Shipping your motorcycle is about more than just transportation of your motorcycle — it’s about ensuring your valuable bike arrives at its final destination in perfect shape. Whether you are relocating, selling your motorcycle, or transporting to an event, the right preparation can go a long way towards making your motorcycle shipping experience smooth and stress-free. It is easy to assume that the best part of motorcycle shipping is the option for enclosed motorcycle shipping. While these options all provide superior protection, you still want to follow the right steps prior to pickup day.
Below is a full guide to prepare your motorcycle like a pro before it is loaded on the trailer.
1. Clean Your Motorcycle Properly
Before you hand your bike in, you should take the time to deep clean your motorcycle. Dirt, grease, and dust can mask small scratches – or you could simply miss them. When you clean your bike, it helps make it easier to check for damage on the motorcycle prior to shipping. You will want to wipe down all surfaces (frame, wheels, exhaust) using a soft cloth and mild cleaner.
Once you have fully cleaned your bike, take high-quality photos of your bike from all angles to reference in the event that there are issues or damage. Taking this small step can help prevent larger problems once your motorcycle is.
2. Conduct a Thorough Inspection
A thorough inspection is necessary prior to transport. Check for loose items, leaks, or other signs of cosmetic damage. Tighten mirrors, handlebar bolts, and any removable items. You also want to examine the brake and clutch cables, chain tension, and tire pressure. Be sure the fuel cap is secure, and that you have roughly 1/4 tank of the fuel – just enough to load and unload the motorcycle.
Take detailed notes on a checklist or inspection form. When the carrier arrives, review the inspection process again with them to ensure they are capturing the details accurately.
3. Remove Accessories and Personal Items
Take off any removable items such as saddlebags, GPS devices, aftermarket mirrors, and phone mounts. Smaller pillows tend to fall off and become lost or damaged during transport, and having them separate ensures that you are only shipping the essential parts of the bike.
In addition, take out any personal items inside storage compartments or in saddle bags. As a general rule, most of the transport companies will not accept responsibility for non-factory parts or loose items that are left inside the bike during transport.
4. Inspect Battery, Fluids, and Tire Pressure
The mechanical condition of your motorcycle is still important, even when it’s not being ridden. Verify the battery is charged and secured. It is common for shippers to require that a battery be disconnected.
5. Selecting a Shipping Company
Picking a shipping partner is just as vital as preparing your motorcycle for shipment. When possible, try to identify companies that specialize in shipping motorcycles and/or have professional experience in shipping motorcycles. Enclosed transporters provide better overall safety and protection against weather and road debris than open trailers, ensuring protection from rain, dust, and road debris.
Many reputable companies also utilize air-ride suspension and soft tie-down straps for added protection.
If you are shipping a high-end or rare vehicle, a reputable exotic car hauler will typically provide the same level of service and attention to detail to your motorcycle.
Following basic preparations when transporting your motorcycle can also make a difference. In advance of your shipping date, if you clean the motorcycle, inspect it for damage and make note of all damage, and secure the motorcycle’s handlebars and frame in the shipping position, you will be limiting risk and giving yourself peace of mind. From the moment the motorcycle is taken until it is delivered, more precautions taken will ensure your motorcycle is delivered in pristine condition, and you will be able to ride it immediately without question.
If you are looking for highly secure, dedicated, and professional shipping services, contact High End Transport, the experts in nationwide vehicle transport.
Call High End Transport at 305-816-2255 today and let a professional handling specialized motorcycle transport provide you with the quality service and attention to detail you and your motorcycle deserve!
