Whether buying a new bike, taking your bike with you to a new home, or going to a rally too far to ride to, shipping your motorcycle may be necessary in many situations. It can be very hard to find a good, trustworthy carrier if you do not know what you are looking for or where to start. Here are some helpful tips to safely and successfully transport your bike:

Ask Around

There is a good chance that one of your friends has needed a similar service in the past and used someone they would recommend to you. This may be the best place to start when looking for motorcycle transporters since you know that someone you trust had a good experience with them. You can also try asking local motorcycle clubs or posting on forums to find recommendations.

Check References

Many motorcycles have a lot of monetary and sentimental value to their riders, so you would not want to send them with a carrier you do not trust. Most companies should be able to provide multiple positive references. Make sure these references are specific to motorcycles so you know the company has experience with bikes and a good reputation. This is especially important for bikes since they require special shipping needs and most carriers should have specific experience to know how to safely transport motorcycles.

Trailers

Motorcycles are shipped on either open or enclosed trailers. Enclosed trailers are best when the motorcycle is very valuable, will be travelling a long distance or through extreme weather conditions, or if you have a very flexible timeline. Booking an enclosed trailer can be difficult since they often hold more than one bike, so you may have to work around the driver’s previously scheduled deliveries. Open trailers are safe if your bike is not going very far since it will not be subjected to prolonged exposure to the elements or thieves. They also provide you with more flexibility when scheduling the transport since most open trailer carriers do not carry a large number of motorcycles.

Door to Door Shipping

Most motorcycle shipping is door-to-door. This does not always mean that the carrier will come straight to your door as some large companies have trucks that are too big to fit on residential streets. You may have to meet them in a nearby parking lot that can accommodate large trucks. If they will be picking up or dropping off the bike at night, make sure there is enough light available to thoroughly inspect the bike for damage.

Insurance

Your personal policy will not cover your bike when it is being shipped. Your carrier should offer a minimum amount of coverage, but this will most likely not cover the full value of the bike. If your bike is very valuable, you may want to purchase additional insurance. Your carrier may be able to provide this or refer you to a third-party insurance company. You can verify the insurance your carrier offers by asking for a copy of their insurance certificate. Double-check the coverage with the insurance company listed on the certificate or with the Department of Transportation at www.safersys.org.

Preparing Your Bike

Carriers are not responsible for lost or stolen accessories, so make sure to remove everything before the carrier arrives, including anything you may have been storing in the bike. Also, check the company’s policies since some require a drained or empty fuel tank and disconnected battery before transport. Inspect the bike thoroughly at pick-up and drop off, and take inventory of any scratches or dings. Taking pictures of your bike from several angles will help document the existing damage and prevent claims that damage incurred during shipping was already there.

When riding your bike to your destination is not a feasible option, shipping your motorcycle can really come in handy. With gas prices so high and still rising now, it can also save you money! Good luck and safe riding!

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Motorcycle Shipping

Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer is looking for European growth with it’s acquisition of Italian bikemaker MV Agusta for $108 million. The announcement on August 8th is Harley’s second attempt to get into the sportbike segment after it’s purchase of American motorcycle manufacturer Buell ten years ago.
With the weak dollar, Harley has seen double digit growth in European markets as of late but without a favored brand in the sportbike segment - which accounts for over 80% of motorcycle purchases across the pond - H-D is only fighting for scraps. Buells are relatively unknown and untrusted outside the United States.

Sales of Harley-Davidsons in the United States, the second largest motorcycle market after China, have floundered in the wake of the credit crisis. While overall sales of motorcycles and scooters have skyrocketed because of high gas prices, riders are preferring foreign, mainly smaller Japanese machines with lower purchase prices.

Whether or not this marks a turn for Harley away from it’s focus on iconic touring motorcycles with 20th century looks to more modern technology and appearance is too early to predict. What I can tell you is that you still won’t be able to pick up a cheap “Harley". MV Agustas start at $15,000 and can cost 6 figures for a limited edition.

A great ride for those in the East Bay or San Francisco is down to Sunol. Starting from Highway 24 take the Old Tunnel Road exit. Old Tunnel Road turns into Skyline Blvd which winds its way through several East Bay Regional Parks. Hang a left on Redwood Road and you will carve through a redwood lined valley and climb up over a ridge and descend into Castro Valley. Cross the freeway and get onto Palomares Road. Palomares winds through oak trees and farmland, the rolling hills guiding your way. You will pass old barns and vineyards and eventually enter a steep forested ravine. This tells you that you are getting close to the intersection of Niles Canyon Road. Left on Niles and follow the signs to Sunol.

Sunol is an odd place. A small town surrounded by cities. It is the only place I know of that elected a Labrador retriever named Bosco as mayor. They reelected him to office several times but unfortunately he died while in office. There are two decent restaurants in town, a cafe next to the railroad tracks and Bosco’s, named after the departed mayor. After a bite, I usually turn around and go back the way I came. If you are in a hurry, 680 is nearby and Niles Canyon will take you to 880 through Union City.