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The best motorcycle ramp for most riders is the Stockton Aluminum Folding Ramp: 7 feet 6 inches long, rated for 750 pounds, weighing just 24 pounds and folding to 45 inches, with more than 120 owner reviews on RevZilla. If you load a heavy cruiser or touring bike, the Stockton Heavy Duty Wide is 18 inches wide and rated for 1,500 pounds. The Fire Power curved ramp suits low-clearance bikes, and the Moose Racing step ramp lets you walk up alongside a dirt bike. Whichever you choose, strap it to the truck or trailer and never load a heavy bike alone.
Quick picks
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Best for heavy bikes
- Length
- 7′ 10″
- Width
- 18″
- Listed price
- $189.99
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Best for low clearance
- Length
- 88″
- Width
- 11.25″
- Listed price
- $174.95
-
Best for dirt bikes
Moose Racing Folding Step Ramp
- Length
- Check listing
- Width
- Check listing
- Listed price
- $399.95
Motorcycle ramps compared
| Ramp | Length | Width | Capacity | Weight / folded | Listed price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockton Aluminum Folding | 7′ 6″ | 11″ | 750 lbs | 24 lbs / 45″ | $129.99 |
| Stockton Heavy Duty Wide | 7′ 10″ | 18″ | 1,500 lbs | 32 lbs / 48″ | $189.99 |
| Fire Power Folding Curved | 88″ | 11.25″ | 500 lbs per ramp | Folds in half | $174.95 |
| Moose Racing Folding Step | Check listing | Check listing | Ramp 500 lbs; steps 350 lbs | Folds into quarters | $399.95 |
Specs and prices are from RevZilla’s listings at the time of writing.
Single ramp vs walk-up ramp
A single ramp is what most riders use: you push the bike up while walking beside it on the ground or a second board. It’s light and cheap, but heavy bikes are hard to control alone. A step or walk-up ramp adds steps beside the bike’s track so you can walk up with it, which is easier and safer for dirt bikes and lighter machines. For big touring bikes, many riders use a wide ramp with a helper, or a trailer with a low deck.
How do I pick the right size motorcycle ramp?
Pick a ramp by four numbers: the height you’re loading onto, the ramp length that height needs, the width of your tire, and your bike’s weight. Measure from the ground to the top of your tailgate, van floor or trailer deck, then choose a ramp long enough to keep the angle at about 20 degrees or less. Steeper ramps make it harder to push the bike and more likely to scrape the underside.
Ramp length for your load height
| Load height | Ramp length for a 20° angle | Ramp length for a 15° angle |
|---|---|---|
| 24″ (low trailer or van floor) | About 70″ (5′ 10″) | About 93″ (7′ 9″) |
| 30″ (lowered or older pickup) | About 88″ (7′ 4″) | About 116″ (9′ 8″) |
| 36″ (typical full-size pickup) | About 105″ (8′ 9″) | About 139″ (11′ 7″) |
Lengths are simple trigonometry (load height ÷ sine of the angle), rounded. As an example, the 7′ 6″ Stockton Aluminum Folding Ramp onto a 30-inch tailgate gives an angle of about 19.5 degrees. Onto a taller 36-inch bed, the same ramp is closer to 24 degrees, so back the truck into a dip or up to a curb to lower the tailgate, or pick a longer ramp.
Width, capacity and ground clearance
- Width: the ramp’s channel should be wider than your rear tire with room to spare. Standard ramps here are about 11 inches wide. Heavy cruisers and touring bikes are easier to keep straight on the 18-inch Stockton Heavy Duty Wide.
- Capacity: pick a rating comfortably above your bike’s wet weight, and remember you or a helper may be on the ramp too. Fire Power rates its curved ramp per ramp, so check whether a listing quotes one ramp or a pair.
- Ground clearance: low bikes can high-center where the ramp meets the tailgate. A curved ramp like the Fire Power smooths that transition.
- Storage: check the folded length fits your truck bed or van. The Stockton folds to 45 inches, the Heavy Duty Wide to 48 inches.
Not sure how long your bike is? Our guide to measuring motorcycle wheelbase shows how to measure axle to axle. If you’d rather skip the ramp altogether, a motorcycle hitch carrier loads from much lower down.
