How to Transport a Motorcycle: An All-Inclusive Manual
When it comes to buying a used motorcycle, selling a pre-owned one, or simply requiring to move your bike from one place to another, there are numerous motorcycle transport companies prepared to help you. However, with so many choices available and various aspects to consider, discovering the ideal motorcycle shipping service can be daunting. Shiply streamlines the process by offering a user-friendly platform to evaluate prices and companies, frequently providing quotes up to 75% lower than standard rates. Before diving in, it's essential to determine the specific type of motorcycle shipping service you need.
When exploring motorcycle transportation options and considering the expense to transport a motorcycle, there are two main methods to choose from. The most economical and straightforward approach 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 journey, increases mileage, and is only feasible 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 enhanced protection they offer against accidents and the elements, although this typically comes at a higher price. Open trailers generally cost less but provide less protection for your motorcycle. Door-to-door motorcycle shipping is the most frequently requested service, but if you reside in a hard-to-reach area, terminal-to-terminal delivery is also available at designated pick-up and drop-off points.
The expense to transport 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 journeys exceeding 1,000 miles. When estimating the cost of motorcycle shipping, consider the following factors:
1. Distance: As mentioned earlier, the distance your motorcycle needs to travel significantly impacts the price quoted by motorcycle shippers. Cross-country motorcycle shipping will likely cost more than interstate transport services.
2. Motorcycle Size: The dimensions of your motorcycle also play a role in determining the shipping cost, as larger bikes require more space on a trailer.
3. Transport Service Type: Opting for an enclosed trailer will likely increase the price compared to open trailers, which are typically more affordable.
4. Pick-up and Delivery Locations: If you live in an urban area, there are likely several motorcycle shipping companies nearby that won't need to go out of their way to pick up your vehicle. The same applies to delivery in urban areas, as these routes are frequently driven and tend to be less expensive. However, urban areas can also be more costly due to the extra mileage required for pick-up and delivery.
5. Time of Year: Weather conditions can impact the price of motorcycle transport, with the ice and snow of winter often making shipping slightly more expensive than in summer.
With numerous factors to consider and hundreds of motorcycle shippers offering similar services, selecting the right motorcycle shipping company can be overwhelming. This is where Shiply comes in. To start receiving quotes from the many motorcycle shipping companies on our platform, simply provide a few details about your delivery, such as the make and model of the motorcycle, the pick-up location, and the delivery destination. Companies will then send motorcycle shipping quotes directly to your Shiply inbox, allowing you to easily compare prices, service types, and providers until you find the perfect quote for your needs. We highly recommend checking feedback and user reviews for each company, as Shiply's system assigns a score to each motorcycle shipper and enables you to read reviews from previous users. You can also privately message any company that has provided you with a quote to inquire about insurance documents, trailer types, and delivery schedules.
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 delivery service, you not only help the environment by reducing unnecessary vehicles on the road but also gain access to some of the cheapest motorcycle shipping quotes available. As motorcycle transporters on Shiply are "going there anyway," they can offer different pricing compared to dedicated motorcycle transportation services. Their costs are already sunk, and they are simply looking to fill the remaining space in their vehicle, enabling them to provide quotes up to 75% cheaper than usual rates.
Once you have selected a motorcycle hauler you are comfortable with, follow these steps to prepare your motorcycle for shipping:
1. Documents: Provide any necessary documents, especially if you are selling the motorcycle.
2. Cleaning: Remove all personal effects from your motorcycle and give it a thorough cleaning before shipping. This allows you to assess the vehicle's condition prior to pick-up, which will be helpful if any damage occurs during transit.
3. Running Condition: If the motorcycle will be driven at any point during transit, ensure that it is in running condition with the necessary fluid levels and tire pressure. Note whether the motorcycle shipping company requires the steering to be unlocked or not.
4. Photographic Evidence: Take high-resolution photos of your motorcycle's overall condition before pick-up. In case of any damage during shipping, you will have evidence of its prior condition.
After your chosen motorcycle shipping company has delivered your vehicle, follow these steps to ensure everything is in order:
1. Check Vital Signs: Inspect lights, engine, brakes, and any other important functions upon delivery to confirm that the motorcycle is in the expected condition.
2. Exterior Condition: Compare the motorcycle's condition upon delivery with the photos taken prior to shipping to determine if any additional damage occurred during transit.
3. Check Mileage: If your motorcycle was driven to the delivery point, check the added mileage to ensure it corresponds to the journey made.
Lastly, we kindly ask that you leave feedback and a review for your chosen motorcycle shipping company, enabling future Shiply users to browse and compare services with a high level of confidence and security.
Concord, North Carolina, US, is a popular destination for motorcycle shipping due to its thriving motorsports industry and central location. Many people move motorcycles to and from Concord for events, races, and personal reasons. When searching for "motorcycle shipping Concord" or "Concord motorcycle shipping," Shiply can help connect you with reliable and affordable transport companies in the area.