Dirt bikes are a lot of fun to ride, but they’re not so much fun to transport.
Loading a dirt bike into a truck or other similar vehicle without the right equipment is, in the best-case scenario, a laborious and stressful task.
At worst, it’s a dangerous (and expensive) disaster waiting to happen.
Luckily, there are plenty of dirt bike loading ramps on the automotive accessory market at the moment. It’s just a question of choosing the right one for your bike, your truck, and your particular requirements.
This guide to the best dirt bike loading ramps will feature 5 of the top-rated loading ramps on the market, reviewed for your convenience.
We’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help with your final decision, and our FAQ section is full of safety tips for loading your dirt bike, so make sure to read until the end!
OUR TOP PICK
The Pit Posse Aluminum Folding Truck Ramp is one of the best-selling loading ramps on the market for dirt bikes, although it can be used to load other 2-wheeled vehicles.
Pit Posse’s dirt bike loading ramp is made of 6063 aluminum, which is resistant to corrosion as well as wear and tear from your bike’s wheels.
The crossbars, hinges, and joints are welded onto the frame, so the construction is solid and can support up to 750 lbs - more than enough for a dirt bike.
Speaking of weight, the ramp itself only weighs a meager 16 lbs, so it’s very lightweight and easily portable thanks to the foldable design.
This ramp arrives pre-assembled in the packaging, so there’s no assembly process to contend with.
As soon as you unbox your loading ramp, you can attach it to your truck and get going!
Safety straps are also included with the purchase of the Pit Posse loading ramp. The ramp is designed to hook onto the back of your truck with the rubber-coated, non-slip truck rests.
However, for extra peace of mind, you can attach the ramp using the safety straps as well as the truck rests.
This will essentially provide a safety backup in case the ramp unexpectedly fails or slips.
The only room for improvement we could find with this loading ramp concerns the length of the ramp.
It’s slightly on the short side at 89 inches which, in theory, should make the loading process quicker.
However, the downside is that the shorter length necessitates a steeper incline when loading, so you’ll need to put some elbow grease behind the loading process.
Pros
- Welded 6063 aluminum construction - Strong and wear-resistant
- 16 lbs total weight - Lightweight
- Foldable - Compact design
- Arrives pre-assembled - Ready to use
- Includes safety straps - Secure backup attachment
Cons
- Steep incline - Requires some strength to load
EDITORS CHOICE
Black Widow is a popular automotive accessory manufacturer. Also, the company’s 3-Piece Motorcycle Ramp has been a top-selling product amongst dirt bike owners since launching. Like the last ramp we reviewed, this loading ramp is made of aluminum, so it’s strong as well as lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. One thing that sets this ramp apart from the competition is the 3-piece design.
Technically, this ramp is 3 ramps linked together by a lip (which is how the ramp connects to the transport vehicle). In total, the ramps form a surface measuring 38 inches across, so you won’t have to worry about accidentally steering your bike off the ramp.
Plus, the 3-piece construction means that in addition to folding in half, the ramp can be deconstructed into 3 parts. This makes storage much more convenient. This is a relatively long ramp, measuring 10 feet in length. This allows for a gradual incline, which is much easier to work with than a steep one.
Additionally, the crossbars are serrated to provide more traction, minimizing the risk of your bike slipping on the ramp. With that being said, you’ll need to tie the ramps together at the bottom to prevent them from spreading apart.
This isn’t mentioned in the instructions, which we feel is an oversight on the manufacturer’s part, but luckily, a simple length of rope should do the trick to stop the ramps from drifting.
Pros
- Aluminum construction - Lightweight and strong
- 3-piece design - Deconstructable for storage
- Serrated crossbars - Increased traction
- 10 ft length - Gradual incline
- Safety straps included - Extra secure
Cons
- Ramps may separate at the bottom - Which requires tying them together
BEST VALUE
The Aluminum Folding Loading Ramp from VIVOHOME is an excellent budget-friendly option for loading your dirt bike into your truck safely and securely.
Because it’s made of aluminum, this ramp is impressively wear-resistant and it also won’t rust easily, so exposure to rain or moisture shouldn’t be an issue.
The aluminum construction is also robust enough to hold 750 lbs despite only weighing 14 lbs. Since it’s so lightweight, the VIVOHOME ramp is easy to transport, especially since it’s foldable.
At the end of the ramp, you’ll see 3 rubber-tipped claws that allow the ramp to connect to the back of your truck without shifting or slipping.
