How to Prepare your Motorcycle to Ship Anywhere in USA
There are many reasons why you might need help with a motorcycle delivery. While moving to a new location is the most common reason to ship a bike, you may also need to know how to ship a bike if you’re buying or selling it. The popularity of vintage motorcycle exhibitions can also encourage people to consign motorcycles.
When someone doesn’t have a motorcycle license yet, they sometimes have to send their bike home. In other cases, the motorcycle is not working and is not able to get home on its own. The only way to ship these bikes home is by motorcycle delivery.
There are about 8.3 million motorcycles registered in the United States, which is about 3 percent of all registered vehicles. Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Dakota—home of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally—are the states with the highest concentrations of motorcycles.
Here are few tips to prepare your motorcycle before shipping it anywhere in United States.
Prepare Your Motorcycle’s Exterior for Shipping
Give your motorcycle a wash
The first step you should take is to wash your motorcycle thoroughly. Make sure there is no mud on the tires and remove heavy amounts of dirt. You can give your motorcycle a close inspection by cleaning it thoroughly before your trip.
Note the condition of your motorcycle
To help avoid future problems if you need to file an insurance claim, you should carefully evaluate the condition of your bike. Note any dents, chips, scratches or other marks you see on your motorcycle.
It’s also a good idea to take close-up photos of the identified damage on your bike in addition to photos of it from different angles. Make a history of all documents and present them to the mover when the item is being moved.
Remove anything that is loose from your motorcycle
Accessories lost or damaged in transit are not the responsibility of the shipper and are not covered by insurance. Remove any valuables you may have in saddlebags, trunk, or storage compartments, as well as any other loose or custom items. These may include:
- Racks for luggage and bicycles
- Gaps in the GPS system
- Detachable audio system
- Tool collection tags
- It’s also a good idea to check all easily accessible fasteners.
A motorcycle can be transported for days or weeks at a time, and there is a lot of vibration during that time. If there are any loose fasteners, they can come back and cause parts to fall out.
Preparing the interior of your motorcycle for shipping
Reduce the fuel capacity of your motorcycle
Mowers limit the amount of fuel in motorcycles and all other types of vehicles for safety reasons. Tanks must be filled up to ¼ for locally transported motorcycles. If the motorcycle is being shipped overseas then tank must be completely empty. If these guidelines are not followed, venting excess gas can become expensive very quickly, so be prepared to pay a hefty price.
Record mechanical problems
Documenting any specific technical problems your motorcycle already has is just as important as recording any external damage. This protects you from any potential damages and relieves the carrier of some liability.
Confirm that the Tire is Inflated
It is important that your motorcycle is in good operating order, but it is also important that the tires are properly inflated. Your motorcycle’s suspension system includes its tires, so keeping them well-inflated can help cushion and protect it during transport.
Address or Disclosure
Leaks must be mentioned in advance to the mover, as they can result in unintended damage to your motorcycle or other items in the container, so sharing is important. Every leak needs to be corrected or reported so that proper safety measures are implemented.
Additionally, Insurance your Motorcycle Anywhere in the United States
It is best to obtain additional cargo insurance before transporting an expensive or new motorcycle anywhere in the United States. Look for a policy that clearly covers transportation and storage of your motorcycle as most personal motorcycle insurance plans do not cover damage in transit.
In the event that your motorcycle is completely destroyed in transit, some insurance plans may even pay for a full replacement. If you are having trouble finding the insurance you need online, you may want to call an insurance broker. They can help you determine the best coverage for your motorbike transport and help you assess your needs.
Wrap Up
The preparations you make are just as important as the firm you choose to ship your bike to. For citizens looking to ship a car or bike between the US, Canada, Hawaii or Alaska, Best Way Auto Transport offers our specialized vehicle transportation service. We operate connected, modern transport vans, and our staff specialize in all brands and types of motorcycles, even vintage ones.
Contact Best Way Auto Transport to arrange car shipping service or to ask questions about our motorcycle shipping. Call us today at 917-781-2300.
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