawa to Montreal) ranges from $350 to $600. We always provide an upfront quote before dispatching.
Do you use a flatbed for motorcycle towing?
Yes — always. We exclusively use flatbed tow trucks for motorcycle transport. This is the only safe way to tow a motorcycle without risking frame damage, scratches, or the bike tipping over. We also use soft straps and a wheel chock on every motorcycle job.
Can you tow a Harley-Davidson or other heavy cruiser?
Absolutely. Our flatbed trucks handle motorcycles of all sizes and weights, including Harley-Davidson touring and cruiser models that weigh 350 kg or more. We use reinforced straps rated for heavy bikes and take extra care to avoid contact with chrome or custom paintwork.
Is motorcycle towing available 24/7 in Ottawa?
Yes. 613 Towing provides motorcycle towing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Whether your bike breaks down at 2 AM on the Queensway or you need an emergency pickup on a holiday weekend, we are available.
Can I ride in the tow truck with my motorcycle?
Yes, you are welcome to ride in the cab of the tow truck while we transport your motorcycle. Most riders prefer this so they can be present when the bike is unloaded at the destination.
What if my motorcycle was in an accident — do you handle insurance towing?
Yes. We handle accident towing for motorcycles and can provide the documentation your insurance company needs for a towing claim. We will safely transport the damaged bike to your preferred body shop, dealership, or any location your insurer specifies.
Do you tow scooters and mopeds as well?
Yes. We tow scooters, mopeds, Vespas, electric scooters, and all types of two-wheeled motorized vehicles. The flatbed loading process is the same — we use a smaller wheel chock and appropriately sized soft straps for lighter vehicles.
Can you transport my motorcycle from Ottawa to Montreal or Toronto?
Yes. We offer long-distance motorcycle transport anywhere in Ontario and Quebec. Ottawa to Montreal is one of our most common routes. Contact us for a quote — long-distance motorcycle towing is typically priced by kilometre and we can schedule it in advance for the best rate.
Will towing damage my motorcycle?
Not when done properly with a flatbed, soft straps, and a wheel chock — which is exactly how 613 Towing handles every motorcycle job. We document the bike’s condition before loading and take every precaution to deliver it scratch-free. Our operators are experienced motorcycle handlers, not just car tow drivers.
How do I choose a reliable motorcycle towing service in Ottawa?
Look for a tow company that specifically mentions flatbed towing for motorcycles, uses soft straps (not chains), has a wheel chock, and has positive reviews from other motorcycle owners. Ask about their experience with bikes before handing over your keys. Read our guide on how to choose a reliable towing company in Ottawa for more tips.
Ottawa’s Trusted Motorcycle Towing Service
Your Bike Deserves the Best — Call 613 Towing
Flatbed transport • All bike types • 24/7 • Damage-free guarantee