A motorcycle that will not start, will not roll, or has been in a crash is hard to move safely. It has two wheels, a narrow stance, and parts that scratch easily. Moving it the wrong way can turn a small problem into a bigger one.
Atascadero Towing connects riders with licensed and insured local contractors who haul motorcycles on flatbed trucks. Call (805) 391-5157, tell the dispatcher about the bike and where it is, and you will get a price quote on the phone before a truck is sent.
Why a flatbed is the right truck for a bike
Flatbed towing is generally recommended for motorcycles, along with all-wheel-drive vehicles, low cars, most electric vehicles, and anything that cannot roll. A bike should not be dragged or towed on its own wheels. It should be lifted onto a flat bed and carried.
On the bed, the front wheel is usually held in a wheel chock so the bike stands upright. Soft straps then hold it in place. Straps are gentler on handlebars, forks, and frames than bare chains or hooks. The result is a bike that rides still instead of shifting on the road.
Breakdowns on Atascadero roads
Inland heat is hard on motorcycles. Summer afternoons in Atascadero commonly reach 95 to 100 degrees, and long climbs can overheat engines and wear down weak batteries. A battery that needs repeated jump starts may need testing or replacement. If your bike keeps dying at stoplights on El Camino Real, a tow to a shop is often smarter than another try at starting it.
Highway 41 is a different kind of problem. The road between Atascadero and Morro Bay winds over the Santa Lucia Range on two lanes with few safe places to pull over. If your bike quits on a curve, get as far off the road as you can and turn on your hazard lights. Stay clear of traffic while you call.
You may also break down on a quieter road, such as Santa Lucia Road, Portola Road, or the hillside streets west of El Camino Real. Oak woodland and narrow shoulders can make those spots tricky for a truck to reach. Give the dispatcher cross streets or a nearby landmark so the driver can find you.
After a crash
If anyone is hurt or the road is blocked, call 911 first. On U.S. 101 and State Route 41, the California Highway Patrol handles collisions, and officers may call a tow for vehicles that must be cleared. On city streets, the Atascadero Police Department responds.
When it is safe, take photos of the bike, the scene, and any damage. A bike that has been in a crash may have bent forks, a damaged wheel, or leaking fluids. Tell the dispatcher what you see and whether the bike rolls or steers. That helps the contractor bring the right equipment and plan the load.
Sport bikes, cruisers, and touring bikes
Each type of motorcycle has its own needs. Tell the dispatcher which one you have.
- Sport bikes sit low and have fairings that crack easily. Careful strap placement matters.
- Cruisers are heavy and often have low-hanging parts like pipes and floorboards. The loading approach has to account for that.
- Touring bikes carry extra weight from bags, a fairing, and a trunk. Mention any luggage so the driver is ready.
Give the year, make, and model. If you have an owner's manual, check it for towing notes.
What to have ready when you call
A few details help the dispatcher quote the job and send the right truck:
- Your exact location, including cross streets, the highway direction, or the nearest exit or landmark
- The bike's year, make, and model
- Whether it starts, rolls, and steers
- Where you want it taken, such as home, a shop, or a dealer
If you are on U.S. 101 between Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo, say which direction you are heading. If you are on a freeway shoulder and cannot get safely away from your bike, stay out of traffic and call 911 if you feel in danger.
Weather, wet roads, and fog
Rain in the North County falls mostly from November through March. Wet pavement and muddy hillside roads can make a loading spot slick. Valley fog sometimes settles in too, so use your hazard lights and a bright jacket or vest if you have one. Tell the dispatcher about any conditions that could affect the pickup.
Price and coverage
The price depends on the vehicle, the distance, the type of truck needed, where you are, and the time of day. The dispatcher quotes it before the truck leaves. Payment methods and hours vary by provider, so confirm them on the call.
Many insurance policies, credit cards, and motor-club memberships include roadside or towing coverage. Check yours, and ask for an itemized receipt if you plan to submit for reimbursement. When you are ready, call (805) 391-5157 and describe your bike and your location.