There are heaps of reasons a biker might be needing to transport a motorcycle without riding it. Maybe you’ve just bought a bike online from someone in another state, maybe the bike itself can’t run or you’re moving cross country and don’t want to ride your bike down with you, you’d rather fly.
If you don’t know what you’re looking for when transporting a motorcycle, it can be a very difficult task if you don’t know the process. Luckily, we have 5 ways of transporting a motorcycle that doesn’t require you to ride it!
5 ways to transport a motorcycle
- Hire a Trailer/Pick-Up
- Put Bike in a Moving Truck
- Freight Company
- Independent Hauler
- Professional Motorcycle Shipper
Hire a Trailer Or Pickup Truck
Hiring a trailer or pickup truck is the best option for transporting your bike in the same city. For example, you’re moving across town or across town for a couple of days.
If you have a friend or family who is willing to help you out by giving you a hand with the moving process of your motorcycle, all you need is a pickup truck and trailer.
You want to make sure the bike doesn’t get damaged, but you don’t necessarily want to drive it all around or leave it in some parking lot while you are away.
The pickup truck option is the best choice if you have some friends who can help you load and unload. Don’t forget insurance – Hiring a trailer is generally cheaper than hiring a pick-up truck and they come with insurance and roadside assistance included, so make sure that’s part of the deal too!
You can use a flatbed trailer that has been made for motorcycles, which will allow your bike to be strapped down securely while being towed.
A pick-up bed can also work just as well if it’s long enough, just ensures the tailgate locks so that it doesn’t come open mid-drive. A pickup is definitely higher & harder to get the bike onto than a trailer, but if you’re on a budget and just need to get it moved across town, you can’t go wrong.
When using a pickup or trailer it’s really up to you to make sure that you’ve strapped down your bike well enough. You don’t want your bike to start flying around while you’re driving or when you stop, so make sure it’s strapped down with proper trucky straps.
Put Bike in a Moving Truck
If you’re moving house and have hired professional movers consider asking them to put your bike in the back of the truck with the rest of your stuff. A lot of movers will be fine to do this as standard.
But some movers will charge extra for this service, but if you’re able to get it free – it’s the most convenient option out there. There are no fees for renting a trailer, finding parking, insurance, etc… And let’s face it – how many people do you know with a moving truck? Not many!
You’ll also need to ensure that your bike is safe and secure while being transported inside the moving truck. It’s a good idea to ask the moving company if the bike is also insured in the move.
Another good idea would be strapping the bike down into a wooden crate to keep it safe, so the truck doesn’t get too crazy while driving.
Freight Company
If you’re moving a bike cross country or buying/selling a bike from another city then a freight company might be the way to go. Sometimes a shipper will be the best option if you’re moving somewhere long distance and need an option other than flying with it.
Most freight companies can pack up your bike for you, and have it shipped directly to their new home so that when they get there all they’ll have to do is take the box off the truck, take it inside, and ensure it arrives perfectly in one piece.
The only downside about using a freight company is how much it’s to cost you!
Most major freight companies will charge you based on distance and weight, but it’s also important to realize that motorcycles are high-value items so their fees will be higher than a standard freight truck.
Freight companies can pack the bike for you and ship it to your new home, but they might ask if you want to do it yourself to save some money.
Independent Hauler
Another good option for transporting a bike is an independent hauler. An independent hauler is someone who will haul just about anything from one place to another for you.
They typically charge based on weight but if it’s a short distance they may take the full load and do it for a flat fee, which can actually work out cheaper than using a trucking company.
Usually, independent haulers have their own trailers or trucks so you don’t have to worry about renting or buying your own – they’ll bring their own!
Basically, an independent hauler is a good option if you need a cheap way to transport something long-distance without leaving it in a parking lot somewhere.
Professional Motorcycle Shipper
If you are after the most hands-off, best service, simplest and best solution, then a professional motorcycle shipper might be right for you.
Professional motorcycle shippers such as Motorcycleshippers are experts at what they do and you can rest assured that your bike will be handled with care & quickly transported to its destination without any hassles.
As a professional motorcycle shipper, Motorcycleshippers will pick up the bike from where it is; whether it’s in another city or state, or if it’s still on the showroom floor! They will then transport the bike securely & safely to their chosen location and deliver it directly to your door.
A professional motorcycle shipper like this will not only save you time and money but you’ll also have one less thing to worry about when transporting a motorcycle.
If your bike is your prized possession, go with the pros. You won’t regret it.
