Southeastern Wisconsin has a deep motorcycle culture, and Oak Creek riders are part of it. On warm days, you will see cruisers, sport bikes, touring machines, and adventure bikes on Highway 32 along the lake, on Ryan Road heading west, and on I-94 toward Racine and Kenosha. When a motorcycle breaks down, the rider faces a problem a car driver does not: there is no cabin to wait in, no hazard-lit bulk to shield you, and the bike itself can be damaged by a careless tow. Lake Front Towing tows motorcycles in Oak Creek with equipment and techniques made for two wheels.
Why motorcycles need special handling
A car can sit on a flatbed on four tires with little risk of tipping. A motorcycle is tall, narrow, and top-heavy. Strapping it down incorrectly can compress the forks too far, crack fairings, scratch chrome, bend levers, or let the bike tip during braking. Hooking a motorcycle to a standard wheel-lift is not appropriate. The safe way to tow a bike is on a flatbed, upright, with the front wheel held in a chock and the bike secured with soft straps at strong points.
How we load and secure your bike
- Positioning: The operator lowers the bed to a gentle angle and checks the path for anything that could catch the exhaust or kickstand.
- Loading: The bike is rolled or carefully winched up onto the deck, with the operator controlling it the whole way. With a heavy touring bike, we take extra care.
- Front wheel chock: The front tire sits in a wheel chock that holds the bike upright and centered.
- Soft straps: Soft loops go around strong points like the lower triple clamp or the frame, not the handlebars or bodywork, and ratchet straps are tightened evenly so the suspension is only partly compressed.
- Rear tie-downs: The rear is secured to stop the bike from shifting side to side.
- Final check: The operator checks that straps are not touching paint, chrome, or cables before departing.
When your bike quits on the road
A motorcycle breakdown leaves you exposed. Get the bike as far off the road as you can — a parking lot, a side street, or a wide shoulder. Turn on your hazards if your bike has them. Take off your helmet only when you are well away from traffic. Stand behind a guardrail or well off the road, not next to the bike. Then call (414) 520-7264.
Tell the dispatcher it is a motorcycle and give us the make, model, and approximate weight. A lightweight dual-sport and a fully loaded touring bike need different preparation. Let us know whether it rolls, whether the front wheel or forks are damaged, and whether it is upright or on its side.
Common motorcycle problems
Dead batteries: motorcycle batteries are small and drain quickly, especially if the bike sits between rides. Flat tires: few bikes carry a spare, so a puncture usually means a tow. Chain or belt failures: a broken chain or belt leaves you with power and nowhere to send it. Electrical issues: loose connections and failing regulators are common. Crashes and drops: even a low-speed drop can break a lever, bend a footpeg, or damage a radiator.
After a crash or drop
If you went down, check yourself carefully — adrenaline can hide injuries — and call 911 if you are hurt. Do not try to pick up a heavy bike by yourself if you are injured. Once safe, photograph the scene and the bike for insurance. Our operator can load a bike that has been laid down, but tell us if the forks, wheels, or handlebars are bent so we plan the right approach. We can tow it to a motorcycle shop, a dealer, your home, or storage while your insurer sorts out the claim.
Where should the bike go?
Many riders have a preferred dealer or independent motorcycle shop, and we will take the bike wherever you choose. If it is late and the shop is closed, home delivery is often easiest. If you want it stored securely until a shop can look at it, let us know. For bikes going farther — to a specialist shop out of town or to a new owner — see our long distance towing.
Electric motorcycles
Electric motorcycles are showing up more often on Oak Creek roads. They load much like gas bikes, but with a couple of differences: they are often heavier than they look, and their motors can generate current when the rear wheel turns, so the bike should be secured with the rear wheel still. If an electric bike runs out of charge, we can bring it to your home charger or the charging location you choose. Tell the dispatcher the model so the operator knows its weight and the manufacturer's transport instructions.
Preparing for riding season
A few habits prevent the most common motorcycle calls: keep the battery on a maintainer over the winter, check tire pressure before every ride, inspect the chain or belt regularly, and carry a small tool kit and a tire plug kit if you know how to use it. And save our number in your phone, not just on a sticker in the garage.
Frequently asked questions
Can you tow a motorcycle with a trailer or sidecar?
Let us know the setup when you call. Trikes, sidecars, and trailers need different handling, and the dispatcher will plan accordingly.
Can I ride along with my bike?
When space allows, yes. Tell the dispatcher when you call.
Do you tow scooters and mopeds?
Yes. Small scooters are secured the same careful way.
Bike trouble in Oak Creek? Call (414) 520-7264. Learn more about our motorcycle and specialty towing.