There are three common ways to take a motorcycle with you: a regular aluminium ramp, a motorcycle trailer or a powered loading ramp in your pickup, van or RV. Each has its own strengths. This page compares them honestly on loading effort, motorcycle weight, driving, storage and cost, so you can choose what suits you and your bike.
An aluminium ramp is the cheapest and lightest option, and it is easy to store. The downside is that you have to push or ride the motorcycle up an incline. With a high pickup or a heavy bagger the angle gets steep, and loading on your own becomes risky. For light motorcycles and occasional use it can be enough. Read our tips in the guide how to load a heavy motorcycle on your own.
A trailer has a lower loading height than a pickup, which makes loading easier, and you can use any car with a tow bar. But you drive with a trailer: in many countries lower speed limits apply when towing, parking and manoeuvring take more space, and ferries and toll roads often charge more. At home the trailer needs its own parking space, and there are running costs such as maintenance and, depending on the country, registration and insurance.
A powered ramp such as the Neo-Dyne AUN lifts motorcycles of up to 550 kg (1,200 lbs) with a standard 18V cordless drill. You never push the bike uphill: you roll the front wheel into the wheel chock on level ground, strap the bike in and let the ramp do the lifting. PowerTilt brings the ramp level while it is still outside the vehicle, so it also works in a van or the garage of an RV. There is no wiring or battery to install, and with the AC-012 kit you install or remove the ramp in minutes without drilling. The purchase price is higher than that of an aluminium ramp, and you need a pickup, van or RV to carry it.
Do you drive a short-bed pickup? See our page motorcycle ramp for short-bed trucks.
Is a powered ramp worth the extra cost compared with an aluminium ramp?
That depends on your motorcycle and how often you load it. If you regularly transport a heavy motorcycle, or have to load on your own, a powered ramp takes away the riskiest part: pushing a heavy bike up an incline. For a light bike and occasional use, an aluminium ramp or the Alien Ramp may be enough.
Which is easier for loading on your own: a trailer or a powered ramp?
A trailer has a lower loading height, but you still push or ride the motorcycle up. With a powered ramp you roll the front wheel into the wheel chock on level ground and the ramp does the lifting, for motorcycles of up to 550 kg (1,200 lbs).
Do I need to modify my vehicle for a powered ramp?
No. There is no wiring, battery or hydraulic pump to install, and with the AC-012 boltless attachment kit and standard ratchet straps you install or remove the ramp in minutes, without drilling.
Does a powered ramp work in a van or RV?
Yes. The ramp tilts level while it is still outside the vehicle, so it also works in tight spaces such as a standard van or the garage of an RV.
My motorcycle weighs less than 300 kg. Is there a cheaper option?
Yes. The Alien Ramp is an interesting, budget-friendly alternative at about half the price of an AUN, with a maximum load of 300 kg (660 lbs). Prices and more information at www.alienramp.com.
Not sure what suits your vehicle and motorcycle? Use the Ramp Selector, contact us or request a quote. Compare all models on the ramps page.
