Who This Service Is For

Motorcycle shipping is ideal for riders who have purchased a bike online or at a dealership in another state and need it transported home. It serves riders relocating for work or military service who want their motorcycle shipped rather than trailered. Motorcycle collectors acquiring vintage or rare bikes from auctions or private sellers across the country use this service regularly. Riders heading to major rallies like Sturgis, Daytona Bike Week, or Laconia Motorcycle Week who prefer not to ride cross-country also ship their bikes to the event location. Track day participants shipping race bikes to circuit events round out the typical customer base.

How Motorcycles Are Transported

Unlike automobiles, motorcycles are two-wheeled and cannot support themselves on a standard car carrier without specialized fixtures. There are three primary methods for motorcycle transport. The first is pallet shipping, where the motorcycle is secured upright to a wooden pallet using wheel chocks, soft straps, and frame ties. The pallet is then loaded into an enclosed trailer alongside other palletized motorcycles.

The second method is crating, where the motorcycle is loaded into a custom wooden crate for maximum protection. Crating is the most protective option and recommended for high-value, custom, or vintage motorcycles. The third option is soft-tie securing on a specialty motorcycle trailer, where bikes are loaded in rows and secured with soft straps at multiple points.

Most motorcycle shipping uses enclosed trailers or specialty motorcycle carriers to protect bikes from road debris, rain, and weather. Open transport on a standard car carrier is not typically used for motorcycles due to the difficulty of securing two-wheeled vehicles on multi-level decks.

Motorcycle Shipping Costs

Motorcycle shipping costs are generally lower than car transport because bikes are smaller and lighter, taking up less carrier space. Regional motorcycle transport under 500 miles typically runs $200 to $500. Mid-range hauls from 500 to 1,500 miles average $400 to $700. Cross-country motorcycle shipping from coast to coast typically costs $600 to $1,200 depending on the carrier type, service level, and timing.

Crating adds an additional cost compared to pallet or soft-tie securing but provides the highest level of damage protection. For rare, custom, or high-value bikes worth over $15,000 to $20,000, the cost of crating is a worthwhile investment relative to the value of the motorcycle.

Preparing Your Motorcycle for Shipping

• Wash the motorcycle thoroughly so pre-existing damage can be accurately documented
• Photograph all sides, the undercarriage, and any custom parts or accessories
• Remove saddlebags, windshields, and any loose aftermarket accessories
• Turn off fuel petcocks to prevent leaks during loading and transport
• Check that the battery is fully charged and connections are tight
• Inflate tires to the manufacturer-recommended pressure
• Disable aftermarket alarm systems
• Keep fuel at or below a quarter tank

Transit Times for Motorcycle Shipping

Transit times for motorcycle shipping vary by distance and carrier routing. Short regional hauls typically complete in one to three days. Moves from 500 to 1,500 miles generally take three to six days. Cross-country motorcycle transport from California to the East Coast or vice versa averages seven to twelve days depending on the carrier's routing and stops along the way. Expedited motorcycle shipping is available for time-sensitive needs at a higher rate.