Top Tips for Preparing Your Motorcycle for Shipping

Learn how to ship a motorcycle hassle-free.

Every year, thousands of motorcyclists have to transport their bike cross-country. If you recently purchased a motorcycle online, moved to a new state, or are planning a cross-country motorcycle road trip, you’ll probably have to ship your bike at some point.

The problem:

Most riders don’t have a clue how to properly prepare a motorcycle for shipping. Guess what happens as a result? DAMAGE. DELAYS. MASSIVE headaches.

Without proper prep work, you’re basically rolling the dice with your motorcycle.

With over 61.8 million motorcycles and recreational boating vehicles sold globally in 2024, there is a growing demand for professional boat or motorcycle shipping services. In fact, recent data shows a 15% increase in motorcycles being shipped internationally year-over-year.

And the thing is – the prep work itself isn’t that difficult. But you need to know how to do it right.

So let’s take a look at how to properly prepare a motorcycle for shipping.

What you’ll discover:

• Why Motorcycle Preparation Is Crucial
• The Ultimate Pre-Shipping Checklist
• How To Pick The Right Shipping Method
• Protecting Your Bike The Smart Way

Why Motorcycle Preparation Is Crucial

Shipping a motorcycle is not the same as sending a package.

Your motorcycle is going to travel hundreds or thousands of miles on a trailer with zero protection from weather, road vibrations, and excessive handling from strangers.

And a minor issue or shipping error that would be a quick fix at home can become a major money pit in the middle of nowhere.

Consider the following common mistakes:

• Forgetting to disable alarms = drained battery + missed work
• Fluid leaks = damage to other vehicles + hefty clean-up fees
• Stripped lightbulbs = higher delivery costs
• Loose screws/fittings/fenders/forks = accidents in loading/unloading areas

You get the picture.

The good news is that these problems can all be prevented. You just need to know what to do. Otherwise, you can expect serious damage to your motorcycle while in the hands of the shipping company.

But here’s the kicker – most shipping companies REFUSE to transport your motorcycle if it’s not properly prepared for transport.

The Ultimate Pre-Shipping Checklist

Ok, let’s dive in – how do you actually prepare your motorcycle for shipping?

The following pre-shipping checklist is EXACTLY what professional riders use before transporting their motorcycles:

Clean Your Motorcycle

Start with a thorough wash. I’m talking buckets, soap, and sponges. Get it as clean as possible.

A clean motorcycle makes it easier to spot existing damage during the pre-transport inspection. Plus, it leaves a good first impression on the shipping company.

Take photos of your clean bike from multiple angles. If any damage occurs during shipping, you’ll need to prove it was caused by the shipping company – these photos will be your best friend.

Document Existing Damage

This step is CRITICAL.

Walk around your motorcycle with a camera. Photograph every scratch, dent, or imperfection. Pay special attention to paint chips, dents in the tank or fenders, cracked mirrors, worn tire treads, and modifications.

Get a complete visual record of your motorcycle’s condition before handing it over to the shipping company.

Remove Personal Items and Check Fluids

Shipping companies will not insure personal items left on your motorcycle. Take off helmets, GPS devices, saddlebags, and other loose accessories.

Fluid-wise, keep your fuel tank at ¼ tank or less, check oil level, and make sure brake fluid reservoirs are topped off.

Disable Alarms and Check Tire Pressure

Turn off any aftermarket alarms or security systems. If they can’t be disabled completely, remove the fuse. Check your tire pressure and inflate to specification.

How To Pick The Right Shipping Method

Not all motorcycle shipping companies are created equal.

In fact, the way you choose to transport your motorcycle will make a HUGE difference in both price and protection.

Open Transport vs. Enclosed Transport

Open transport is the cheap alternative. Your motorcycle travels on an open trailer, exposed to the elements and road debris. Open is fine for short-distance moves and lower-value motorcycles.

Enclosed transport, on the other hand, provides the highest level of protection. Your motorcycle will ride in an enclosed trailer, out of the weather and the eyes of strangers. Use enclosed transport for high-value motorcycles ($15,000+) and classics.

The price difference between enclosed and open transport is typically around 30% more for enclosed transport.

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal

Door-to-door service means the carrier will pick up your motorcycle at your location and deliver it right to your destination. It’s convenient but more expensive.

Terminal-to-terminal requires you to drop off and pick up your motorcycle at designated locations. Cheaper and often faster.

Protecting Your Bike The Smart Way

This is where most riders make a big mistake:

They think that the shipping company automatically covers their bike to full value. They do not.

Understand Basic Coverage

Most shipping companies include basic insurance coverage in their prices. But basic coverage is normally limited to $500-1,000 per incident. Way below the value of most motorcycles.

Basic insurance coverage normally covers:

• Minor scratches and dings
• Simple mechanical damage
• Lost or damaged accessories

Basic insurance coverage does NOT cover:

• Replacement value
• Damage from pre-existing conditions
• Personal items left on the bike

Consider Additional Insurance

If your motorcycle is of high value, additional insurance is a must. You have two options – carrier’s supplemental insurance or third-party insurance.

Check your existing motorcycle insurance policy first. Some include coverage during transport.

Get Multiple Quotes and Book Early

Don’t just accept the first quote that you receive. Get price estimates from at least three different companies. Rates can vary by hundreds of dollars.

When comparing estimates, look at total cost, insurance coverage, and customer service ratings.

Book your shipment early during the off-peak season to get better rates.

Final Inspection and Handoff

When the carrier arrives to pick up your motorcycle, there is one last important step:

Don’t just hand over the keys and walk away.

Walk around your motorcycle with the driver and point out all existing damage. Make sure everything gets noted on the bill of lading.

Both you and the driver should take photos of the motorcycle’s condition and note all existing damage on the paperwork. Verify that personal items have been removed and keep a copy of all important documents.

Receiving Your Motorcycle

When your motorcycle arrives at its destination, the inspection process isn’t over yet…

Don’t sign the delivery receipt until you have thoroughly inspected your motorcycle. Compare overall condition to pickup photos, check fluid levels, tire condition, electrical systems, and look for new damage.

If there’s any damage, write it on the delivery receipt before signing. Take photos and get the driver to acknowledge in writing.

Remember, once you sign the delivery receipt, it’s a lot harder to file a damage claim later.

Final words

Preparing your motorcycle for shipping doesn’t have to be an overly complex process. You just need to pay attention to details.

To sum up the above information:

• Clean and document your bike’s condition
• Remove personal items and check fluid levels
• Disable alarms and check tire pressure
• Choose the right shipping method
• Get adequate insurance coverage
• Get multiple quotes and book early

A few hours of work can help you avoid thousands of dollars in damage.

Ready to ship your motorcycle?

Start with the steps above and you’ll be in great shape compared to other riders.