Yes, you can tow a trailer behind a motorbike in the UK. But the rules for a motorbike trailer are much stricter than for cars. Here's what GOV.UK says, in plain English.
Check towing capacity by reg Enter your registration number to see your vehicle details.
The rules at a glance
GOV.UK says:
- Your motorbike needs an engine size of 125cc or more. (The regulations say "exceeding 125cc", so if your bike is exactly 125cc, check with the manufacturer and your insurer before you tow.)
- The bike must be clearly and permanently marked with its kerbside weight.
- The trailer must be no more than 1 metre wide and clearly and permanently marked with its unladen weight.
- When loaded, the trailer mustn't weigh more than 150kg or two thirds of the bike's kerbside weight, whichever is less.
- When hitched, the distance between the end of the trailer and the rear axle of the bike mustn't be more than 2.5 metres.
What's kerbside weight?
Kerbside weight is the weight of the bike without a rider, passengers or load, but with a full tank of fuel and all the oils, water and fluids it needs.
A worked example
Say a bike's kerbside weight is 200kg. Two thirds is about 133kg, which is less than 150kg. So the loaded trailer can't weigh more than 133kg. Add the weight of the trailer itself and your load together.
A heavier bike of 300kg gives two thirds as 200kg, but the 150kg cap wins. So 150kg is the most.
Licence and age
You need a full motorcycle licence. The Highway Code says you must not carry a pillion passenger or pull a trailer until you've passed your test. A CBT alone isn't enough.
Other rules and tips
- You can only tow one trailer, and it can't carry a passenger (Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, regulation 84).
- Under those regulations, a two-wheeled bike with an engine of 125cc or less can't tow a trailer. That's why a 125cc bike sits on the line, and why it's worth checking.
- Check your bike's handbook for its maximum trailer size and noseweight, and for how to attach the trailer.
- Speed limits for anything towing a trailer are lower: 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
- You can't ride a motorcycle towing a trailer in the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes.
- Check your insurance. Not every policy covers towing.
- Towing changes how a bike handles, so allow more time to brake and take care when turning.
Choosing a trailer and hitch
A motorbike trailer is small and light by design. Look for one that's clearly and permanently marked with its unladen weight, as GOV.UK requires, and that's well within the 1 metre width limit. Your bike's handbook should say what hitch is suitable and how to fit it. If the manufacturer doesn't approve towing on your model, don't tow a motorbike trailer with it.
Before you set off
- Weigh the loaded trailer. Don't guess.
- Check the bike's kerbside weight marking, and that two thirds of it, or 150kg, isn't exceeded.
- Check the tyre pressures on the bike and trailer.
- Check the lights and indicators are connected and working.
- Make sure the load is secure and the weight is balanced, with the right noseweight on the tow bar.
- Check your insurance covers towing.
Check your bike's details
Enter your bike's reg in our checker to see its basic details and whether we hold towing figures for it. Always check the handbook as well.
Quick FAQs
Can I tow a trailer with a motorbike?
Yes, with a full motorcycle licence and a bike big enough for it. GOV.UK says 125cc or more, though the regulations say over 125cc, so check if yours is exactly 125cc. The trailer must be no more than 1 metre wide, and loaded it can't weigh more than 150kg or two thirds of the bike's kerbside weight, whichever is less.