The best motorcycle ramps
1. Stockton Aluminum Folding Ramp: best overall
Made from 6061-T6 aluminum, the Stockton ramp is 11 inches wide and 7 feet 6 inches long, folds to 45 inches for storage, weighs only 24 pounds and is rated for 750 pounds. An adjustable safety strap is included to secure it to the truck or trailer. With more than 120 owner reviews, it’s one of the most popular ramps on RevZilla. RevZilla notes it may arrive in “Trackside” packaging.
Who it’s for: most riders loading a sport bike, standard or dirt bike into a pickup.
2. Stockton Heavy Duty Wide: best for heavy bikes
The heavy-duty version is 18 inches wide and 7 feet 10 inches long, folds to 48 inches and weighs 32 pounds, yet it’s rated for up to 1,500 pounds. The extra width gives more room for error when pushing a heavy bike, and the longer length gives a slightly gentler angle. It also comes with an adjustable safety strap.
Who it’s for: cruiser and touring riders, or anyone who wants a wider path up.
3. Fire Power Folding Curved: best for low clearance
The Fire Power ramp has a curved profile that helps bikes with low ground clearance avoid bottoming out at the top of the ramp. It measures 88 by 11.25 inches, is made from high-tensile T7 aluminum with grooved rungs for traction, folds in half for storage and includes a safety strap. Each ramp is rated for 500 pounds and sold individually; it’s not intended for UTVs.
Who it’s for: riders of low sport bikes and customs, and ATV owners (buy two).
4. Moose Racing Folding Step Ramp: best for dirt bikes
Moose’s step ramp is heavy-duty aluminum with deep ridge tread and built-in steps, so you can walk up beside the bike instead of pushing from the ground. It folds into quarters for storage. The ramp is rated for 500 pounds and the steps for 350 pounds. Moose warns never to ride motorcycles or ATVs up the ramp.
Who it’s for: dirt bike riders loading into a pickup on their own.
How to load a motorcycle safely with a ramp
- Park the truck on level ground, or back up to a curb or slope to reduce the ramp angle.
- Set the ramp straight and strap it securely to the tailgate or trailer.
- Have a helper for anything heavier than a dirt bike.
- Walk the bike up in first gear with the engine off and clutch in, or push it with a helper, using the front brake to stop.
- Never stand directly behind or in front of the bike on the ramp.
- Use a motorcycle wheel chock and at least two soft ties and ratchet straps to secure the bike.
Measuring whether a bike will fit? See how to measure motorcycle wheelbase. Storing it after the trip? Read our portable motorcycle garage guide and how to winterize a motorcycle. Heading to the trails? See our best dual-sport tires and motocross knee braces.
Follow the ramp maker’s instructions and weight limits, and the NHTSA and your state’s rules on securing loads when towing or hauling.
Related guides: motorcycle camping tents and how to adjust a chain.
Once the bike is up, secure it with four straps and soft loops. See our picks for the best motorcycle tie-down straps.
FAQ
How long should a motorcycle ramp be?
Longer ramps give a gentler angle. For a typical pickup bed, a ramp around 7 to 8 feet is common; the Stocktons here are 7′ 6″ and 7′ 10″.
What weight rating do I need?
Choose a ramp rated comfortably above your bike’s weight. Heavy touring bikes call for something like the 1,500-pound Stockton Heavy Duty.
Can I ride my motorcycle up a ramp?
It’s risky, and some makers, like Moose, specifically warn against it. Walking or pushing the bike up with a helper is safer.
What size ramp do I need for a van?
Van floors are usually lower than a pickup bed, so a shorter ramp often works. Measure the floor height and use the table above. Also check that the ramp fits through the door opening and will store inside once folded.
Is a longer motorcycle ramp better?
Yes, up to the point where it still fits your vehicle. A longer ramp gives a gentler angle, which makes the bike easier to push and less likely to scrape. The trade-off is weight and storage space.
Verdict
The Stockton Aluminum Folding Ramp is the best ramp for most riders: light, compact and rated for 750 pounds. Choose the Stockton Heavy Duty Wide for heavy bikes, the Fire Power curved ramp for low-clearance bikes and the Moose Racing step ramp for dirt bikes.
Browse all our accessory guides.
