A motorcycle that will not start, will not stay running, or cannot be ridden safely after a fall is not something to push or drag. It needs to be loaded and carried the right way. This page explains how motorcycle towing works around Santa Ynez and what to have ready when you call.
Santa Ynez Towing connects callers with licensed and insured local towing professionals. When you call (805) 693-7957, the dispatcher asks about your bike and your location, then quotes the price before a truck is sent.
How a motorcycle is moved on a flatbed
Flatbed towing is generally recommended for motorcycles. The bike rides on the bed of the truck instead of being pulled on its own wheels, so the tires, forks, and frame are not dragging along the pavement.
A careful motorcycle load usually involves three things:
- Wheel chocks that hold the front wheel upright and steady.
- Soft straps that wrap around solid points on the bike, so paint, chrome, and plastics are not scratched by hooks or chains.
- Tie-downs set so the suspension is held in a steady position during the drive.
If your owner's manual says how the bike should be transported, tell the dispatcher. Mention any custom parts, low fairings, or saddlebags that could affect how it is loaded.
Bikes we can arrange transport for
The contractors you are connected with can arrange transport for sport bikes, cruisers, and touring bikes. Each type has its own quirks. A sport bike often sits low with bodywork close to the ground. A cruiser can be long and heavy. A loaded touring bike has luggage and extra weight.
Tell the dispatcher the year, make, and model, and whether the bike rolls and steers. If it is on its side, has a bent wheel, or has a locked front end, say so. That helps the right truck and equipment get sent.
Breakdowns on valley roads
The Santa Ynez Valley is a mix of ranch roads, vineyard lanes, and state highways. State Route 154, the Chumash Highway, runs from Los Olivos past Santa Ynez and Lake Cachuma, then climbs through Los Padres National Forest and over San Marcos Pass toward Santa Barbara. It is a two-lane road with only occasional passing lanes and it tops out near 2,000 feet. A breakdown on that stretch can be a long way from town.
State Route 246 is mostly two lanes as well. It runs along the Santa Ynez River from Buellton through Solvang, where it is Mission Drive, to SR 154 near Santa Ynez. U.S. Route 101 meets it at Buellton.
If you stall or lose power, get as far off the roadway as you safely can and turn on your hazard lights. Keep yourself and any passenger away from traffic. Then call (805) 693-7957 with your exact location, such as the highway and direction, the nearest cross street, or a landmark.
Local roads and landmarks help the dispatcher
The valley has many named roads, and a good description saves time. Useful details include Alamo Pintado Road, Refugio Road, Ballard Canyon Road, Chalk Hill Road, Edison Street, and Avenue of Flags in Buellton. Landmarks such as Mission Santa Inés, Santa Ynez Airport, and Chumash Casino Resort also help.
The valley is wine country, and visitors from out of the area may not know the roads well. If that is you, look for a street sign, a winery name, or a mile marker and read it to the dispatcher. Tell them which way you were heading.
The contractors you are connected with can help with pickups in Santa Ynez, Solvang, Los Olivos, Buellton, and Los Alamos, and elsewhere in Santa Barbara County.
After a crash
If anyone is hurt, or the road is blocked, call 911 first. On state highways such as U.S. 101, SR 154, and SR 246, the California Highway Patrol handles collisions. In unincorporated areas such as Santa Ynez, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff covers the area. Officers may call a tow for vehicles that must be cleared from the road.
When it is safe, take photos of the bike, the scene, and any damage, and exchange information with the other party. If the bike is damaged, do not try to ride it to see whether it works. Fluid leaks, bent controls, or a damaged frame can make it unsafe. A flatbed lets it be moved without adding more damage.
Where the bike can go
You choose the destination. That might be your home, a repair shop, or a dealer. Have the address or shop name ready when you call. If the destination is far outside the valley, the dispatcher will talk through the details with you.
The mild, dry summers in the valley mean a lot of good riding weather. They do not prevent mechanical trouble. A bike that needs repeated jump starts may have a battery that needs testing or replacement.
What to have ready when you call
- Your exact location: the highway and direction, cross streets, or a nearby landmark.
- Year, make, and model of the motorcycle.
- Whether it rolls and steers, and whether it was in a crash.
- Where you want it taken.
The price depends on the vehicle, the distance, the type of truck needed, the road location, and the time of day. Payment methods and hours vary by provider, so confirm them on the call. To start, call (805) 693-7957.