Best Motorcycle Ramps: Safely Load and Unload Your Bike in Style

I took several factors into consideration when compiling this list of the best motorcycle ramps, the number one being their ability to specifically accommodate motorcycles. For example, some ramps are fine for ATVs, but the surface area may have too many gaps to accommodate the more skinny tires of a two-wheeled bike. Yes, ATV ramps (or those for lawnmowers) may tolerate the weight of a motorcycle, but they’re not necessarily ideal for a sport bike, dirt bike, cruiser, or bagger. I chose ramps from well-known brands with a reputation for producing high-quality equipment. I picked ramps at a range of prices to suit a variety of budgets, and I read what consumers had to say about these ramps to see how they performed in real-world conditions. For more information on our methodology, go here. 

My top pick is the Trackside Aluminum Folding Ramp. It has a slight arch, which makes it easier to transition a bike from the ramp onto a trailer or truck bed, and it folds up nicely for storage. And The Drive's own Jonathon Klein swears by it.

When we start shopping for tools and products, we never overlook the secondhand market. In fact, it’s usually the first place I look. Whether you’re scrolling through Amazon’s Renewed section, eBay for car parts or tools, or flipping through the pages of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you have hundreds of thousands of used tools, parts, and gear ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Refurbished to like-new status, they’ll be willing to give you many more years of faithful service all while saving you money. 

To make your secondhand search easier, here are two tips for finding the best deals and making sure your new-to-you stuff wasn’t destroyed by the previous owner. 

It's critical that the ramps can tolerate the weight of your motorcycle. Determine the weight of your bike, then check the load rating of the ramp you intend on purchasing. If your bike is 800 pounds, a ramp with a 600-pound capacity will not work. It's better to go bigger in terms of the load limit, so the ramps can safely tolerate your motorcycle’s weight.

The longer a ramp is, the less steep and more stable it will be, particularly when loading a bike into a truck bed. Ramps are available in a variety of lengths, from 6 to 12 feet long. Longer ramps provide a bit more safety, so if you have the option, select a longer one. Wider is also better, especially if you have a heavy bike to move. If you have a wide ramp, you will have more space for the tires and room to walk next to it. You can also put two single ramps next to each other for added support. 

Arched ramps have an arch that’s in proximity to the area that connects to a truck bed. It provides a smoother area to transition the bike from the ramp to the bed. A straight ramp has an angle that leans against the truck bed, which can be problematic for low-profile bikes because they can get hung up on that spot. This can make the loading/unloading process unstable and can potentially damage the bike. 

Ramps can range from $100 and up, but the less-expensive options typically involve only one ramp. For safety, two narrow ramps or a wide one are a better option, because they give you more control when loading and unloading a bike into a truck bed. Expect to pay around $200 for a decent pair of motorcycle ramps, but sometimes they cost a little bit less. More expensive options tend to be larger in width and/or have more features.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.