There are few things more frustrating for a motorcyclist than being stuck on the side of the road waiting for help. No matter whether it is due to a mechanical failure, a bad tire, a low battery, or an accident, the top priority is getting your motorcycle transported. The first thing most bikers ask when looking for help is: What is the motorcycle towing cost in Canada?
There are many factors that determine how much towing a motorcycle will cost, such as distance, location, time of day, and how difficult the motorcycle will be to recover. Many motorcyclists focus strictly on the cost of the tow, but in reality, when a rider hires a company to tow their motorcycle, they are requesting that trained operators use special equipment, experience, and skill to protect the motorcycle from damage during the transportation process.
This guide contains the average cost of motorcycle tows across Canada and what factors affect the total cost, as well as other important information every motorcyclist should know before needing a motorcycle tow.
When motorists think of motorcycle towing, they often feel that because they are smaller and lighter than most vehicles, it should be cheaper to tow a motorcycle than to tow a vehicle. However, motorcycles require special handling.
With a motorcycle and the weight being so low, motorcycles cannot simply be hooked up and pulled with a tow truck. In fact, proper motorcycle towing will usually require the use of:
Securely tie down systems on the motorcycle to ensure there is no damage to the motorcycle during the tow process.
Geographic location is one of the main factors in the calculation of motorcycle towing costs.
In cities such as Toronto and Vancouver:
The rural area or outlying areas (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northern Ontario, and Atlantic Canada). In the remote areas of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northern Ontario, and Atlantic Canada:
Tow trucks will have to travel longer distances. There are a limited number of companies that have specialized motorcycle equipment to tow your motorcycle for you. Recovery may require additional equipment (e.g., dolly). All of the above will drive the total amount of the invoice up significantly.
Think of an example where a rider is riding from Calgary to Banff during a very busy summer riding season. Approximately 40 km (25 mi) outside of Banff, the motorcycle has a charging system failure and loses all electrical power.
The rider now requires:
1) Roadside assessment
2) Loading the motorcycle
3) Transportation of the motorcycle to a repair facility
The cost of an emergency bike tow in this example will vary between $180 and $350 based on:
Although this amount seems like a lot, in the long run, having your bike transported properly will save you thousands of dollars from possible damage from improper towing methods.
In case of breakdown, many riders want the cheapest option available to them. However, timing is just as important as cost.
A rider gets a blowout tire on a busy highway near Edmonton. Waiting for 4 hours from the cheapest tow truck company puts both the rider and motorcycle in greater danger than having a more experienced roadside towing service show up to assist them in 30-60 minutes at a cost that is slightly greater, but provides a much greater level of safety to the rider. This is an example of when value matters more than just quoting the lowest price.
Motorcycling continues to be a popular activity across Canada. Statistics from the Canadian Government, as well as various provincial transportation agencies, have shown that there are 100’s of 1000’s of motorcycles registered across the country. Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec are places where there are the strongest riding communities.
The MMIC (Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council) reported that over the past few years, there has been an increased demand for motorcycles and powersport vehicles in Canada as Canadians are looking for more ways to spend time outdoors.
As there are more motorcycles on the road, there will naturally be more demand for specialized towing and recovery services.
Not all breakdowns require a standard tow. Examples of breakdowns that require assistance to recover the motorcycle include:
This type of recovery will require winching equipment and specific loading equipment to recover.
Though not entirely avoidable, preventive measures will help keep your vehicle free of major malfunctions.
Check fluid levels before traveling. Most cases of roadside towing assistance occur because of malfunctions that would’ve been detected during inspection.
Technology is rapidly revolutionizing the industry. Today, advanced towing service providers tend to use:
Motorcycle towing cost in Canada can be understood by considering the various factors associated with motorcycle towing. The approximate cost of motorcycle towing in Canada usually starts at $80 and may go up to $250 for non-emergency local services. Aspects such as location, nature of service required, off-hours callouts, and mileage charged all impact the overall cost. Motorcycle tow pricing is discussed in the above sections.
Depending on your specific situation, you might need a standard motorcycle towing service or emergency bike towing assistance. When choosing motorcycle towing services, price shouldn’t be the only factor considered. The quality of equipment, proficiency of the operator, response time, and insurance coverage are all worth considering when deciding to whom to entrust your motorcycle. Express Towing Services can offer you the best emergency bike repairing assistance at pocket-friendly costs.
Most local motorcycle towing services range from $80 to $250, depending on distance, location, and service requirements.
Motorcycles require specialized equipment, trained operators, and careful handling to prevent damage during transport.
Many roadside assistance plans include motorcycle towing, although coverage limits vary by provider.
Factors include distance, time of day, location, emergency response requirements, and recovery complexity.
Yes. After-hours, holiday, and urgent response services often include an additional fee.
