How to prepare your Motorcycle for Shipping

The cheapest, most straightforward way to get your bike relocated without a scratch is by hiring a professional motorcycle transportation company like Cheap Motorcycle Shipping. When you’re in the process of a move, you’re busy juggling so many things. You’re probably preparing for a new job in your new location and trying to get settled into your new home or rental. No matter what, you’re being pulled in so many directions, that adding just one more thing to your plate is the last thing you need. Having a professional company handle the transportation of your motorcycle will make relocation a little less stressful. After you’ve got a quote that meets your satisfaction and you accept, the next step in the motorcycle shipping process is to schedule your pick up and drop off date, time, and place. Once you agree to the price, conditions, and terms of the transportation, we’ll book your shipment asap to avoid any inconveniences and hiccups in your relocation plans. We’ll also assign a professional customer service agent to your purchase who can answer any additional questions you have.

Transporting A Motorcycle:

If you are undergoing a sudden move across the country, buying a new motorcycle, or selling the one you own, auto transport services can make your life simpler. In the case of a move, one major challenge is getting all your belongings to the new house. Your motorcycle will need to get to the new home, as well.

Option 1: Use a truck and trailer:

This option would require you to either rent all the necessary equipment (i.e., truck and motorcycle trailer) from a rental company if you do not already own the items. Rental fees can add up to $400 or more. Plus, you have to do everything yourself. If you are not using a rental the company, you would need to purchase or have straps, a wheel chock, and other necessary items used to secure your bike in place.

Option 2: Drive the motorcycle to its destination:

If the motorcycle needs to being transported a short distance, such as around town, then driving is a viable solution. However, when you plan on driving the bike a longer distance, you must take into account inclement weather and the cost of fuel. Driving across the country may not be something you have time for in your busy schedule.

Option 3: Hire a reliable auto transport company:

This is the ideal solution for transporting a motorcycle. All the work is done for you when you hire an auto transport company, such as Ship-A1. You do not have to worry about buying any equipment. We have all the necessary items to transport your motorcycle safely to any destination in the United States. Using an auto transport company is the best way to get your motorcycle from your current home to your new one. Whether you are buying, selling, or moving a bike, it is good to know how to prepare for transport properly. Continue reading to find out what exactly needs to be done before the driver arrives at your door.

Preparing for Transport:

Similar to an automobile, a motorcycle must be equipped for auto transport. These preparation tasks are necessary for smooth transportation from start to finish. Making ahead of time reduces the chances of any damages occurring to the bike in transit.

After booking transport services, you should be provided with a set of instructions on what to do before pickup. Here, we have outlined what you need to do, so you know the basics beforehand.

Check the steps out below:

Clean your motorcycle. Although it is nice to have a clean bike, this step is more critical before completing a visual inspection. Driving your motorcycle exposes it to several elements, including dirt, dust, and grime. A clean motorbike is necessary to identify any dents, scratches, or paint chips. This is important in case any damages were to occur during transport, but this is extremely unlikely.

Complete a thorough inspection:

You should conduct a complete investigation of your motorcycle, recording any mechanical problems in addition to cosmetic issues. Take pictures of the bike from various angles, and document the current mileage. Make sure that the bike is in good working condition. If it is not operable, just let us know. Look for fluid leaks. If you have any holes, you will want to get these fixed ahead of time.

Leave 1/4 Tank of Gas:

In most cases, for moving the truck, some fuel is needed. A large amount of gas in the tank adds extra weight to transport.

Secure loose Parts:

 Remove or secure any loose parts on the motorcycle. This would include such items as saddlebags. This is solely for safety reasons to prevent damage to the bike while transporting. The auto transport company is not responsible for costs from these items or if these items were lost.

Check the Tire Pressure:

The motorbike’s tires should contain the appropriate amount of air in them. Therefore, make sure that each tire is inflated adequately before transport.

