Motorcycle Shipping

Motorcycle Shipping: Safe, Affordable Transport for Every Type of Bike

Shipping a motorcycle is not the same as shipping a car. Bikes are lighter, less stable during transport, and far more vulnerable to cosmetic damage from vibration, weather exposure, and improper securing. A motorcycle deserves a carrier who understands the differences — who uses the right cradles, straps, and loading techniques to keep your bike upright, stable, and protected from the moment it leaves your hands until it arrives at the destination.

Advantage Auto Movers connects motorcycle owners with specialized carriers who transport bikes daily — from heavyweight touring cruisers and custom choppers to lightweight sportbikes, vintage restorations, and everything in between. Every carrier in our motorcycle shipping network is FMCSA-licensed, fully insured, and experienced in the specific handling requirements that motorcycles demand. Our BBB A+ rating reflects a commitment to quality that extends to every two-wheeled shipment we coordinate.

Types of Motorcycles We Ship

Our network handles every category of motorcycle on the road today, including:

Cruisers — Harley-Davidson Softail, Road King, Indian Chief, Honda Shadow, Yamaha V Star
Touring bikes — Harley-Davidson Road Glide, Ultra Limited, Honda Gold Wing, BMW K 1600, Indian Roadmaster
Sportbikes — Yamaha YZF-R1, Kawasaki Ninja ZX, Honda CBR, Suzuki GSX-R, Ducati Panigale
Adventure and dual-sport — BMW R 1250 GS, KTM Adventure, Honda Africa Twin, Ducati Multistrada
Custom and chopper builds — one-off fabrications, bobbers, cafe racers, and show bikes
Vintage and classic — pre-1980 models, barn finds, partial restorations, and concours-ready classics
Trikes and three-wheelers — Can-Am Spyder, Harley-Davidson Tri Glide, Polaris Slingshot
Dirt bikes and motocross — Honda CRF, Yamaha YZ, KTM SX, Husqvarna
Scooters and mopeds — Vespa, Honda PCX, Yamaha XMAX

Motorcycle Shipping Methods

Unlike car transport, motorcycles require specialized securing methods to prevent tipping, shifting, or vibration damage during transit. Here are the three primary shipping methods:

Trailer Transport (Most Common)

Your motorcycle is loaded onto an open or enclosed auto transport trailer alongside other vehicles or bikes. It is secured in an upright position using wheel chocks, soft-loop tie-down straps, and ratchet mechanisms anchored to the trailer floor. This is the most cost-effective method and works well for standard production motorcycles in regular riding condition.

Crated Shipping

Your bike is placed inside a wooden or metal crate built to its dimensions. The crate immobilizes the motorcycle completely, protecting it from external contact, weather, and vibration. Crated shipping is preferred for vintage motorcycles, high-value customs, international shipments, and bikes that cannot be secured using standard upright methods (such as partially disassembled projects). Crating adds $200 to $500 to the total cost depending on bike size and crate materials.

Pallet Shipping

The motorcycle is strapped to a heavy-duty wooden or metal pallet using wheel chocks and tie-downs, then loaded onto a flatbed or enclosed trailer. Pallet shipping is a middle ground between open trailer mounting and full crating — it provides a stable, self-contained platform without the full enclosure of a crate. Common for dealer shipments and multi-bike orders.

Motorcycle Shipping Costs

Motorcycle transport is significantly less expensive than car shipping because bikes take up less trailer space and weigh less. Pricing depends on distance, shipping method, bike size, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.

Distance	Open Trailer	Enclosed Trailer	Crated (Add-On)	Estimated Transit
Under 500 miles	$300 — $450	$450 — $650	+$200 — $350	2 — 4 days
500 — 1,000 miles	$350 — $500	$500 — $750	+$250 — $400	3 — 5 days
1,000 — 1,500 miles	$400 — $600	$600 — $900	+$250 — $450	5 — 7 days
1,500 — 2,000 miles	$500 — $650	$750 — $1,050	+$300 — $500	6 — 9 days
2,000+ miles	$550 — $700	$850 — $1,200	+$300 — $500	7 — 12 days

Multi-bike discount: Shipping two or more motorcycles on the same route typically qualifies for a 10 to 15 percent discount per bike. Contact us for a multi-motorcycle quote.

Open vs. Enclosed Transport for Motorcycles

The open-versus-enclosed decision for motorcycles follows the same logic as for cars, but with a few bike-specific considerations:

Factor	Open Transport	Enclosed Transport
Cost	Lower (base rate)	40 — 55% higher
Weather protection	None	Full
Road debris exposure	Yes	None
Best for	Daily riders, standard bikes	Customs, vintage, high-value bikes
Chrome and paint risk	Minor (road spray, dust)	Minimal to none
Availability	High	Lower, book early

Our recommendation: If your motorcycle is a daily rider worth under $15,000 and has standard paint and chrome, open transport is safe and economical. For custom paint jobs, show bikes, vintage restorations, or any motorcycle valued above $15,000, enclosed transport provides peace of mind that justifies the premium.

