Whether you are moving to a different country, or simply going on vacation, you don’t have to leave your motorcycle behind. Shipping your motorcycle via ground, air, or ocean freight is a simple and affordable option to get your motorcycle where it needs to be, safely and reliably. 

There are a few things you need to do beforehand to prepare your motorcycle for shipping and ensure it has a successful trip. 

Preparing the Outside of Your Motorcycle for Shipment

Wash your motorcycle. 

The first thing you need to do is give your motorcycle a solid wash. Clean all heavy dirt and make sure there are no soil deposits on the tires. By thoroughly washing your motorcycle, you are able to get a good look at its condition before travel. 

Document your motorcycle’s condition.

Next, you will want to carefully inspect the current condition of your bike, helping you avoid future issues in the case of an insurance claim. Make notes of any existing scratches, dents, chips, or other cosmetic marks on your motorcycle. It is also advised to take pictures of your bike from several angles as well as close-up shots of the noted damage. Put dates on all records and show them to the mover at time of transport. 

Remove all loose items from your motorcycle. 

Your mover is not responsible for accessories that are damaged or lost during shipment and they will not be covered by insurance. It is important to remove all valuables you may have in the storage compartments, trunks, or saddlebags along with any other loose and custom items. These could include: 

  • Luggage rack
  • Bicycle rack
  • Spoilers
  • GPS systems
  • Removable stereos 
  • Toll tags 

It is also a good idea to check all fasteners that are easily accessible. The motorcycle may be in-transport for a number of days or weeks and there is a significant amount of vibration throughout the journey. Should any fasteners be loose, they could come undone, resulting in parts falling off. 

Preparing the Inside of Your Motorcycle for Shipment

Reduce fuel level of your motorcycle. 

For safety, movers limit the amount of fuel permitted in vehicles of any kind as well as motorcycles. For motorcycles being transported domestically, tanks can be ¼ full. For those being shipped internationally, their tanks must be fully drained. Should these guidelines not be followed, it becomes expensive quickly for excess gas to be siphoned, so be ready for a hefty charge. 

Document mechanical problems. 

Just like noting any damage to the outside of your motorcycle, it is also necessary to document any specific mechanical issues your motorcycle may already have. This takes certain liability off of the carrier and protects you from any potential damage, as well. 

Make sure tires are inflated. 

While it is important that your motorcycle is in good working condition, having the tires fully inflated is also important. Since the tires are part of the suspension system on your motorcycle, having them fully inflated will help to cushion and protect it while it is in transit. 

Resolve or report leaks. 

Leaks must be reported to the mover beforehand as they could cause unwanted damage to your motorcycle or others in the container if it should need to be shared. All leaks should be fixed or noted so the proper precautions are taken. 

Insurance When Shipping Your Motorcycle 

Although insurance for motorcycle shipment is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Just like having car insurance on the road, obtaining freight insurance gives you peace of mind that your motorcycle is covered should any unforeseen accidents occur. 

Safe and Secure Shipping for Your Motorcycle 

By utilizing these tips and talking with the experts in motorcycle shipping at World Cargo, transporting your motorcycle can be a simple and easy process. 

World Cargo offers a custom built crate service for your motorcycle allowing your bike to be safe and secure during transport. You are also able to load other personal effects into your crate, as well. Once your bike is secured into a crate, it is loaded into a shared container. This service is called LCL Shipping.

Ready to ship? Contact us at 1-877-232-0204 with your questions, or complete our online form to get started!