Moving A Motorcycle

Moving A Motorcycle

Nothing beats riding the open road on your motorbike. If you have the time, this may be the opportunity to take a road trip. If time and logistics require the motorcycle to be shipped, there are many options.

Moving Companies: A large number of moving companies can also transport motorcycles. If you are moving household items, the motorcycle can also be transported in the truck.

If hiring a moving company to move your motorcycle, they will pack your motorcycle in one of three ways.

• Crate – the motorcycle will be packed in a specially designed crate.
• Open pallet - if the moving/transportation company you are considering uses open pallets, ensure they allow protective space around the motorcycle.
• Tie down – the motorcycle will be placed in the truck and tied down. Moving blankets and pads will be wrapped around the motorcycle for extra protection.

Flatbed: Using a flatbed delivery service may increase your costs, however, the attention your bike will receive may be worth it.

Containers: Using a container is a do-it-yourself way of moving your motorbike. The container company, such as UPack delivers the container to your pick up location. You then pack the motorcycle, perhaps along with your household items into the container. They then pick it up and drive it to the new location.

Trailers: Companies such as UHAUL offer trailers to rent. You can rent a truck to attach the trailer, or attach it to your own car if you’re set up to tow a trailer.

Truck: If you own, have access to, or plan to rent a truck, your motorcycle can be transported this way. Knowing How to Load a Moving Truck and Rental Truck Safety can provide important information if you will be using your own, or a rental truck to transport your motorcycle.

Protecting The Motorcycle

If moving and packing the motorbike yourself, make sure to pad it with blankets and any extra padding to ensure little or no damage occurs should it fall or something fall on it while in transit.

Insurance

Whichever option you choose when deciding how to move your motorcycle, make sure to inquire with each company about insurance coverage. Also check coverage with your current insurance company. Flatbed companies offer insurance polices. Containers are self-pack, therefore there is no insurance policy. How much time, money and effort have you put into this bike, making it unique? Make sure it’s insured!

Tips

• Drain the fluids – Drain the gas and oil as they are flammable and moving companies are not permitted to move hazardous liquids.
• Cover the motorcycle – To preserve the body paint, you may want to cover the motorcycle for extra protection using a motorcycle cover.
• Inspect the motorcycle prior to any company moving the bike. Take pictures and notes of the bike as it is, including any pre existing damage.
• Inspect the motorcycle upon arrival at the new destination.

Whichever way you decide to transport your motorcycle, reading the manufacturers instructions is a good idea. This way, you will be knowledgeable about any transportation precautions and tie-down recommendations for your specific model. If you don’t have the original manufacturers instructions, doing an online search will provide plenty of information.

Recommended Reading
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Moving A Car
Moving A Boat