How to Build a Motorcycle Ramp for a Shed?

The best motorcycle storage sheds are typically built several inches above the ground for the sake of durability and protection from the elements. You need a ramp to roll your motorcycle into and out of the shed.

The following is a DIY guideline on how to build a great motorcycle ramp.

Table of Contents

Caveat

If you do your research and read several motorcycle ramp reviews, you will realize that shed ramps come in a variety of sizes. The sizes are dependent on different factors like the width of your shed’s door opening.

For this particular article, we will break down the procedure of building a 4-foot long motorcycle ramp. Should you prefer something larger than what we describe here, you can make your own adjustments to the dimensions.

For this job, we recommend that you only use pressure-treated wood. That is because the shed will be in direct contact with the ground. Pressure-treated wood is resistant to rot and insects such as termites. It undergoes chemical treatment which makes it resistant.

Materials You Need

4 x 4 sheet of pressure-treated ¾-inch plywood
2 x4 x 8 pressure-treated wood
3- or 3-1/2-inch deck screws (deck screws are the best for the job because they have a coating that protects them from the elements)

Procedure

Step 1: Trim the door

Before you can build and install the ramp, you must first trim the bottom part of your shed’s door. This is to create for the ramp to fit through – otherwise, when the ramp is in place, you won’t be able to close the door.

Step 2: Work on ledger

Measure, then cut a ledger that is 2 x 4. It should be the width of the shed’s door. It is not necessary for your ledger to be the door’s full width, but that is the best option.

After that, cut the ramp end piece. It should have the same length: 4 feet.

Using 2 screws, you can temporarily attach the ledger about 1-1/2-inches below floor level.

Step 3: Joists

Cut the first ramp joist. The final length of the joist is dependent on the ramp’s height, and you will determine it through trial and error. That means you should cut something longer than necessary.

Holding the joist in place (approximating), mark the place the joist touches the ground. Start digging in that place until the top edge is approximately flush with the ground level.

Next, hold the joist’s top end up to the ledger’s outside edge, and then mark the angle on the joist’s side. Using a skill saw, cut that angle.

Put the plywood in place: the bottom edge should be on the ground and the top edge on the ledger. Holding the joist in place up to the plywood’s bottom, take a measurement of 1-1/2 inches starting from the plywood’s bottom edge and going back – mark the joist.

Now you have the final length. Cut the remaining 3 joists, making sure they match this length and angle.

Step 4: Assembling the Frame

Remove the ledger, then mark it in such a way that the 4 joists have even spaces between them.

Take these layout marks and transfer them to the end board. You should also transfer them to the bottom and top edges of the plywood.

Using 2 deck screws at each joist’s end, assemble the frame.

Step 5: Installing Frame

Do some excavation on the ramp’s lower end, so at to ensure it rests at ground level.

Using two screws to temporarily secure the frame, lay the plywood in place – do this to ascertain the appropriate height.

Remove the plywood. Attach the ledger permanently into the floor rim joist, using a long screw on every side of the joists.

Step 6: Installing Sheeting

Back fill the frame’s lower end.

Put the sheeting in place and secure using deck screws, observing spaces of 6 to 8 inches between the screws.

Step 7: Painting

Consider that the motorcycle ramp will be out in the open, vulnerable to all sorts of weather for years.

If you want to extend its life, you must paint it, so that it can keep looking fresh.

Conclusion

Shed ramps, as we said, come in different sizes, depending on the width of your shed door’s opening, among other considerations. Make sure the dimensions you cut are appropriate for your particular situation.