Motorcycle Shipping

Wash your motorcycle before pickup so the pre-transport condition inspection can be done accurately. Road grime, mud, and oil residue on the frame, fairings, and wheels can obscure existing scratches, chips, and paint damage that may later be attributed to the transport. A clean bike gives the driver a clear baseline for the Bill of Lading condition report.

Pay particular attention to the fairings, fuel tank, exhaust system, and lower frame areas where buildup tends to collect. A basic wash is sufficient. You do not need a full detail. The goal is visibility and documentation accuracy, not a show shine. This single step protects you in the rare event of a damage dispute after delivery.

Before the carrier arrives, photograph your motorcycle from all angles: both sides, front, rear, top, undercarriage, and any custom or unique components. Take close-up shots of any existing scratches, chips, or cosmetic imperfections. Use time-stamped photos and store them in a location you can access remotely.

At pickup, the driver will complete a Bill of Lading condition report. Compare it against your photos before signing. If any existing damage is not accurately reflected on the report, note it before the driver departs. This documentation is your primary protection if a claim ever needs to be filed after delivery.

Before pickup, remove any accessories that are not permanently attached to the motorcycle. This includes saddlebags, tank bags, GPS mounts, phone holders, loose mirrors on non-permanent mounts, and any aftermarket components that could shift or fall off during transport. Loose items can damage the bike or other vehicles on the carrier.

For accessories that are bolted or permanently mounted, verify that all fasteners are secure before the carrier arrives. Custom exhaust tips, passenger pegs, crash bars, and other aftermarket add-ons should all be checked for tight fitment. If anything feels loose, tighten it or remove it before transport.

If your motorcycle has an aftermarket alarm or motion-sensitive security system, disable it before transport. Carrier vibration during transit can trigger sensitive alarms repeatedly, draining the battery over the course of a long-haul shipment and creating complications for the driver at the delivery end.

If you cannot fully disable the alarm, provide the deactivation code or fob instructions to your SAC coordinator in writing before pickup day. The driver needs to be able to access and move the motorcycle without triggering a lockout. Standard factory immobilizers are generally not an issue. The concern is with aftermarket systems sensitive to vibration and motion.

Before pickup, make sure all tires are properly inflated and check for any visible fluid leaks, whether oil, coolant, or brake fluid. Carriers can decline to load a motorcycle with active fluid leaks, as dripping fluids can damage the trailer and other vehicles on the load. A quick mechanical check before pickup prevents delays on the day.

If the motorcycle has been in storage, check that the battery is charged and the bike starts reliably. A motorcycle that cannot be ridden onto the ramp may require specialized handling that must be pre-arranged. Let your SAC coordinator know if there are any mechanical issues before booking, not on pickup day.

Keep the fuel level low before transport, approximately one quarter of a tank or less. A full tank adds unnecessary weight and is not needed for the transport process. Most carriers require no more than a quarter tank for safety and load weight reasons.

Make sure there is enough fuel to start and ride the motorcycle off the carrier at delivery. If your destination is in a remote area without a gas station nearby, you can have fuel waiting rather than relying on the transport fuel level. Communicate any fuel-related concerns to your SAC coordinator if your motorcycle has a very small tank or a quirky fuel system.

Before pickup day, confirm that there is adequate access for the carrier at your pickup and delivery locations. Motorcycle carriers vary in size: some are enclosed trailers, others are flatbeds. Make sure there is room to safely maneuver and load the bike at both ends of the shipment.

On pickup day, have the motorcycle in a stable, upright position and in a location where the driver can easily access it for loading. If your motorcycle is in a garage with a tight entrance or on a raised platform, communicate this to your SAC coordinator in advance so the right carrier with the right equipment is assigned. Good preparation on pickup day makes the entire process faster and smoother for everyone.