Can the 2026 Honda Ridgeline haul two dirt bikes in the bed around Aberdeen, SD?
Vern Eide Honda – Can the 2026 Honda Ridgeline haul two dirt bikes in the bed around Aberdeen, SD?
If you ride on weekends, head to events along US-12, or split time between workdays in town and track days across the prairie, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline brings a smart bed design, a lockable In-Bed Trunk®, and a dual-action tailgate that make loading, securing, and organizing two dirt bikes straightforward. At Vern Eide Honda, we help riders from Aberdeen and nearby communities figure out the cleanest setup for bikes, gear, and tools so you spend more time riding and less time wrestling with straps.
The key advantage is how Honda engineered the Ridgeline’s bed and storage. The lay-flat composite bed resists scrapes, the dual-action tailgate opens down or to the side for easier ramp positioning and trunk access, and the lockable In-Bed Trunk® keeps helmets, boots, and tools out of sight — all while you still use the full bed for bikes. Add i-VTM4® all-wheel drive with Intelligent Traction Management and you’re confident parking on gravel shoulders, ranch approaches, or grassy lots common around Richmond Lake and Mina Lake access points.
Why this question matters to riders near Aberdeen
Out here, many riders carpool, practice after work, or hit regional MX events. Bringing two bikes in the bed is faster than hooking up a trailer every time — and it’s easier to maneuver through tight lots at local events. The Ridgeline’s unibody construction and independent suspension also help the truck ride smoothly on Highway 281 and county roads, even with bikes and gear loaded, so every trip feels more relaxed.
How two dirt bikes actually fit
Most full-size dirt bikes fit side by side in the Ridgeline bed by offsetting the handlebars and loading slightly on a diagonal. The bed’s minimal wheelwell intrusions and broad, flat floor are what make this practical. If your bikes are longer or you prefer straight-in loading, drop the tailgate — or install the available bed extender for a total maximum cargo length of 76 inches. Either way, the composite bed and integrated tie-down points make it simple to protect your truck and lock your straps where you want them.
Once the bikes are in, the dual-action tailgate lets you swing the gate to the side for quick access to the In-Bed Trunk® without unstrapping anything. That trunk offers 7.3 cubic feet of lockable space and a drain plug — perfect for stowing fuel-friendly cleanup supplies or rinsing muddy gear after a long day.
What you need for a smooth load-up
Before you head out from Aberdeen, double-check your kit. Here’s a simple, proven setup our team recommends for two-bike bed loads:
- Loading ramps: Choose sturdy, full-width or dual folding ramps rated for bike weight, and secure them to the truck before loading.
- Soft-loop tie-downs: Use quality ratchet or cam straps with soft loops to protect handlebars and frames.
- Wheel chocks or blocks: Optional, but great for repeatable strap angles and less fork stress.
- Bar offset plan: Turn one bike’s bars slightly right and the other slightly left to help them nestle side by side.
- Bed protection: A mat or small blocks under kickstands or tires to keep everything planted and scuff-free.
- Gloves and a spotter: A second set of hands makes loading safer on uneven gravel or grass.
With the gear above, you can load quickly at home or roadside without improvisation. The Ridgeline’s dual-action tailgate helps here, too — use it down for ramp loading, then swing it to the side to grab straps, tools, or spares from the trunk in seconds.
Step-by-step: Loading two bikes
These steps work well in Aberdeen-area driveways and gravel lots alike, and they leverage the Ridgeline’s bed design and tie-downs:
- Park on level ground where possible and engage Park. If you’re on a slope, chock a wheel.
- Lower the tailgate and secure your ramps to the truck. Confirm ramp alignment and weight ratings.
- Load the first bike, rolling the front wheel into the front left corner. Turn the bars slightly right.
- Attach soft loops to the bars or triple clamp, then lightly tension the two forward straps and one rear strap.
- Load the second bike into the front right area, with bars turned slightly left to offset the grips and levers.
- Attach and lightly tension the second set of straps. Check that both front wheels are seated and bars do not interfere.
- Alternate tightening each strap to keep pressure even. Avoid over-compressing forks — just enough to eliminate movement.
