A Beginner's Comprehensive Guide to Transporting a Motorcycle
When it comes to buying a used motorcycle, selling an old one, or simply needing to move your bike from one place to another, there are numerous motorcycle shipping companies available to help you. However, with so many choices and factors to consider, finding the right one can often seem daunting. Shiply aims to make your life easier by providing a user-friendly platform to compare prices and companies, often offering quotes up to 75% lower than standard rates. Before getting started, it's essential to identify the specific type of motorcycle shipping service you need.
When exploring motorcycle transportation options and considering the cost of shipping a motorcycle, there are two main methods to choose from. The most cost-effective and straightforward option is to have someone ride your motorcycle to its destination. While this is a simple solution, it comes with the risk of damage during the trip, increases mileage, and is only possible if the motorcycle is in working condition. The most common method of motorcycle transport is through the use of trailers, which can be either open or enclosed. Enclosed trailers are often preferred for expensive or classic motorbikes due to the added protection they provide against accidents and the elements, although this typically comes at a higher cost. Open trailers generally cost less but offer less protection for your motorcycle. Door-to-door motorcycle shipping is the most frequently requested service, but if you reside in an area that is difficult to reach, terminal-to-terminal delivery is also available at designated pick-up and drop-off points.
The cost of shipping a motorcycle varies based on several factors, with average prices ranging from $180 to $300 for distances under 1,000 miles and $300 to $700 for trips exceeding 1,000 miles. The primary factors influencing the cost of motorcycle shipping include:
- Distance: As mentioned earlier, the distance your motorcycle needs to travel significantly impacts the price quoted by motorcycle shipping companies. Cross-country motorcycle shipping will likely cost more than interstate transport services.
- Motorcycle Size: The size of your motorcycle also plays a role in determining the shipping cost, as larger bikes require more space on a trailer.
- Motorcycle Transport Service Type: Opting for an enclosed trailer will likely increase the cost compared to using an open trailer.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations: If you live in an urban area, there are likely multiple motorcycle shipping companies nearby that won't need to go out of their way to pick up your vehicle, and the same applies to delivery in urban areas. These routes are typically less expensive as companies frequently drive them. However, urban areas can also be more costly due to the extra mileage required for pickup and delivery.
- Time of Year: Weather conditions can also affect the price of motorcycle transport, with the ice and snow during winter often making shipping slightly more expensive than in summer.
With numerous factors to consider when selecting a motorcycle shipping service, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when starting your search. Hundreds of motorcycle shippers offer similar services, making it challenging to decide which company is the best fit for you. This is where Shiply comes in to assist you. Our platform features many motorcycle shipping companies, and all you need to do to start receiving quotes is provide a few details about your delivery, such as the make and model of the motorcycle, the pickup location, and the delivery destination. Once you submit this information, companies will send motorcycle shipping quotes directly to your Shiply inbox, allowing you to easily compare prices, service types, and companies until you find the quote that suits your needs. It's highly recommended to check the feedback and user reviews for each company. Shiply's system assigns a score to each motorcycle shipping company and enables you to read reviews from previous users. You can also send a private message to any company that has provided you with a quote to inquire about insurance documents, trailer types, and delivery schedules.
Laughlin, Nevada, is a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, attracting riders from across the United States. Many people choose to ship their motorcycles to and from Laughlin for various reasons, such as attending motorcycle rallies, exploring the scenic routes in the surrounding area, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this unique town. Laughlin's proximity to Las Vegas and its location along the Colorado River make it an appealing destination for those looking to combine their love for motorcycles with a fun-filled vacation. As a result, motorcycle shipping to and from Laughlin has become increasingly common, with many companies offering specialized services to cater to the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts.
The motorcycle shipping companies on Shiply are often seeking to fill space on trips they are already making. By using Shiply to find a motorcycle mover, you are contributing to a greener environment by reducing the number of unnecessary vehicles on the roads. Not only is using Shiply to find a motorcycle delivery service eco-friendly, but it can also result in some of the most affordable motorcycle shipping quotes available! As motorcycle transporters on Shiply are already "going there anyway," they can offer different pricing compared to dedicated motorcycle transportation services. The costs for Shiply motorcycle shippers are already sunk, and they are simply looking to fill the remaining space in their vehicles, enabling them to provide some of the cheapest motorcycle shipping quotes, often up to 75% lower than standard rates.
Once you have chosen a motorcycle hauler you are comfortable with to handle your delivery, it's time to prepare your motorcycle for shipping by following these steps:
- Documents: Ensure that you provide any necessary documents, especially if you are selling the motorcycle.
- Cleaning: Remove all personal belongings from your motorcycle and give it a thorough cleaning before shipping. This allows you to accurately assess the vehicle's condition prior to pickup, which will be helpful if any damage occurs during transit.
- Running Condition: If the motorcycle will be driven at any point during transit, make sure it is in running condition with the necessary fluid levels and tire pressure. It's also important to note whether the motorcycle shipping company you have chosen requires the steering to be unlocked or not.
- Photographic Evidence: Take high-resolution photos of the overall condition of your motorcycle before pickup. In case any damage occurs to the vehicle during shipping, you will have evidence of its condition beforehand.
After your chosen motorcycle shipping company has delivered your vehicle, follow these steps to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs: Inspect the lights, engine, brakes, and any other critical functions upon delivery to confirm that the motorcycle is in the expected condition.
- Exterior Condition: Compare the photos taken before shipping with the motorcycle's condition upon delivery to determine if any additional damage occurred during transit.
- Check Mileage: This is usually only relevant if your motorcycle was driven to the delivery point, but always check the added mileage to ensure it corresponds to the journey made.
Lastly, we kindly request that you leave feedback and a review for your selected motorcycle shipping company so that future Shiply users can continue to browse and compare services with a high level of confidence and security.
In conclusion, shipping a motorcycle can seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and resources, it can be a smooth and stress-free process. By understanding the different types of motorcycle shipping services, factors affecting the cost, and how Shiply can help you find the best motorcycle transport companies, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision. Remember to properly prepare your motorcycle for shipping and follow the post-delivery checklist to ensure a successful transport experience. Happy shipping!