How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Shipping

Proper preparation reduces the risk of damage and ensures a smooth handoff with the carrier. Follow these steps before your pickup date:

Mechanical Preparation

Reduce fuel to a quarter tank or less. This lowers weight and minimizes the risk of fuel leakage during transport. Do not drain the tank completely — a small amount of fuel prevents condensation.
Check tire pressure. Properly inflated tires ensure the bike sits securely in the wheel chock and absorbs vibration during transit.
Disconnect the battery or turn the kill switch to the off position. This prevents accidental starting or electrical drain during the trip.
Check for fluid leaks. Oil, coolant, or brake fluid leaks can damage other vehicles on the trailer and may result in the carrier refusing to load the bike.
Ensure the bike is in neutral so the driver can roll it into position during loading.

Cosmetic and Accessory Preparation

Remove or secure loose accessories. Saddlebags, tank bags, GPS units, phone mounts, and aftermarket mirrors should be removed and shipped separately if possible. Loose items can vibrate free and cause scratches or be lost entirely.
Fold in mirrors. If your mirrors fold, collapse them to reduce the bike’s width on the trailer.
Photograph the bike thoroughly. Take clear photos of every angle, including any existing scratches, dents, or wear marks. This documentation is essential for the pre-transport inspection and protects you in the event of a damage claim.
Wash the motorcycle. A clean bike makes it easier to spot and document pre-existing condition issues during the inspection.
Disable alarms. If your bike has an aftermarket alarm system, disable it to prevent it from triggering during transit.

Documentation

Have your registration or title available for verification.
Provide a spare key to the carrier (the driver may need to reposition the bike during loading).
Note any special handling instructions in writing — non-obvious mechanical issues, sensitive components, or areas that require extra care.

“I shipped my 2019 Road Glide Special from Sturgis back to my garage in Florida. The carrier had proper wheel chocks and soft straps, and the bike arrived without a mark. Way better than putting 2,000 miles on my engine and tires riding home after Rally week.” — Tom H., Harley owner

The Motorcycle Shipping Process

Step 1 — Get a quote. Tell us your bike’s year, make, model, and any modifications. Provide pickup and delivery addresses and your preferred dates.
Step 2 — Book and confirm. Accept the quote, and we match you with a motorcycle-experienced carrier on your route.
Step 3 — Pickup inspection. The driver inspects the bike with you, documents its condition on the Bill of Lading, and secures it on the trailer using wheel chocks and soft-loop straps.
Step 4 — Transit. Your motorcycle travels secured in an upright position. Our team is available for status updates throughout the journey.
Step 5 — Delivery and final check. At the destination, the driver unloads the bike, you inspect it against the pickup documentation, and sign the delivery receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Shipping

How is my motorcycle secured on the trailer?

Your bike is placed in a heavy-duty wheel chock that grips the front tire and prevents forward, backward, or lateral movement. Additional soft-loop tie-down straps attach to the handlebars, frame, or footpegs (never to painted or chrome surfaces) and are ratcheted to the trailer floor anchors. This multi-point securing system keeps the bike upright and immobile throughout the entire trip.

Can I ship a motorcycle that does not run?

Yes. Non-running motorcycles can be loaded using a dolly or by manually wheeling them into position. Let us know during the quoting process that the bike is inoperable so we can assign a carrier with the proper equipment. An additional fee of $75 to $150 typically applies.

Is insurance included in the shipping cost?

Yes. Every carrier in our network maintains cargo insurance that covers your motorcycle during transit. Coverage limits vary by carrier but typically range from $100,000 to $250,000 per shipment. For high-value motorcycles (customs, vintage, rare models), we recommend confirming the coverage amount with our team and considering supplemental insurance if needed.

Can I ship personal items with my motorcycle?

Small items secured inside hard saddlebags (clothing, tools) are generally acceptable, but carrier insurance does not cover personal belongings. Loose items strapped to the seat or handlebars must be removed. We recommend keeping the bike as clean and stripped-down as possible for transport.

How far in advance should I book motorcycle shipping?

We recommend 7 to 14 days for the best rates and availability. During peak riding season (April through September) and around major events like Sturgis, Daytona Bike Week, and Laconia, booking 2 to 3 weeks ahead is wise. Expedited motorcycle shipping with 1- to 3-day pickup is available at a premium.

Do you ship trikes, Can-Am Spyders, or Polaris Slingshots?

Yes. Three-wheeled vehicles require slightly more trailer space than standard motorcycles, which may affect pricing. Provide the exact make, model, and dimensions when requesting a quote so we can match you with a carrier that has appropriate space and securing equipment.

Ship Your Motorcycle With Confidence

Whether you are sending a Harley home from a cross-country ride, buying a vintage Honda CB from a seller across the country, or relocating your entire collection to a new garage, Advantage Auto Movers has the motorcycle shipping expertise to get it done right. Fill out the form below with your bike details and shipping route for a free, no-obligation quote.

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