How to Load and Unload Your Dirtbike Without Hurting Yourself or Dropping Your Bike (too often)
BlueMoto content isn’t all professional race tips and maintenance for aspiring mechanics. I’m here with leisure content like George Costnaza: Festivus for the RestofUs, though I'm sure most of you are too young to get that reference...
And even after years of riding I am not ashamed to admit, I still struggle to load my bike. That’s right. Bike 101 is still not my favourite activity. I like it when we need to take the trailer and I can just roll my bike in at ground level but, alas, its far more often I need to wrestle it in the back of my truck myself. So, I’m here to impart my wisdom and learnings on how to get it done without ending up on our BlueMoto Fail Friday reel.
First things first: get your shit together! Don’t get me wrong, I will use a ditch or a dirt pile whenever I can but this whole process is easier with an actual ramp and a solid step.
Get a solid ramp: Preferably one designed for bikes but I have been known to use my sled ramp from time to time because I like walking up beside my bike.
Park on flat ground. Or downhill makes it even easier. Gravity is already working against me when I am trying to push a bike overhead so let’s not make this harder than it has to be.
Put your straps in your truck. Or on the trailer or wherever this bike needs to end up, get the straps in place before you start wrestling the bike into place.
Do your shoulder presses bicep curls for 6 months prior. This one is important.
OK, this is as ready as you’re going to get so time to choose your own adventure.
Option 1: The Buddy System
Honestly, if I can ever find help, I take it. Loading for a short *cough* lazy woman such as myself is much easier with someone to push with me or at least hold it and stop it from rolling backwards while I step up into the truck to reset halfway up the ramp.
With 2 people, one person pushes, the other steers, and voila! Teamwork makes the dream work. Just don’t let them “accidentally” let go halfway up the ramp because then you are starting all over again.
Option 2: Be a Hero
If you can’t talk anyone into helping you here’s how to look like you totally know what you’re doing by yourself (without getting hurt).
Secure the ramp: Tie it down like your bike’s life depends on it because, it might. A slipping ramp is how bad (hilarious) stories and bruised everythings happen. Grab an extra strap and secure it to the hitch of the truck underneath so it doesn't slide out the second you get some traction on it.
Align your bike: Bring the dirtbike to the base of the ramp as lined up as possible. If you’re crooked from the get go, the odds of that back tire slipping off the ramp increase exponentially.
Use the bike’s power: Fire it up and let the bike do the work. A little throttle goes a long way—but not too much, unless you want your bike in the truck and on the hood.
Walk beside the bike: Use a second ramp or a step or a really solid stump for yourself top step up beside your bike because trying to balance while also stepping onto the tailgate is a recipe for disaster (and Instagram shame) if you aren’t tall enough to do this smoothly.
Secure the bike: Once it’s in there, choose your strapping down method. Depending where your strap connections are it can be easier to tie down by the pegs instead of the handlebars. Pro tip: The actual dirtbike tie downs are totally worth the $ instead of ratchet straps. WAY easier.
UNLOADING
Unloading is WAY easier (thanks, gravity).
Set up the ramp: Secure it to the truck bed. Yes, again.
Get your grip: Stand beside the bike, holding the handlebars and applying the front brake (depending what continent you’re on this will be left or right).
Slowly back it down: Use the brake to control the descent as slow as you need to.
Stick the landing: Ensure the bike is stable on the ground before you let go. Style points if you don’t drop it.
Once you’re good, just pivot turn in the box of the truck and ride it out. Theoretically, I will obviously never try this. I am more likely to ghost it out of the back and just order new plastics after.
Spoiler alert: You’re probably not nailing any of this on your first attempt. Will your bike fall off the ramp? Probably. Mine still #58483 sometimes. Usually when people are watching, tbh.
Start with a low trailer or a forgiving audience (read: not your entire cackling friend group) and work your way up. With enough reps, you’ll be tossing your bike in and out like it’s no big deal and maybe even offering to help your less-practiced buddies.
Loading and unloading your dirtbike doesn’t have to be a soul-crushing experience. With the right setup, a little practice, and some brazen bike throwing
