How to ship a motorcycle
Motorcycles can be shipped by many car carriers and specialist bike movers. How it's done, how to prepare your bike, and what to ask.
Shipping a motorcycle works much like shipping a car, with a few differences in how the bike is secured.
Who ships motorcycles
- Some car carriers take motorcycles on open or enclosed trailers, often in a crate or on a dedicated rack.
- Specialist motorcycle movers use trailers built for bikes with wheel chocks and soft tie-downs.
Ask how the bike will be secured. Crating or a proper wheel chock with soft straps is what you want.
Preparing your bike
- Wash it and photograph it from every side.
- Remove loose items: saddlebags, GPS, covers and anything that could come loose.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel, or follow the company's instructions.
- Check the battery and tire pressure, and note any fluid leaks.
- Hand over a key and keep the spare.
- If the bike has an alarm, disable it.
At pickup and delivery
Inspect the bike with the driver and note every existing mark on the bill of lading, exactly as you would for a car. At delivery, check before you sign. See how to inspect your vehicle at delivery.
Questions to ask
- Do you ship motorcycles, and how are they secured?
- Is the bike crated, and who supplies the crate?
- What does the cargo insurance cover for motorcycles?
When you book, choose "Motorcycle" as the vehicle type in our quote request so sponsors can price it properly.