Motorcycle Shipping – How It Works

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

While this famous saying is often applied to personal growth or travel, it’s surprisingly fitting when it comes to motorcycle shipping as well.

In fact, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, there are over 8.5 million motorcycles on the road in the United States alone, and thousands of these bikes are shipped across the country every year.

As more people choose to buy bikes from distant locations or ship them for events, motorcycle shipping services have become a crucial part of the motorcycling world. 

Shipping a motorcycle might sound simple, but it’s actually a detailed process.

There are various factors at play, such as the type of shipping method, the distance to travel, the cost, and the level of insurance you’ll need.

Did you know that the average cost to ship a motorcycle within the U.S. can range from $300 to $1,000?

That’s a significant range, so understanding how motorcycle shipping works can save you both money and stress. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss everything about motorcycle shipping so you can make an informed decision and have peace of mind during the process. 

What is Motorcycle Shipping, and When to Use it

Motorcycle shipping involves transporting your bike from one location to another using a specialized carrier.

These services are designed to make sure that your bike is safely and securely moved without any damage. 

There are several reasons why you might choose to ship your motorcycle: 

Long-Distance Moves: If you're moving across the country, riding your bike to the new location might not be feasible. 

Purchasing a Bike: Buying a motorcycle from a dealer or private seller in another state often requires shipping. 

Attending Events: When attending rallies or events far from home, shipping your bike can save time and wear on the motorcycle. 

Types of Motorcycle Shipping Methods

When it comes to transporting your motorcycle, there are a couple of primary methods to consider: 

Open Transport

This is the most affordable option, where your motorcycle is transported on an open trailer alongside other vehicles.

While cost-effective, it leaves your bike exposed to the elements like rain, dust, and road debris.

This option is best for standard motorcycles that do not require special protection. 

Enclosed Transport

For higher levels of protection, you can go for enclosed transport.

This method involves shipping your motorcycle in a fully enclosed trailer, which protects it from weather conditions and potential road hazards.

It's ideal for high-end, vintage, or custom motorcycles. 

How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Shipping

Proper preparation guarantees a smooth shipping process:

 Clean the Bike: A clean motorcycle allows for a thorough inspection and helps identify any existing damages. 

Document Existing Damage: Take clear photos of your bike from all angles to document its condition before shipping. 

Remove Loose Items: Detach any accessories or loose parts that could be damaged or cause damage during transit. 

Check Fluid Levels: Always make sure that the fuel tank is about a quarter full and check other fluid levels. 

Disable Alarms: Deactivate any alarms or security systems to prevent them from draining the battery. 

Inspect Tires: Check that the tires are properly inflated to prevent any issues during loading and unloading. 

Motorcycle Shipping Process – How It Works 

Compare Options

Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Compare motorcycle shipping rates from various companies to find the best deal.

You can also take a look at motorcycle shipping reviews to gauge the quality of service provided. 

Ask About Tracking

Many motorcycle transport services offer tracking options.

This allows you to monitor the progress of your shipment, providing peace of mind throughout the process.

Check for Hidden Fees

When researching companies, ask about any additional costs beyond the quoted price. These could include fuel surcharges or terminal handling fees. 

Check for Adequate Protection

Make sure the company you choose offers adequate insurance coverage to protect your bike in case of any unforeseen circumstances during shipping.

This is particularly important for high-end or custom motorcycles. You don’t want to find out later that you’re underinsured!

 Choose Door-to-Door Delivery

If possible, go for door-to-door service.

It might cost a little more than terminal-to-terminal shipping, but it offers the convenience of having your bike picked up and delivered directly to and from your door. 

Motorcycle Shipping Insurance

Another important consideration when shipping your bike is motorcycle shipping insurance.

It's always a good idea to ensure your bike is covered during transit since the journey can involve handling, loading, and unloading, which might cause potential damage.

Most shipping companies include basic insurance in the shipping cost, but it may not cover the full value of your bike.

