Breaking down on a motorcycle is a different experience to breaking down in a car. You’re more exposed, more vulnerable to traffic, and the options for staying safe on the roadside are more limited. If it happens to you on the Princes Highway, the coastal road through Stanwell Park, or anywhere across the Illawarra — here’s what to do.
Step 1: Get Off the Road Safely
This is more urgent on a motorcycle than in a car. The moment something feels wrong — loss of power, sudden handling change, tyre pressure dropping — start moving toward the left and look for somewhere to stop safely.
Do not stop in a travel lane. Even a slow pull-over in a live lane puts you in serious danger. Aim for:
- The road shoulder or breakdown bay
- A side street or driveway entrance
- A car park, servo, or business
- Any flat, stable surface well clear of traffic
If you have a rear tyre blowout, avoid sudden braking — keep the bike upright and steer it down as you slow. A front blowout is more serious; hold on firmly, don’t brake hard, and guide the bike to a stop with gradual deceleration.
Step 2: Make Yourself and the Bike Visible
Once stopped:
- Stay in your helmet until you’re away from traffic — it stays protective even standing still
- Push or walk the bike as far off the road as possible — well onto the shoulder or verge
- If the bike has hazard lights, turn them on
- Stand well back from the road — away from the shoulder edge, on the embankment or footpath side if possible
In low light or at night, your high-visibility riding gear is doing real work. If you have a reflective vest in your kit, put it on. A torch or your phone’s flashlight placed on or near the bike helps alert approaching drivers.
Why Motorcycle Towing Is Different
This is important — not all tow trucks are equipped to handle motorcycles. A standard wheel-lift tow truck designed for passenger cars can’t safely transport a bike. Motorcycles require:
- Wheel chocks to secure the front wheel in an upright position
- Proper soft tie-downs to secure the bike without damaging the frame, bodywork, or controls
- A flatbed or appropriate platform that allows the bike to be loaded and unloaded safely
- An operator with experience in handling two-wheeled vehicles
Calling the wrong tow truck operator and having them attempt to tow your bike with improper equipment can cause serious damage — particularly to the frame, fairings, and handlebars. Make sure the operator you call explicitly handles motorcycle towing.
At Express Towing, we have the right equipment for motorcycles and experience handling bikes correctly. We treat your ride with the same care you do.
What to Tell the Tow Truck Operator
When you call for help, give the operator:
- Your exact location — road name, direction, and nearest landmark or cross street. “On the Princes Highway northbound, just past the Thirroul turnoff” is useful. “Near Wollongong somewhere” is not.
- Your bike’s make, model, and colour — this helps the driver spot you and plan the right approach
- Nature of the problem — flat tyre, mechanical failure, accident
- Whether the bike can be rolled — a bike that’s seized or has locked brakes requires different handling
- Your contact number so the driver can update you on arrival time
The Best Riding Roads in the Illawarra — and Where to Be Prepared
The Illawarra has some of the best motorcycle roads in NSW. It’s also where breakdowns happen, because these are the roads riders actually use.
Lawrence Harcourt Drive (Bulli Pass)
The iconic climb and descent between the Illawarra Escarpment and the coast. Technically demanding, with long sweeping curves and significant elevation change. Heat buildup on brakes during the descent can be significant on heavily loaded bikes. Overheating is a real risk for older bikes in summer.
Sea Cliff Bridge and the Coastal Road
The Sea Cliff Bridge and the route north through Coalcliff and Stanwell Park is spectacular — and narrow, with limited stopping areas. A breakdown here means limited options for getting off the road safely. Pull into any available lookout or side area.
Macquarie Pass
The climb toward Robertson via Macquarie Pass is a popular route. Tight, technical, and surrounded by dense vegetation — mobile signal can be patchy in the lower sections.
Princes Highway Through the Illawarra
The Princes Highway through Thirroul, Bulli, and Helensburgh carries significant traffic at higher speeds. Getting off this road after a breakdown is a priority.
Can a Classic or Modified Bike Be Towed?
Yes — but it takes a bit more care. If you’ve got a classic motorcycle, a custom-built bike, or a highly modified ride, let the operator know when you call:
- Are there any low-hanging components or bodywork that could be damaged during loading?
- Is the bike lowered or does it have non-standard clearances?
- Are there any special considerations for the frame or chassis?
A good motorcycle towing operator will ask these questions and approach the job accordingly. Never let a driver rush the loading of a valuable bike.
What About Insurance and Breakdown Cover?
Many comprehensive motorcycle insurance policies in Australia include roadside assistance or a towing benefit. Check your policy:
- Does it include towing, and to what distance?
- Does it specify an approved operator, or can you choose?
- Is there a cost cap on the towing benefit?
NRMA, RAA, and similar roadside assistance memberships also cover motorcycles — but make sure your specific policy includes bikes, as some base plans are car-only.
If you have cover, notify your insurer or roadside assistance provider before calling a tow truck — they may need to authorise the job.
Need Motorcycle Towing in the Illawarra?
Broken down on your bike somewhere in Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, or on one of the Illawarra’s roads? Express Towing handles motorcycle towing with the right equipment and care.