How to Transport a Motorcycle: Options, Costs, & Tips

If you're moving with a motorcycle, you'll want to figure out how to get it to your new destination safely. Whether you decide to move the bike yourself or hire a professional moving company, learn more about how to transport a motorcycle efficiently and safely.

Determine Your Options for Transporting a Motorcycle

There are two major approaches to transporting a motorcycle to another city or a state: DIY motorcycle moving using a trailer, tow dolly, or moving truck, and hiring a professional motorcycle shipping company to handle the move for you. Here's a quick overview of the main transport methods and where each tends to fit:

Cost estimates based on industry averages. Actual rates vary by route, season, and carrier.

DIY Motorcycle Transport

If you're already renting a moving truck or towing a vehicle, transporting your motorcycle yourself can be an easy way to save money. Each DIY method has its own requirements, so it's important to understand what's involved before you commit to a single type of motorcycle transport.

Motorcycle Trailer

Using a motorcycle trailer is one of the easiest ways to transport a motorcycle during a move. These trailers are specifically designed to hold bikes securely and often include wheel chocks and tie-down points sized for motorcycles. Most cross-country motorcycle trailer rentals cost roughly $400–$500. Before renting a trailer, make sure your tow vehicle has a compatible hitch and that the trailer’s weight rating can safely accommodate your motorcycle. When loading, position the bike in the center of the trailer with the front wheel in the chock. Use at least four soft loop straps—two at the handlebars or triple tree, two at the rear—and compress the suspension slightly so the bike doesn't bounce loose in transit. And don't forget to check the strap tension after the first 30 minutes of driving and periodically throughout the trip.

Moving Truck

If you're already renting a moving truck, some rental companies allow you to load a motorcycle into the cargo area alongside your other belongings. This can be a cost-efficient option since you're not paying for a separate vehicle. Before loading your motorcycle, drain the fuel tank to 1/4 full or less. This is both a fire safety requirement for most carriers and a practical precaution. Once loaded, secure the bike upright using ratchet straps anchored to the truck's cargo rails, with the front wheel chocked. Motorcycles should always be transported upright because laying a bike on its side risks battery acid leakage and oil entering the combustion chamber, which can cause significant engine damage. Before renting, don't forget to calculate the moving truck size you'll need.

Tow Dolly

A tow dolly lifts the front wheel of your motorcycle off the ground while the rear wheel rolls. This option can work for lighter bikes and shorter distances, and rentals typically cost around $150–$300. However, tow dollies generally offer less stability than trailers and may not be ideal for heavier touring motorcycles or long-distance transport.

Hire a Trustworthy Motorcycle Shipping Company

When riding across the country isn't possible for you, or if you'd rather hand off the logistics entirely to the professionals, hiring professional motorcycle shippers can be an option for you. Motorcycle shipping companies will pick up your bike at your door and deliver it to your new address. Here are some tips for finding a motorcycle shipping company that best suits your needs.

How to Find & Vet a Carrier

Start by getting quotes from at least three companies. Most reputable brokers offer instant online motorcycle shipping quotes, and comparing a few helps you establish a realistic baseline and flag outliers that seem unusually low. When evaluating companies, look for the following:

• FMCSA Registration: All legitimate motorcycle carriers must be registered with the

  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify any carrier's DOT or MC number before booking.

• Insurance Coverage: Confirm the carrier's cargo insurance policy and ask about the deductible. Some brokers offer additional gap coverage for an added fee.

• Customer Reviews: Check multiple platforms like Google, Transport Reviews, and Better Business Bureau rather than relying on reviews hosted on the company's own site.

• Guaranteed VS. Estimated Quotes: Many carriers provide estimates that can change at pickup. A binding or price-locked quote removes that uncertainty.

What to Expect at Pickup and Delivery

At pickup, the carrier will conduct a pre-shipment inspection and document the bike's condition on a Bill of Lading. Review this carefully and note any existing scratches, dents, or cosmetic issues before signing. Any discrepancies between pickup and delivery conditions should be noted on the Bill of Lading immediately and reported to the carrier.

Choose Between Open and Enclosed Motorcycle Transport

When shipping professionally, one of the key decisions is whether to use open or enclosed transport. Open carriers are one of the most common and affordable motorcycle shipping options. Your bike will be secured on an open carrier along with other vehicles or motorcycles. Enclosed trailers keep your bike fully sheltered from weather, debris, and road conditions, which comes at a higher price but can be well worth it depending on your bike. Based on industry averages, open transport tends to cost around $780, while enclosed runs closer to $1,080.

Consider Motorcycle Shipping Costs

The cost to transport a motorcycle typically ranges from $200 to $1,300, depending on several factors such as:

• Shipping distance

• Type of transport (open vs enclosed)

• Motorcycle size and weight

• Pickup and delivery locations

• Time of year and carrier availability

Because motorcycles take up significantly less trailer space than a full vehicle, professional shipping can be a manageable add-on to your moving budget. The table below shows estimated motorcycle shipping cost ranges by distance for both open and enclosed professional transport:

Estimates based on industry averages. Cross-country quotes from Navi Auto Transport support the upper end of the ranges shown. Actual rates vary by carrier, route, and season.