If you're shipping a high-value motorcycle or one that has custom modifications, you should purchase additional coverage to avoid any potential loss. 

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Motorcycle?

When you're thinking about shipping your motorcycle, one of the first questions you might ask is, "How much is this going to cost me?"

But here’s the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

The cost of shipping a motorcycle depends on several factors, each playing a role in determining your final price.

Let's break it down in detail so you'll know exactly what to expect. 

Distance: The Longer the Distance, the Higher the Cost

Just like with any kind of shipping, distance plays a huge role in determining the cost of motorcycle shipping.

The further you need to send your motorcycle, the higher the cost will be. 

Short-Distance Shipping: If you're shipping a bike within the same state or just a few hundred miles away, you might expect to pay between $200 and $400.

Long-Distance Shipping: For coast-to-coast shipping or interstate shipping, costs can range from $500 to $1,000 or even higher. 

Shipping Method: Open vs. Enclosed

The method of transportation you choose also impacts the cost.

 Size and Weight of the Motorcycle

The size and weight of your bike will affect the cost of shipping.

Larger bikes, such as cruisers or touring motorcycles, will cost more to ship because they take up more space on the transport vehicle and may weigh more.

 Standard Motorcycles: Smaller bikes like sport bikes, dirt bikes, or cruisers usually cost less to ship, typically in the range of $300 to $500.

 Larger Motorcycles: Heavy-duty touring bikes or custom chopper-style bikes may cost between $600 and $1,000 to ship or even more. 

Pickup and Delivery Locations

Where you’re shipping from and to also affects the cost. 

For example:

Door-to-Door Service: It's the most convenient option but comes with an extra charge, often adding $100-$200 to the total cost.

Terminal-to-Terminal Service: With this option, you’ll have to drop off and pick up your motorcycle at designated shipping terminals. It’s cheaper than door-to-door service, but it’s also less convenient. 

Timing and Seasonal Factors

The timing of your shipment can also impact the cost. If you’re shipping your motorcycle during the peak season (late spring and summer), expect to pay more due to higher demand.

Conversely, shipping during the off-peak season, like fall or winter, could save you money.

Additionally, if you need expedited shipping or a specific delivery time, that will likely increase the price.

 Insurance

Motorcycle shipping includes basic insurance coverage, but this may only cover a portion of the bike's value.

You may want to purchase additional insurance if your bike is especially valuable or if you just want peace of mind.

Insurance costs generally range between 1-3% of your motorcycle's total value.

So, for a $10,000 bike, expect to pay between $100 and $300 for extra coverage. 

Additional Costs to Consider

Sometimes, there are additional charges that might apply. These can include: 

Fuel Surcharge: If fuel prices spike, the shipping company might add a fuel surcharge to cover the additional costs. 

Crating Fees: Some shipping services offer to crate your motorcycle for extra protection. This can cost anywhere from $50 to $150. 

Expedited Shipping Fees: If you need your motorcycle to arrive sooner, expedited services might cost $200 or more. 

The Best Motorcycle Shipping Options for Your Budget

If you're trying to find affordable motorcycle shipping, it's essential to balance cost and protection.

While open transport is cheaper, enclosed transport offers better protection, especially if you're shipping a motorcycle with sentimental or high monetary value.

The best motorcycle shipping options depend on your needs, whether you need speed of delivery, price, or a certain level of protection.

 Affordable Motorcycle Shipping: If you're on a tight budget, open transport may be the best option. It's widely available and typically less expensive. 

Enclosed Transport: While more expensive, this option protects your bike from harsh weather and road debris, which makes it ideal for premium motorcycles or valuable custom bikes. 

Motorcycle Shipping Reviews: What Customers Say

Before you commit to a shipping service, take the time to read motorcycle shipping reviews.

Many companies have testimonials or ratings available on their website, but third-party review platforms can offer unbiased opinions.

This will help you get an idea of the quality of service, professionalism, and the level of customer satisfaction you can expect.

 Pay attention to reviews about: 

Timeliness: Was the bike delivered on time?

