A motorcycle is light, top-heavy and easy to scuff where the straps sit, so shipping one takes a little more care than shipping a car. This guide covers how bikes travel, how to prep yours, when to book around the big rallies, and what goes into the price. For the service itself, see motorcycle shipping.
How a Bike Travels
On an open car carrier
Many bikes ride on a regular car carrier, with the front wheel in a chock and soft straps holding it upright. It’s often the most affordable way to move a sport bike, a cruiser or a dirt bike.
In an enclosed trailer
An enclosed trailer keeps rain, road grime and stones off the paint and chrome. It’s the usual pick for custom builds, show bikes, vintage machines and big touring bikes with expensive fairings.
Crated or on a pallet
Some shippers bolt the bike into a crate or onto a pallet. It adds protection and cost, and it’s mostly used for freight-style shipping rather than door-to-door transport. If your bike came from a dealer in a crate, tell us.
How to Prep Your Bike
- Wash it and take dated photos of every side, the tank, the fairings and the odometer.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel or less. It’s plenty for loading and keeps the weight down.
- Check the battery. A charged battery helps at loading. Some carriers ask you to disconnect it; we’ll tell you if yours does.
- Turn off the alarm, or write down how to disarm it for the driver.
- Empty the saddlebags and take off loose items: tank bags, GPS units, phone mounts, covers and anything that could rattle loose.
- Fold or loosen the mirrors so they can turn without bending.
- Check tire pressure and note any leaks, so a drip isn’t mistaken for damage at delivery.
- Hand over one key and keep the spare.
Rally Season
Three rallies fill the calendar every year: Daytona Bike Week in early March, Laconia Motorcycle Week in New Hampshire in June, and the Sturgis rally in South Dakota in early August. If you’re shipping a bike to one of them, book a few weeks ahead and plan delivery a day or two before the rally starts, before the roads near the event fill up. See South Dakota and New Hampshire for local notes.
What Goes Into the Price
Distance and route come first, then the bike itself: a big touring bike with fairings and bags takes more room and care than a 250cc dirt bike. Open costs less than enclosed. Season matters too, and spring, early summer and rally weeks are busy. Tell us about custom parts, lowered suspension or extended forks when you ask for a quote, so the carrier brings the right gear.
Delivery Day
Check the paint and chrome where the straps sat, the mirrors and levers, and the fairings. Note anything new on the inspection report before you sign. Then check the tire pressure and the battery before your first ride.
Questions
Can I pack my riding gear with the bike?
It’s best not to. Carriers aren’t licensed to haul household goods, and items left with a vehicle generally aren’t covered by the carrier’s insurance. Ship helmets, jackets and luggage separately, or take them with you.
Can you ship a motorcycle that doesn’t run?
Yes. Tell us when you ask for a quote. A bike that rolls and steers can be pushed or winched on; one that can’t roll needs more planning.
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle?
It depends on the distance, the size of the bike, open or enclosed, and the season. Get an exact quote.
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