How to Prepare a Motorcycle for Shipping: 9-Step Checklist

1. Wash the bike: So you and the driver can see and record any existing scratches.

2. Lower the fuel to a quarter tank or less: Less fuel means less weight and less fire risk.

3. Fix any leaks: Carriers may refuse a bike that's dripping oil or coolant onto other vehicles.

4. Check the battery and tire pressure: A charged battery and correct pressure make loading easier.

5. Make sure the key is available: Plus any alarm fob or immobilizer instructions.

6. Remove loose items: Saddlebag contents, GPS units, tank bags and removable windshields if they're fragile.

7. Protect leather and chrome (optional): A soft cover or seat protector helps on open transport.

8. Note modifications: Aftermarket exhaust, lowered suspension or extended forks affect how the bike is secured.

9. Have your title and registration ready: And photograph the bike from every side on pickup day.

The industry-standard method uses soft straps around the lower fork tubes or triple clamp, a front wheel chock, and rear frame anchors — with the suspension compressed only partly, not fully.

Avoid carriers who strap to the handlebars or fully compress the forks for a long trip; both can cause damage. Ask the carrier how they secure bikes before you book.

Not for domestic ground shipping in the U.S. Crating is mainly for international ocean or air freight, or for very valuable vintage bikes. A properly equipped carrier with wheel chocks and soft straps is the norm for domestic moves.

Domestic motorcycle shipping typically runs about $300–$800, depending on distance, route and transport type. Short regional trips are at the lower end; cross-country and enclosed shipments are higher. See our motorcycle shipping service for details.

Non-running bikes ship regularly. Tell us at booking so we can assign a carrier with a lift gate, winch or ramp setup. Don't surprise the driver at pickup — it can delay the shipment or change the price. Read more about inoperable vehicle transport.

Open transport: Your bike rides on an open trailer or a car carrier with motorcycle chocks. It's the most affordable option and works well for standard and touring bikes on most routes.

Enclosed transport: The bike rides inside a covered trailer, protected from rain, road grime and debris. It's the better choice for vintage, custom, show and high-value bikes, or for long winter trips through snow and salt.

Dedicated motorcycle carriers: Some carriers specialize in bikes, with rails, chocks and soft straps built in. They're worth asking about for expensive or unusual motorcycles.

Enclosed transport usually costs more, but for a bike with custom paint or chrome, the protection is often worth it.

Vintage bikes: Older suspension and fragile parts need careful strapping. Point out weak spots to the driver and note them on the Bill of Lading.

Custom choppers and long forks: Extended front ends and low ground clearance need extra deck space and careful loading. Share photos and measurements at booking.

Touring bikes and trikes: Heavy bikes and three-wheelers take more space and may need a ramp with a winch. Trikes are often priced closer to a small car.

Dirt bikes and dual-sports: Wash off mud so damage is visible, and drain or minimize fuel.

• The driver inspects the bike with you and marks any existing scratches on the Bill of Lading.
• The bike is rolled or ridden onto the trailer and placed in a wheel chock.
• Soft straps go around the lower fork or triple clamp and the rear frame.
• You get a copy of the signed Bill of Lading before the truck leaves.

Take your own photos from every side first. Our vehicle inspection photos guide shows exactly which angles to capture.

The most common motorcycle transport damage isn't scratches — it's suspension damage from bad tie-downs. Cranking ratchet straps until the forks are fully compressed for hundreds of miles can stress fork seals and springs. Strapping to handlebars can bend bars or crack controls.

The right approach uses soft loops around the lower triple clamp or fork tubes, a front wheel chock to hold the bike upright, and rear tie-downs on solid frame points. The forks should be compressed only partway. Ask your carrier how they secure bikes, and if the answer is "we strap the bars," find another carrier.

Sport bikes: Protect fairings with soft covers; check that mirrors are folded or removed.

Cruisers and touring bikes: Empty saddlebags and trunks; secure or remove tall windshields.