Watch Out for Hidden Fees

Some motorcycle shipping companies may charge additional fees beyond the initial quote. Common add-ons can include residential pickup or delivery, long-term storage if the bike isn’t collected right away, crating or packing for extra protection, or liftgate service if specialized loading equipment is required. You may also encounter charges for redelivery attempts if you miss the delivery window or for additional insurance coverage on high-value motorcycles. Before booking, ask the carrier for a full breakdown of potential fees so you know exactly what’s included in your quote.

Prepare Your Motorcycle for Transport

Whether you're loading the bike yourself or handing it to a carrier, preparation reduces the risk of damage and makes the pickup and delivery process significantly smoother. The steps differ slightly depending on your method.

Before Pickup or Loading

Before transporting your motorcycle, take time to prepare the bike for the trip. Start by washing and inspecting it thoroughly so you can easily identify any existing scratches or cosmetic damage. Check the tire pressure and top it up if needed, and reduce the fuel level to about a quarter tank or less to minimize fire risk during transport. It’s also a good idea to remove loose accessories such as saddlebags, GPS units, or mirrors if possible, as these items can shift during transit. Finally, deactivate any alarm systems and remove helmets or riding gear so they can be packed separately.

Documentation

Documenting your motorcycle’s condition is an important step before shipping or loading it. Take clear photos from multiple angles to capture the bike’s overall condition, including any existing damage. Write down the motorcycle’s mileage before handing it off to a carrier and review the Bill of Lading carefully during pickup and delivery inspections. You should also confirm the carrier’s insurance coverage before releasing the bike and request a copy of their FMCSA or DOT registration number. Keeping a record of the carrier’s name, contact information, and estimated delivery window can also help you stay organized during the shipping process.

For DIY Motorcycle Transport

If you’re transporting the motorcycle yourself, make sure your equipment can safely handle the bike. Start by confirming that the trailer or towing setup has an appropriate weight rating for your motorcycle. When loading the bike, place the front wheel securely into a wheel chock and use straps to secure the handlebars on both sides. Soft loop straps should be attached to the handlebars or frame rather than the suspension to avoid unnecessary strain. The motorcycle should always remain upright during transport, and you should stop periodically on long drives to check the tie-down straps and ensure they remain tight.

For Professional Shipping

When shipping your motorcycle with a professional carrier, there are a few extra steps to consider. Lowering the fuel level before pickup is typically required by most transport companies, and some carriers may recommend disconnecting the battery for long-distance shipments. Before the motorcycle is loaded, confirm pickup and delivery details with the driver so you know the expected timeline and contact information in case you need updates during transit.

Find Motorcycle Storage Options

Shipping a motorcycle across the country may not always make sense and can be too expensive for those looking to keep moving costs down. If you won't be riding your motorcycle regularly at your new destination, renting motorcycle storage may be a good option to keep your belongings safe as you transition.

Motorcycle Shipping & Transport FAQs

What is the cheapest way to transport a motorcycle?

Open transport booked at least two to three weeks in advance and outside of peak season tends to produce the lowest professional shipping rates. For DIY, a motorcycle trailer included in a moving truck rental can be the most cost-effective if you're already making the drive.

Is motorcycle shipping cheaper than car shipping?

Generally, yes. Motorcycles take up significantly less space on a transport carrier than a full vehicle, which is a key factor in how shipping costs are calculated. Cross-country motorcycle shipping can run $700–$1,200 depending on the carrier, route, and transport type.

Is open motorcycle transport safe?

Open transport is used by professional motorcycle shipping companies and is considered standard practice for durable, everyday bikes. That said, your bike will be exposed to weather and road debris throughout the journey, so bikes with custom paint, chrome, or finish-sensitive surfaces tend to do better in enclosed transport.

How long does it take to ship a motorcycle?

Most domestic shipments take 7–14 days, with cross-country routes sometimes running up to 21 days depending on the carrier's schedule and route. Expedited options are available at a higher cost if you need a tighter delivery window.

Can I transport a motorcycle in a pickup truck bed?

Most motorcycles are too long for a standard-bed pickup, and loading a bike at an angle creates strap placement challenges. A dedicated trailer or a full-size moving truck tends to be a more secure option for most bikes.

Should I ship my motorcycle or drive it myself when moving?

For long-distance moves of 500 miles or more, professional shipping tends to be more cost-effective once you factor in fuel, lodging, food, and the wear on your bike. For shorter moves, DIY options like a trailer rental can be the more practical option.

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Planning on moving? Check out our Extra Space Storage Moving Hub for more relocation guides! And if you're in need of vehicle storage, we have conveniently located storage facilities across the US that offer motorcycle storage! Find a storage facility near you today!