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How To Ship A Motorcycle?

15 May

So you have decided to ship your motorcycle, but need to know how. Whether you are shipping your motorcycle to a rally, a riding vacation destination, or its new home, it can be done easily with a little research and planning.

Your safest bet for shipping your pride and joy is to go with a company that specializes in motorcycle transport or otherwise only ships motorized vehicles. You certainly do not want your motorcycle shipped with livestock or furniture. A motorcycle shipping company that specializes in transporting motorized vehicles will be able to ensure your ride arrives at its destination in perfect condition, leaving you ready to ride.

Select a motorcycle shipping company that offers exactly what you need. Some will pick up and drop off your bike at your front door, while others require you to take the bike to one of their drop-off centers. If you are shipping your bike to Sturgis or Daytona for an upcoming bike rally, many shipping companies will be bringing a lot of bikes in that direction and you can often find discount rates for these trips. Some shipping companies require you to prep your motorcycle by draining gas, oil or other fluids and disconnecting the battery and spark plugs. Be sure that you know the company’s policy to avoid any delays in shipping your motorcycle.

Before you leave your motorcycle in the hands of a shipping company, make sure you understand their particular shipping methods. Various shipping methods for shipping a motorcycle exist, including fully enclosed crates, docking pallets, or soft nylon tie-downs. These three methods are the most widely used and guarantee the greatest protection for your motorcycle during shipping. Never use a shipping company that simply parks bikes on the back of a truck – one pothole and an entire row of motorcycles can be damaged in transit.

Their trucks should be air-ride equipped for a less bumpy ride for your bike and fully enclosed to protect your beautiful motorcycle from the elements. Also check on the company’s standard and additional insurance coverage policies. Many motorcycle shipping companies will offer liability insurance up to a certain valuation for free, offering additional coverage for a small fee.

You should also ensure that all the terms are agreed upon and spelled out in the contract. This includes time of delivery and how you will take possession of your motorcycle at its final destination. If you are expecting your motorcycle to arrive tomorrow, make sure the shipping company knows this to avoid any headaches. Some companies offer free tracking of your motorcycle shipment, which gives you the peace of mind of knowing exactly where your motorcycle is at all times.

Finally, get a motorcycle shipping price quote. For many, this is the most important part of shipping a motorcycle, which can be quite expensive. But using a quality shipping company can give you protection for your motorcycle, which is priceless to you. Many motorcycle shipping companies will offer discounts on the price if going to a popular motorcycling destination, or if you or your friends are shipping multiple motorcycles at the same time.

Planning ahead and taking a few precautions can make shipping your motorcycle an easy, enjoyable and hassle-free experience.