- Give each bike a firm shake. Re-check straps after a few miles on US-12 or Highway 281.
If you prefer straight-in loading without a diagonal, drop the tailgate or install the available bed extender. The extender adds practical length while still letting you use the In-Bed Trunk® for tools and spares.
Gear management made simple with the In-Bed Trunk®
Keeping helmets, boots, and tool rolls dry and secure is often harder than loading bikes. The Ridgeline’s lockable In-Bed Trunk® solves that. The integrated drain plug makes quick work of rinsing mud and sand after a day riding private land or attending a regional practice session. You can even use the trunk for ice on hot days, then drain it afterward. Pair the trunk with the available truck-bed outlet — 150 watts for light tools or up to 400 watts for a compact air compressor — and you can top off tires or power a small inflator without opening the cab.
Inside, the 60/40 split lift-up rear seat opens a surprising amount of space for backpacks, coolers, and extra plastics. That keeps sharp or fuel-scented items out of the cabin footwells while still easy to grab when you arrive.
When a trailer makes sense
Bringing three bikes, a pit bike, or an ATV? The Ridgeline’s integrated tow hitch and 7-pin connector come ready for the job, and the V-6 is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. For Aberdeen riders who bounce between practice sessions and family errands, this flexibility means you decide when to load in the bed or hitch a small trailer — not the other way around.
If you do trailer, the standard rearview camera with dynamic guidelines helps line up quickly in shared parking lots, and available Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with cross traffic monitor offers added confidence when you head home on busier stretches through town.
Off the pavement, i-VTM4® all-wheel drive works with Intelligent Traction Management’s Mud and Sand modes to help you move confidently through grassy shoulders and wet approaches near local farms or event fields. The TrailSport trim adds all-terrain tires and retuned suspension, and it includes a standard Oil Pan Guard for extra peace of mind when the route to the parking area gets rutted.
Back on the road, the Ridgeline’s unibody construction and independent suspensions help it ride comfortably on Aberdeen’s mix of city streets and county roads. That means less head-toss for you and less bouncing for the bikes on the way to the next gate drop.
Technology rounds it out: wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility for directions and playlists, plus available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ for coverage when mobile service thins out on rural detours. And Honda Sensing® features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) ease the highway miles to and from events.
If you want to confirm fit for your specific bikes, our team is happy to set up a quick test-fit at Vern Eide Honda. Bring a ramp and your strap kit — we’ll help you dial in anchor points, bar offsets, and storage ideas so you’re ready for the next ride.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do two full-size dirt bikes fit with the tailgate up?
Often, yes — by loading slightly on a diagonal and offsetting the handlebars. If you prefer straight-in loading, just drop the tailgate or add the available bed extender for a total maximum cargo length of 76 inches.
Can I still access the In-Bed Trunk® with bikes loaded?
Yes. That’s where the dual-action tailgate shines. Load with the tailgate down, then swing it to the side to open the trunk and grab straps or tools without disturbing the bikes.
Will the truck-bed outlet power my tire inflator or tools?
With the available 150-watt/400-watt bed outlet, you can plug in a compact air compressor, low-draw power tools, or a small TV at the paddock. It’s a great way to top off tires or handle quick fixes onsite.
Is a trailer a better option for three bikes?
For two bikes, the bed is quick and convenient. For three, a small trailer is often simpler. The Ridgeline is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds and includes a standard integrated hitch with a 7-pin connector, so you’re set either way.
Any tips for loading on gravel or grass near Aberdeen trailheads?
Use a spotter, secure the ramps to the truck before riding up, and choose firm, level ground when available. i-VTM4® all-wheel drive and Intelligent Traction Management help you get moving again if the lot is soft or rutted.
Whether your weekends take you to private tracks, ranch land, or regional MX events, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline proves that two-bike transport can be simple, organized, and confident. If you ride around Aberdeen, SD, stop by Vern Eide Honda to see the bed, try the dual-action tailgate, and test how your bikes fit. We’ll help you choose accessories — from the bed extender to roof rails and running boards — and get you set up for a season of smooth load-ins and even better rides.
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