how to ship a motorcycle with confidence and speed

Plan the move, then commit

Set pickup and delivery windows, route, and budget. Fewer variables mean fewer surprises. Confirm who can release and receive the bike.

Prep the bike

• Wash lightly; photos show condition clearly.
• Record VIN, mileage, and timestamped photos.
• Measure width; note weight for quotes.
• Fuel at quarter tank; check for leaks.
• Disconnect battery if required; remove loose accessories.
• Bag small parts; keep a spare key.

Choose transport

Open is cheaper; enclosed adds weather and theft protection. Crated keeps it fixed; roll-on is faster, provided secure strapping.

• Ask for cargo insurance proof and declared value.
• Verify authority and recent motorcycle references.
• Clarify liftgate, access, and transit ETA.

Pickup to delivery: the flow

1. Book, get a written order, share contacts.
2. At pickup, walk-around, document, sign the BOL.
3. In transit, request concise updates (daily is enough).
4. At delivery, inspect before signing; note exceptions.
5. If damage appears - unlikely - document and notify within 24 hours.

You hand keys to a driver at a Denver storage unit; he scans the VIN, sets a chock, snugs the soft ties, you snap a quick photo as the liftgate rises. Simple, trustworthy.

Confidence checks

• Tracking link or proactive texts - usually plenty.
• Two to four hour windows; traffic may slide slightly.
• Clear, firm communication; just status and times.

Do the prep, verify the carrier, follow the flow. The bike arrives ready to ride.