Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi guys, I am about to buy a motorcycle and need to ship it myself. I don't know anything about shipping a motorcycle myself, I don't have a truck and I don't know exactly what tools or supplies I need. Does anyone know what exactly I need to ship a bike, cuz if I don't have it I'll buy the materials or at least rent them. Thanks for the help.

Are you shipping it domestically?

If so, you might just rent a Ryder (whateler) truck. If you go through a shipper, it is going to be freight, and won't be cheap.

Ryder has full-sized trucks, or better yet, one of their panel trucks - then you get an enclosed area. No bird crap or flying rocks... or rain.

As far as equipment, you'll need a ramp, and if it is a narrow ramp, you'll need a friend. Yet another plus for the panel truck - built in 3 ft wide ramp.

You'll need compression straps and soft ties. Soft ties are figure eights of the same material backpac straps are made of. Slip knot (?) these around the handlebars. Secure compression straps to truck, other end to soft ties. Tighten them, them put some weight on the forks and tighten compression straps again - now it will be solid (release carefully when it is time).

I don't know what freight shipping will cost you, but I would say it would be steeper than the truck rental, plus you have to meet the truck somewhere, and with many trucking companies, truckers do not unload... which, if the pull up to your house, could create a whole new probblem.

--David

I once dug up all the info, but dont have time to dig it up again... If a freight company is shipping your bike, there are certain regulations that must be met. try googling for info and you will find specifications for prepping the bike. short and sweet: Fuel must be drained. You can get a motorcycle shipping crate from a local bike dealer. They break them down and reuse them at times. Either that or a shipping pallet, with blocks to hold the wheels and to tied down securely, etc. there are a few tricks to follow to ease things through...

Your best bet would be to call a few frieght companies and see what they want you to do. Another option depending on your time and the difference in cost is to fly to the location and ride it home. Provided of course your not shipping over a large body of water.