Adventure bikes: Remove luggage racks and crash bars only if they interfere with tie-downs; note aftermarket protection.

Dirt bikes: Wash off mud; drain or minimize fuel; secure loose number plates.

Vintage bikes: Point out fragile parts and any weak mounting points.

Trikes and sidecars: Share the overall width; they often need car-style tie-downs.

For gas bikes, make sure the battery is charged so the bike can be started and moved easily. For long-term storage after delivery, use a battery tender. For electric motorcycles, aim for a partial charge — similar to EV cars — and follow the manufacturer's transport instructions. Disable alarms or tell the driver how to manage them.

Domestic motorcycle shipping commonly runs about $300–$800. Short regional trips are at the lower end, cross-country trips and enclosed transport at the higher end. Heavier touring bikes and trikes often cost more than standard bikes because of size and loading. Shipping a bike together with a car on the same booking can sometimes lower the combined cost.

• Inspect the fairings, tank, mirrors and controls.
• Check fork seals for fresh oil.
• Look at the tires for strap marks.
• Start the bike and check warning lights.
• Compare with your pickup photos.
• Note any issues on the Bill of Lading before signing.

Crating isn't needed for most domestic moves, but it can make sense for:

• International shipments by ocean or air, where crates protect bikes during port handling.
• Very high-value or vintage bikes that you want fully enclosed and immobilized.
• Bikes shipped with freight carriers rather than vehicle carriers.

Crating adds cost and may require draining fluids and disconnecting the battery. For domestic ground shipping, a well-equipped motorcycle carrier with chocks and soft straps is usually the better value.

Have your title or registration and a photo ID ready, and give the driver the ignition key plus any alarm fob. If the bike has a steering lock, make sure the driver can unlock it for loading. For financed bikes headed overseas, you may need a lender authorization letter. Domestic moves usually don't require one.

Project bikes, barn finds and bikes with dead batteries ship regularly. Tell us whether the bike rolls freely, whether the front brake works and whether the handlebars turn. Bikes that don't roll may need a lift gate or wheel dolly. Removing loose parts — like a seat, side covers or saddlebags that aren't secure — prevents losses on the road. Read inoperable vehicle transport.

Wash it, lower the fuel, fix leaks, hand over the keys, photograph everything, and insist on proper fork-strap tie-downs. Do those things and your motorcycle will most likely arrive exactly as it left.

Do I need to crate my motorcycle for shipping in the U.S.?: No. Crating is mostly for international or very high-value shipments. Domestic carriers use wheel chocks and soft straps.

How much fuel should be in my motorcycle for shipping?: A quarter tank or less.

How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle?: Usually about $300–$800 for domestic transport, depending on distance and transport type.

Can I ship a non-running motorcycle?: Yes. Tell the broker at booking so the right loading equipment is assigned.

Can I ship a motorcycle with a car?: Often, yes. Many carriers can carry a motorcycle on the same booking as a car with the right chocks and straps.

Should I remove my motorcycle's mirrors?: Folding them is usually enough. Remove them if they stick out far or are expensive aftermarket parts.

Can you ship a motorcycle to Hawaii?: Yes, by ocean freight, often crated or in a container. Rules on fuel and batteries apply.

How long does motorcycle shipping take?: Usually one to ten days in transit depending on distance, plus a few days to schedule a carrier with motorcycle equipment.

Can I ship a motorcycle with aftermarket parts?: Yes. Note any custom parts, exhausts or modifications so the driver can avoid them when strapping the bike.

Is enclosed transport better for a motorcycle?: For vintage, custom or high-value bikes, enclosed transport adds protection from weather and debris. For standard bikes on shorter trips, open transport with proper tie-downs is usually fine.

Can I ship my motorcycle helmet and gear with the bike?: Small items may be allowed if they're secured, but they aren't insured. It's safer to carry or ship gear separately.