However, a safety strap is also included for your peace of mind and security. The strap is adjustable, so you can easily tailor it to the length you need.
Unfortunately, while the majority of VIVOHOME’s customers have reported being very satisfied with the purchase of this ramp, there have been a few reports of welded areas breaking prematurely.
This can be put down to an isolated quality control issue, but it’s worth keeping the customer service details on hand in case resolution is needed.
Pros
- Aluminum build - Resistant to wear and corrosion
- 750 lbs capacity - Strong and durable
- 14 lbs - Easy to carry
- Rubber-tipped grips - Non-slip
- Adjustable safety strap included - Safe during operation
Cons
- Isolated reports of welding failure - Quality control issues
RUNNER UP
We’ve already reviewed a Black Widow loading ramp in today’s selection, but this one is different in the sense that it’s not just a ramp - it’s also a bike carrier.
This is an ideal purchase if you need to get your dirt bike from A to B but don’t have enough room to load it directly into your truck.
Black Widow’s Hitch-Mounted Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier mounts onto the back of your truck and features a self-storing ramp.
This way, you can pull out the ramp, roll your bike onto the carrier, and fold the ramp back into the carrier in a matter of seconds.
The ramp can be pulled out from either side, so it’s versatile and ergonomic to use regardless of your spatial situation.
This ramp is made of aluminum, so it’s fairly lightweight but durable at the same time.
With that being said, it has a maximum capacity of 400 lbs, so it’s not the strongest ramp in this review section.
However, that’s still enough capacity for the vast majority of dirt bikes.
Black Widow has built an anti-rattle device into the carrier/ramp so that you won’t be disturbed by rattling noises during your drive.
Unfortunately, the safety straps required to hold your bike in place on the carrier are not included with the purchase, so you’ll need to purchase these separately.
Pros
- Functions as a carrier - Ideal for smaller vehicles
- Aluminum construction - Lightweight and durable
- Anti-rattle device - Quiet and sturdy
- Self-storing design - Compact
- Loads from either side - Versatile
Cons
- 400 lb maximum capacity - Not the strongest ramp
- Straps not included - Separate purchase required
RUNNER UP
Our last suggested loading ramp for today is the VENDAV Motorcycle Ramp.
This is a fairly standard loading ramp that ticks all the right boxes and is relatively affordable as far as these ramps go.
Like the other products on our list, the construction of this ramp is aluminum-based, ensuring weather resistance and easy transport.
The foldable design also contributes to this ramp’s portability as well as the ease of storage.
You can rely on this ramp to safely get your dirt bike into your truck because it has a maximum capacity of 750 lbs, which is enough for even the heaviest of bikes.
Plus, the rubber-coated fingers and heavy-duty load straps ensure complete safety and security.
However, buyers should bear in mind that the inside width of the ramp is 12 inches, which is fine for medium and small tire sizes but may be risky with particularly large tires.
Pros
- Aluminum build - Weather-resistant and light
- 750 lbs capacity - Robust construction
- Foldable design - Easy to transport and store
- Rubber-coated fingers - Secure grip
- Load straps included - Safe and heavy-duty
Cons
- 11-inch width - Not for large tires
Dirt Bike Loading Ramps Buying Guide
Choosing a loading ramp for your dirt bike is a serious business.
After all, this piece of equipment will be responsible for keeping your bike safe during the loading process.
Therefore, it’s important to give your decision a lot of thought by evaluating each potential purchase in terms of key features and factors.
![TOP 5 Dirt Bike Loading Ramps [Guide TIPS]](https://faster-faster.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/TOP-5-Dirt-Bike-Loading-Ramps-Guide-TIPS.jpg "TOP 5 Dirt Bike Loading Ramps [Guide TIPS]")
Ramp Style
The first thing to decide is what style of ramp you’re looking for. Not all ramps are created equal, and different styles have their own advantages.
One very common type of loading ramp is the folding ramp, and we highly recommend this style. In fact, every single ramp we’ve reviewed in today’s guide folds in some way.
The reason we prioritize this feature and believe that you should, too, is because ramps can be difficult to maneuver and store if they don’t fold.
Another less common but very practical style of loading ramp is the carrier-style ramp. This type of ramp mounts onto the back of your vehicle as a carrier but also features a pull-out ramp for easy loading.
If your truck isn’t large enough to accommodate your dirt bike, mounting a carrier ramp to your truck is probably the easiest way to transport it.
Number Of Bikes
You should also consider how many bikes you’ll be loading using your new ramp.
