Motorcycle towing typically costs $75 to $250 for a local tow of under 10 miles, with a hookup fee of about $50 to $150 plus roughly $3 to $7 per mile beyond a short included distance. Long-distance tows cost far more per trip, often a few hundred dollars to $1,000 or more. These are typical U.S. ranges as of 2026 and vary by bike, region and shop, and nights, weekends and remote areas cost more.
The price depends mostly on distance, the time of day and whether the company has the right equipment for a bike.
How much does motorcycle towing cost?
| Situation | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Local tow, flatbed, under 10 miles | $75 to $250 |
| Hookup fee only (base charge) | $50 to $150 |
| Per-mile charge after the included miles | $3 to $7 |
| Motorcycle surcharge | $0 to $75 |
| Tow of 25 to 50 miles | $150 to $450 |
| Long-distance (100+ miles) | $400 to $1,000+ |
| After-hours, holiday or weekend fee | $25 to $150 extra |
| Winching or recovery (off road, ditch, fall) | $75 to $400 |
| Storage after tow, per day | $25 to $75 |
| Roadside assistance plan, annual | $20 to $120 per year |
Treat these as ballparks. A quote in your area may differ, and large cities, tourist areas and remote roads all raise it.
Towing is not on our general repair cost guide, but it often comes before one. Our towing services page lists towing providers.
What changes the price of a motorcycle tow
Distance
Most companies charge a hookup fee and then a per-mile rate. Some include the first few miles. A tow to a shop 5 miles away costs far less than 40 miles back home.
Equipment and bike type
A flatbed or enclosed trailer with motorcycle chocks and soft straps is the safe way to carry a bike. Heavy touring bikes, trikes, sidecars and low sport bikes can need more care and sometimes a ramp or a winch. A company that works with bikes may charge a little more, but it is cheaper than damaged bodywork.
Time and location
Nights, weekends, holidays and bad weather cost more. Highway tows and remote areas have higher rates. A bike on a busy road or at a crash scene may be a priority call.
Condition of the bike
A bike that rolls and has working brakes is easy. One that is locked up, has a flat tire, is on its side or is stuck in mud needs more labor. Say so when you call.
Local rules
Rates for non-consent tows from private property or accident scenes are often regulated by city or state. The rates for tows you request yourself are usually set by the company. Ask for the price before the truck leaves.
Roadside assistance and other ways to pay
| Option | What to check |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle insurance roadside add-on | Distance limit, number of calls, whether bikes qualify |
| Auto club or motorcycle roadside plan | Whether it covers bikes, trikes and trailers, and the miles included |
| Manufacturer roadside program | Often included with new bikes for a set time |
| Credit card benefits | Usually limited, may be reimbursement only |
| Shop or dealer tow | Sometimes discounted or credited |
| Friend with a truck and ramp | Free, but use proper straps and chocks |
Read the plan terms. Many cover only a certain number of miles, and some do not cover motorcycles at all. After a crash, our motorcycle insurance claim guide explains what your policy may pay for, and our guide on what to check after a motorcycle crash tells you what to inspect before riding again.
When towing is the right call
Do not try to ride a bike that is unsafe. Consider a tow if:
- The bike will not start and you cannot fix it on the spot. Our won't start guide covers what to try first
- You have a flat or damaged tire, or a bent wheel
- Brakes are failing or the lever goes to the bar
- The engine is overheating, knocking or smoking
- There is a fluid leak, especially fuel or brake fluid
- The chain has broken or come off
- The bike has been in a crash or dropped hard
A tow is cheaper than a ruined engine or a crash. If the engine is hot or noisy, our overheating guide tells you when to stop riding.
How to get a fair price on a tow
- Call more than one company if you can. Prices vary and you can compare while safe.
- Say it is a motorcycle. Give the make and model, whether it rolls and where it is.
- Ask for the total. Hookup, mileage, surcharges, after-hours fees and any fees at the destination.
- Ask for a flatbed or a motorcycle trailer. Do not accept a hook-and-chain tow.
- Get it in writing. The FTC's advice for repair shops, that a written estimate should identify the work, the parts and the anticipated charge and state that the shop will contact you before exceeding an agreed amount, is a good model for any service quote, and a text or email from the dispatcher can serve.
- Ask where the bike will be stored. Daily storage fees add up quickly.
- Watch loading. Make sure the driver straps it by the frame or recommended points, not by the plastics.
- Inspect and photograph the bike before and after, and note any damage right away.
Where you take the bike matters as well. Ask your shop whether they pick up bikes, since the tow may be credited. See our guide on how to find a good motorcycle mechanic before you pick a destination, or look at motorcycle repair shops in Nashville, or any other city in the national directory.
Long-distance and shipping
For a bike that is far from home, a one-way tow can cost more than a transport service. Moving a bike a long way by a motorcycle shipper is a different price structure. See our guide on how to ship a motorcycle. Compare a long tow against shipping, a rental trailer or a friend with a truck.
Ways to save
- Buy roadside assistance before you need it, if you ride often or far
- Keep a shop or tow number in your phone
- Stay near the shop that works on your bike on short trips
- Do a pre-ride check, which helps prevent breakdowns. See our pre-ride inspection checklist
- Handle small issues early, since a worn chain, tire or battery is cheaper than a roadside emergency
- Tow in business hours when you can safely wait
Do not go for the cheapest tow if the driver does not have a flatbed or a motorcycle trailer. Damage from a poor tow is expensive.
When to see a mechanic
After a tow, the bike should be inspected. Have a professional look at it if:
- It stopped because of overheating, loud noises, loss of power or brake problems
- Warning lights came on before it quit
- There was a fall, crash or hard impact
- Fluids are leaking
- It is struggling to hold idle or will not hold charge
Stop riding if you are not sure what happened. A shop can find the cause before the next trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do tow trucks charge more for motorcycles?
Often, yes. Motorcycles need a flatbed, wheel chocks and straps or a specialty trailer, and some companies add a motorcycle surcharge or do not take bikes at all. Ask before you call.
Does my motorcycle insurance cover towing?
Some policies include roadside assistance or let you add it for a small fee. Coverage and distance limits vary, so check your policy before you ride.
Can I tow a motorcycle with a regular tow truck hook?
No. Hook-and-chain or wheel-lift towing can damage a bike or drop it. Insist on a flatbed or a trailer made for motorcycles.
Can I call a shop directly for a tow?
Many shops partner with a towing company or have their own. Ask what they charge and whether the tow fee is credited toward repair.
References
- FTC Consumer Advice: Auto repair basics (consumer.ftc.gov)