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 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. 

The Trackside Aluminum Folding Ramp is sold as a single ramp, so you will likely need two for added security when loading your motorcycle. Each lightweight, 7.5-feet-by-11-inch ramp has a 750-pound capacity, so it can accommodate a wide range of bikes.

The ramp comes with a safety strap, and when folded it takes up just 46 inches of space. It is stable and doesn't flex under a bike's weight. Since the ramp is a little on the short side, you might need to load your bike on a hill if you have a tall truck bed. Also, the ramp rattles and is a little noisy. In addition, the top piece that goes against the tailgate can scratch the truck.

The Drive's managing editor Jonathon Klein personally owns this ramp and swears by it. "It's easy, compact, fits right below the rear seats of my Honda Ridgeline, and has supported countless motorcycles over the last two years. I've beaten the hell out of it and it shows nary a scratch, nor has ever let me down when I need it most. And the cam-buckle strap that keeps it secure doesn't budge, though you need to put a bit of force into it."

The Trackside Heavy-Duty Wide Aluminum Folding Ramp is a good balance between value and performance. This single ramp has a load capacity of 1,500 pounds, making it a good choice for baggers and other big motorcycles. It’s also wider than most single ramps.

Each solidly constructed ramp has a slight arch on the upper end. It is 8.0 feet long by 18.0 inches wide, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. The ramp also folds up, making it easy to store, and the straps are sturdy. Another great feature of this ramp is it can be used by one person.

You might need to use a towel, padding, or other material on the bottom of the ramp piece that connects to a truck bed tailgate in order to prevent the truck from getting scratched. You might also want to add some grip tape to the ramp, so it’s less slippery. In addition, this ramp would be slightly easier to use if it was a little longer.

What sets the Rage Powersports Black Widow ramp apart from others on this list is that it's a three-piece system. You can bolt the three pieces together or use them separately. The main ramp is designed to support a bike, while the two side ramps are designed to provide stability for your feet. Three safety straps are included to secure the ramps during loading, and there are two extra straps for storage.

The arched ramp is 7.0 feet long, has a 1,500-pound weight capacity, and features serrated rungs that are spaced out 2.5 inches. It's possible to walk the bike up the ramp by yourself without too much difficulty. While it's not recommended to ride up a ramp, many users have done so with this product due to its heavy-duty construction. Unfortunately, the ramps are bigger and heavier compared to some other options, so they're less portable and a bit harder to store in a truck. They can also get slippery in wet weather.

The Oxford Folding Ramp is a good option if you're looking for a lightweight, portable product. Made of aluminum, this ramp weighs just 16 pounds but is strong enough to accommodate bikes weighing up to 750 pounds. It folds up when not in use and comes with Velcro straps to keep it securely closed, making it easy to store.

The ramp is 10.8 inches wide and can be used by one person. It's designed to connect to a half-inch bar on the tail end of a truck. The ramp is only 6-foot-8, which can be an issue if you have a taller truck. Also, you'll likely need two ramps to more safely and securely load and unload a bike.

These ramps are lightweight, strong and easy to use. Titan's Aluminum Loading Ramps are designed for use with motorcycles, scooters, and small ATVs. They are 11.25 inches wide and fold down to 48.5 by 11.25 by 6 inches, making them a portable pick. These corrosion-resistant aluminum ramps have a 1,200-pound capacity and feature an arched design, which provides more clearance compared to straighter ramps.

There's a lip on the end that lays flush with a truck's tailgate, but you may need to put something underneath it to keep it from slipping. The serrated crossbars help with traction, particularly in wet conditions. You can use the included safety straps to secure your bike to the truck bed/trailer, but they're not the best quality. Another issue with these ramps is that the paint has a tendency to flake off easily.

It's not ideal to load a bike into a trailer or truck after dark, but sometimes you have no choice. That's where a product like the CargoSmart Hybrid Ramp comes in. This strong and durable ramp has LED runway bulbs that illuminate when you unfold it and help you guide your bike at night. Sold singularly, the ramp has a 750-pound weight capacity and an S-curve, or dual-arch design, which makes it easier to load a motorcycle from the ground into the bed of a truck.

The ramp folds for storage, and the lights automatically turn off. The ramp also features aggressive tread for better grip and is backed by a one-year limited warranty should you experience any issues. One downside is that the lights are powered by AA batteries, which you will need to replace regularly. Also, the wiring for the lights is not protected very well and can be prone to damage.

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.