With so many amazing bike rallies out there to attend, the time commitment needed for each one may just be too great for some people, especially if it means biking across the country. It can take days to get there, and after only a few days at the rally, you have to make the long trip home. For owners who want to have their bikes at the rally but cannot spend the time riding it there, shipping a motorcycle ahead of time may be the best option. This allows you to spend more time enjoying the event instead of having to cut your trip short to get home. Here are a few tips for successfully transporting your bike so you can go to all the rallies you have always dreamed of:

Timing:

Make sure you allow enough time to get your bike to the rally, especially if it needs to be shipped from coast to coast. This can take anywhere from 10-15 days, while shipping it up and down the coast takes about 3-10 days. Work out all of the pick-up and drop-off logistics ahead of time with your carrier. Maintain frequent contact with your carrier to avoid confusion and stay abreast of any change in plans.

Check References:

Your motorcycle is a very important part of your life, and you would not want to send it with someone that you do not trust. Any company should be able to provide multiple references, preferably previous customers that shipped their motorcycle with them, so you know that the company has experience with bikes and a good reputation. You can also ask the Better Business Bureau for their records to avoid fraudulent carriers.

Insurance:

Your personal policy does not cover damage that may be incurred during shipping. The carrier should offer a minimum amount of insurance, and you can verify this by asking for a copy of their insurance certificate. This information can be double-checked with the insurance company listed on the certificate or at www.safersys.org. While carriers should have at least the amount of insurance required by law, this will most likely not cover the entire value of your motorcycle. If the bike is especially valuable, you may want to purchase additional insurance, which may be provided by the carrier. If not, they may refer you to a third-party insurance company.

Trailer Types:

Motorcycles can be shipped on either open or enclosed trailers. Because of a motorcycle’s small size and vulnerability to the elements, enclosed trailers are the safest method of transport, especially if the bike will be travelling over a long distance or through extreme weather conditions. Valuable motorcycles should always be transported in an enclosed trailer, as they not only protect from damage, but help prevent theft as well. Although enclosed trailers are the safest, carriers who use them are not as flexible on scheduling since many can transport multiple bikes at a time and may already have other shipments scheduled for the same trailer. When you are on a very specific timeline, such as when you need your bike to the rally right on time, an open trailer may be your best option. They are still very safe, especially if the bike will only be travelling a few hundred miles, and will not be exposed for damage or theft for very long.

Preparing Your Bike:

Some carriers will require that you drain your fuel tank and disconnect your battery before transport. Check with your carrier about their policy on this to ensure that pick-up goes smoothly. Also, do not leave personal items stored in your bike, as they are not covered by insurance, and transporters are not responsible if they are lost or damaged along the way. Make sure you inspect your bike thoroughly and take inventory of any existing scratches or dings before handing it off. Taking pictures of your bike from several different angles is also a good idea so that companies cannot claim that damage acquired during shipping was already there. To make things easier, also be sure to inflate your tires and fix any leaks.

Shipping your motorcycle to rallies can save you a lot of time, and with the price of gas so high right now, it can even save you money. Have a great time at all the upcoming rallies. Ride safe!