Remove Personal Items:

Check under the seats and inside the saddlebags. Make sure that you take out all personal belongings. Write down any special instructions. If there are any tricks and tips that the driver should know about your bike, make a note of them. Give this to the driver upon his arrival to keep for his records.

Hiring the Right Company

We understand that you want to find a reliable company to transport one of your most prized possessions. You want a company that provides the best customer service, offers affordable pricing and delivers the bike safely and on-time. You can put your trust in Ship-A1 we will treat your vehicle as if it were our own, giving you security and peace of mind.

Open Vs. Enclosed Auto Transport:

 Free Auto Transport is the less expensive option of the two. If traveling a long distance, it is better to use enclosed shipping for your motorcycle. Enclosed Auto Transport provides added protection from a variety of weather conditions, including rain and snow, as well as shields the bike from road elements.

Door-To-Door Shipping:

 We provide door-to-door shipping services. This means that we do our very best to pick up and deliver the vehicle directly to you. Some residential areas with narrow streets can make this difficult. In such cases, the driver will communicate with you to decide on a nearby location to meet.

Insurance: 

Ship-A1 offers insured, licensed, and expedited auto transport services. There is no need to purchase individual coverage for transport. In addition to what we offer, check with your auto insurance provider to see what it is and is not covered on your vehicle when transporting.

Preparing for Motorcycle Season:

You have been waiting all year for this moment. It is the moment when you get to remove the cover from your bike, dust it off, and take it for a ride. It is finally the motorcycle season. Before you jump on the back of your Harley, there are a few things that you must take care of. Let’s bring your bike back to life with a quick tune-up and some general maintenance.

Check Out this To-Do list to Prepare your Motorcycle for the Season:

Check the Fuel System. The fuel system is composed of many parts, including the fuel pump, fuel tank, fuel rail, fuel injectors, throttle, and fuel lines. Check the fuel lines and fittings for cracks and leaks. Get these repaired if any exist. Replace the fuel filter and inspect the fuel tank. If the motorcycle contains ancient fuel, consider draining and replacing it with fresh fuel. Check and clean the carburetor, as well. Top off the fluids. You will want to change the oil and filter. You should change your motorcycle oil approximately every 3,000 miles. Besides, you should check the coolant level to ensure that it is filled to an appropriate amount. Check your brake fluid, which should be changed every one to two years. You need your braking system to be reliable. Inspect the hoses and belts. It is essential to properly maintain the belts and hoses so that your motorcycle runs appropriately. These parts ensure the internal components move about and work as they should. Look for cracks, leaks, weak spots, and other signs of wear in your bike’s hoses and belts. Replace the parts, if needed. You do not want to be left stranded on the side of the road. Charge the battery. The battery is a common cause of a breakdown. Keep the battery fully charged. Recharge as necessary when you see visible signs, such as dimming lights. Test the battery with a hydrometer or voltmeter. If it is having difficulty holding a charge, it may be time for a replacement. Check the brakes. Having brakes that you can count on is essential for your safety. You depend on your brakes to slow you down when you need it. Check the brake pads, because it may be time for new ones. Also, look at the brake lines to see if there are any cracks or leaks. Inspect the tires. Perform a visual inspection on the tires to look for cracks, bulging, punctures, or any other signs of damage. Use a tire gauge to check the air pressure before you start riding. Your owner’s manual should contain the recommended PSI level for the tires. Add air, if necessary. You should also check each tire’s tread. Tread is essential when riding in wet conditions. Check the Electrical System. You want to make sure that all the switches, lights, and gauges are working correctly. Therefore, you should test the turn signals, headlamp, rear brake light, and horn. Views are crucial for visibility, while turn signals notify other drivers of your intentions. Change the air filter. Air filters keep harmful particles from entering your engine. There are several different types of air filters, including paper, foam, and cotton. The cleaning and maintenance will vary depending on which filter your motorcycle contains. Some can be cleaned and reused, while others must be tossed when they become dirty with debris.