How to Transport a Motorcycle: A Comprehensive Guide
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 & factors to consider, finding the right one can often seem daunting. Shiply streamlines the process by offering a user-friendly platform to compare prices and companies, often providing quotes up to 75% lower than standard rates. But before jumping in, it's essential to identify the specific type of motorcycle shipping service you need.
When exploring motorcycle transport options and considering the cost of shipping a motorcycle, there are two main methods to choose from. The most budget-friendly & straightforward option is to have someone ride your motorcycle to its destination. While this is an easy 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 enhanced protection they provide against accidents & 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 price of shipping a motorcycle varies based on several factors, with average costs ranging from $180 to $300 for distances under 1,000 miles and $300 to $700 for trips exceeding 1,000 miles. When estimating the cost to ship a motorcycle, consider the following factors:
1. Distance - As mentioned above, the distance your motorcycle needs to travel significantly affects the price quoted by motorcycle shipping companies. Shipping a motorcycle cross-country will likely cost more than interstate motorcycle transport services.
2. Motorcycle Size - The size of your motorcycle also plays a role in the shipping cost, as larger bikes require more space on a trailer.
3. Motorcycle Transport Service Type - Opting for an enclosed trailer will likely increase the cost quoted by motorcycle shippers, while open trailers are typically more affordable.
4. Pickup and Delivery Locations - If you live in an urban area, there are likely multiple motorcycle shipping companies nearby that won't have to go out of their way to pick up your vehicle, & the same applies to delivery in urban areas. These routes are usually less expensive as companies frequently drive them. However, urban areas can be more costly as they require extra mileage for pickup and delivery.
5. Time of Year - Weather conditions can also affect the price of motorcycle transport, with the ice & snow of winter often making shipping a motorcycle slightly more expensive than in summer.
With numerous factors to consider when selecting the right 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 is the best company for you. This is where Shiply comes in. To begin receiving quotes from the many motorcycle shipping companies on our platform, simply enter a few details about your delivery, such as the make and model of the motorcycle, the pickup location, & 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. We highly recommend checking the feedback & user reviews for each company. Shiply's system assigns a score to each motorcycle shipping company & provides the ability 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.
The motorcycle shipping companies on Shiply are usually looking to fill space on trips they are already making. By using Shiply to find a motorcycle delivery service, you are not only helping the environment by reducing the number of unnecessary vehicles on the roads but also potentially accessing 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, & they are simply looking to fill the rest of their vehicle, allowing them to provide some of the most affordable motorcycle shipping quotes, often up to 75% cheaper than usual rates.
Once you have selected a motorcycle hauler you are comfortable with to handle your delivery, it's time to prepare your motorcycle for shipping using the following steps:
1. Documents - Provide any necessary documents, especially if you are selling the motorcycle.
2. Cleaning - Remove all personal effects from your motorcycle & give it a thorough cleaning before shipping. This allows you to properly assess the vehicle's condition prior to pickup, which will help should any damage occur 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 & tire pressure. Note whether the motorcycle shipping company you have chosen requires the steering to be unlocked or not.
4. Photographic Evidence - Take high-resolution photos of the overall condition of your motorcycle prior to pickup. Should any damage occur 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:
1. Check Vital Signs - Inspect lights, engine, brakes, & any other important functions upon delivery to ensure the motorcycle is in the expected condition.
2. Exterior Condition - Compare the photos taken of the motorcycle prior to shipping with its condition upon delivery 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.
Finally, we kindly ask that you leave feedback & a review for your chosen motorcycle shipping company so that future Shiply users can continue to browse & compare services with a high level of confidence and security.
Lincoln, a city in Burleigh County, North Dakota, has become a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. Many people often move their motorcycles to & from Lincoln for various reasons, such as attending motorcycle events, relocating, or purchasing a new bike. The city's central location & easy access to major highways make it an ideal spot for motorcycle shipping. When searching for "motorcycle shipping lincoln" or "lincoln motorcycle shipping," Shiply can help connect you with reliable & affordable motorcycle transport companies that serve the Lincoln area.