If you have several bikes to load in a short space of time, you’ll probably benefit from a wider ramp.
In fact, there are some ramps (see our top pick) that are technically 3 ramps in 1 and can be used to load multiple bikes at the same time, provided you have somebody to help you.
Alternatively, if you’re only dealing with a single bike, a standard-sized ramp should be fine.
With that being said, it’s still a good idea to check the dimensions in the product information because some ramps are narrower than others, and depending on how wide your bike’s tires are, you may need a certain width in order to load your bike safely.
Construction Material
All of the ramps we’ve reviewed for this guide are made of aluminum.
The reason for this is that aluminum is both wear-resistant and lightweight, which are essential features in a loading ramp.
If you’re planning on storing your loading ramp in the back of your truck or in an area such as a garage, your ramp might be exposed to moisture.
If that’s the case, an aluminum construction will be even more beneficial for you because aluminum is corrosion-resistant.
Load Capacity
Always remember to check the maximum load capacity of a ramp before buying it.
All of the ramps that we’ve featured in this article are strong enough to support even the heaviest of dirt bikes.
The lowest capacity in our reviewed products is 400 lbs, which is much heavier than most dirt bikes.
Other ramps have capacities ranging all the way up to 750 lbs, and these may be suitable for loading multiple bikes, assuming they’re wide enough.
Before you finalize your purchase, it’s a good idea to know the exact weight of your bike(s) so that you can make a safe choice based on this information.
Safety Features
Loading a dirt bike into a truck can be a dangerous process if you don’t have the right safety precautions in place.
After all, the average dirt bike weighs roughly 200 lbs, which isn’t an amount of weight to take risks around.
The first safety feature you need to prioritize is the primary attachment - in other words, the part of the ramp that attaches to the back of your truck.
This often takes the form of ‘fingers’ or ‘claws’ with rubber tips that grip onto the edge of your truck bed. Rubber components are crucial to prevent slippage.
However, it’s understandable that you might not want to rely on a single form of attachment with something as important and expensive as your bike.
Therefore, many manufacturers include safety straps with their ramps so that you have a backup if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Transport My Bike If I Don’t Have A Truck?
The best way to load and transport your bike if you don’t have a truck is to use a carrier-style ramp, but this is only a viable solution if the vehicle you do own is large enough and has a hitch that you can mount the carrier to.
Alternatives include purchasing a trailer, although, again, this may not be a practical choice for small vehicles.
Do I Need To Use A Step While Loading My Bike?
We recommend using a step, or a set of steps, while loading your bike up the ramp. This is especially important if you’re working with a narrow ramp that you can’t walk up with your bike.
Trying to load a bike up a ramp while you’re at ground level, especially if the ramp is steep, can be very dangerous.
This is because you don’t have as much control over your bike’s movements if you have to reach upwards to steer it.
Of course, if you’ve invested in a wider ramp with enough load capacity to hold you and your bike at the same time, you can simply walk up the ramp.
What Should I Do If My Bike Falls During Loading?
If your bike starts to slip or fall off the ramp while you’re loading, the best thing to do is let gravity take its course.
This is definitely counterintuitive, but trying to catch your bike is likely to get you injured and probably won’t prevent the bike from being damaged.
Of course, you want to minimize damage to your bike as much as possible, but ultimately, your safety is the most important thing.
Can I Leave My Bike’s Engine Running?
No, you should always make sure that your bike’s engine is off before loading, and you should definitely never attempt to ride your bike up or down the ramp under any circumstances.
It can be tempting to start your bike up before loading in an attempt to speed up the process and limit the amount of physical exertion on your part.
However, doing so can result in your bike essentially running away with itself, which can do serious damage to the bike, the ramp, your truck, or worse - yourself.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading our guide to the best dirt bike loading ramps! Hopefully, the information in this article has pointed you in the right direction.
If you haven’t already, please remember to carefully read through the FAQ section above for important safety tips.
Loading ramps are designed to make getting a bike into your truck easier.
However, using a ramp incorrectly can also be dangerous, so it’s crucial to understand the appropriate safety measures.
Remember to consider the style, dimensions, construction material, and capacity of each ramp before making your final decision.
If you follow all of these steps, your bike-loading struggles will soon be behind you!
Through Faster Faster, I want to talk through all of the information and tips I have found helpful, to guide other people through owning and riding dirt bikes.
You will find a mixture of both informational and review pieces on this site that will help you with any questions you may have.
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- Honda Street Legal Dirt Bike: Dual Sport and Enduro Guide - March 9, 2023
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