Condition of the Bike: Was there any damage upon arrival?

Customer Support: Was the company easy to communicate with in case of any issues?

Price: Did customers feel they received value for money? 

Shipping a Motorcycle – Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you're shipping your motorcycle, there are several mistakes you want to avoid: 

Not Preparing the Bike Properly: As mentioned earlier, always check your bike is clean and free of any loose items. Failure to do so could lead to damage or additional fees. 

Overlooking Insurance: Never assume that the basic coverage will be enough. Make sure your bike is fully insured. 

Choosing the Cheapest Option: While saving money is important, don’t sacrifice protection and quality for a lower price. Remember that a higher rate may come with more reliable service. 

Not Reading the Fine Print: Always read the shipping company's terms and conditions before committing. You want to avoid surprises, such as hidden fees or unexpected delays.

Real-Life Example 

How Jake Shipped His Motorcycle from Florida to California

Let us tell you how Jake shipped his motorcycle from Florida to California.

Jake had just bought a Harley Davidson from a dealer in California and needed to have it shipped across the country.

Like many of us, he had never shipped a bike before and wasn't sure what to expect. 

Jake started by researching different motorcycle shipping companies. He knew he had a few options but didn't want to spend a fortune.

He was on a budget and needed affordable motorcycle shipping.

He found a reliable service that offered open transport, which seemed like a good option for his Harley. 

The Hurdles Jake Faced

The first challenge Jake encountered was understanding all the motorcycle shipping rates.

He realized that the cost of shipping wasn’t just about the distance.

He had to consider the method of transport, the size of the bike, and whether he wanted door-to-door delivery or just terminal-to-terminal service.

After reading many reviews and comparing different quotes, Jake settled on open transport with a company that had good motorcycle shipping reviews.

But that wasn’t the end of it. 

The company Jake chose had a slight hiccup in their scheduling.

The pick-up date he was promised got delayed due to weather conditions, which was a real bummer.

His motorcycle remained at the dealer's place for a few extra days, but thankfully, the company kept him updated, which gave him peace of mind. 

The Cost Breakdown

Jake had a limited budget, so he had to be mindful of costs.

The total distance from Florida to California was about 2,500 miles, and the motorcycle shipping cost came to around $600, which was within his budget for open transport.

However, he did pay a little extra for motorcycle shipping insurance to cover potential damage during transit.

He felt more secure for an extra $50, knowing that his Harley would be protected.

Here’s how Jake’s costs broke down:

 Jake was a little nervous about the insurance, but after reading about the potential risks, he decided it was worth it.

After all, the Harley wasn’t cheap, and he wanted to make sure it arrived in one piece.

 The Delivery Process

The waiting was hard, but after about 10 days, Jake received a call from the shipping company.

His Harley was ready for delivery.

 He chose door-to-door delivery, so the motorcycle was dropped off at his home in California.

When the truck pulled up, Jake felt a rush of excitement and nervousness. Was everything okay with his bike?

The bike was unloaded carefully, and Jake inspected it right away.

It was in perfect condition, with no scratches and no dents.

The whole experience, despite the small delays, went smoothly.

He was so happy with the service that he left a glowing review online, sharing his story and advising others to consider insurance, even for motorcycle shipping near-me services.

Advice for Others 

Jake learned a lot through this process. Here’s what he recommends:

Do Your Research: Take the time to compare different motorcycle transport services. You’ll find that prices and services can vary, and it’s worth it to shop around. 

Go for Insurance: Even if you’re using open transport, make sure your bike is insured. It’s a small cost for peace of mind.

Check Reviews: Reading motorcycle shipping reviews can help you choose a trustworthy company. Look for reviews on independent sites rather than just company websites.

 Be Prepared for Delays: Sometimes, things don't go according to plan, like delays due to weather. So, be patient and understand when these things happen.

 Understand the Costs: Know exactly what you’re paying for. Don’t hesitate to ask for a breakdown of motorcycle shipping rates and what they include.