vintage motorcycle prepared for shipping

How To Ship a Vintage Motorcycle

Summary

Anyone who’s ever owned a vintage motorcycle will appreciate how precious it can be. It might be a beast, but it’s also your baby and deserves to receive special tender loving care and attention at all times. But what if you need it moved somewhere and riding is not an option? 

In this post, we will look at one option: vintage motorcycle shipping. Many situations might call for motorcycle shipping, for example:

  • You’ve bought a vintage motorcycle online and need to get it home.
  • You’re relocating across the country, and it’s too far to ride all the way.
  • Your baby needs to get to a specialist repair shop.
  • You want to save miles, wear, and tear on your bike.
  • You’re a dealership or online store specializing in vintage or classic motorcycles.
  • You’re a private buyer or seller.
  • You’re a collector who needs to transport your bike to a show or auction, such as the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Show.

The benefits of shipping your vintage motorcycle

If you’re a little unsure about shipping your vintage motorcycle, that’s perfectly understandable. After all, it’s your pride and joy, and every minute it’s out of your sight is a worry. However, there are many reasons why you should seriously consider motorcycle shipping.

It’s fast

A big concern for someone thinking about motorcycle shipping services is the time it will take. However, one of the biggest benefits of shipping your vintage motorcycle with the best motorcycle shipping company is that it will reach its destination much faster. 

Shipping company drivers are experts and know the fastest routes. So they’ll ensure your motorcycle reaches its destination on time. 

It’s much safer than riding

Motorcycle shipping services are much safer in two ways. Firstly, when you don’t have to rise all the way, you avoid the chances of any accidents or mishaps along the way. Secondly, you don’t have to worry about your vintage motorcycle getting scratched, dirty, or coming loose during transit. 

Generally, motorcycle transport companies use enclosed boxes to ship vehicles from one location to another safely. 

It gives you peace of mind

Hire a reputable motorcycle shopping company, and you can rest assured that your motorcycle will be delivered in a timely and safe manner. From loading the classic bike to transporting and finally unloading, the motorcycle shipping company takes care of it all.  

It saves time

You’re going to save a lot of time if you haven’t got to ride your vintage motorcycle to its final destination. Even the most comfortable bike can only be ridden for a few hours at a time, so a long journey could take days. So shipping your motorcycle will save a lot of time. 

In addition, you won’t have to take time off work to move your motorcycle from one location to another. 

Vintage motorcycle shipping cost

Many factors can impact the cost of a motorcycle delivery service. They include:

  • Distance
  • Make, model, and type of motorcycle
  • Value of motorcycle
  • Location
  • Delivery timeframe
  • Motorcycle condition
  • Time of year

Let’s give you a few examples of how much it might cost.

DistanceType of transportAverage price per mileSample distanceSample price
0-799 milesenclosed$1.42700 miles$995
800-1499 milesenclosed$0.841300 miles$1095
1500-2399 milesenclosed$0.542200 miles$1,179
2400+ milesenclosed$0.413000 miles$1239

The Avg. price per mile rates shown up above are reflective of current market conditions as of January 2020. The rates are subject to change due to seasonal fluctuations, cost of gas, pick-up/delivery locations, etc.

How to move a motorcycle in 3 simple steps

Step 1: Get a motorcycle shipping quote and book your order

The first step is to get a motorcycle shipping quote using our instant quote calculator. Alternatively, you can determine the motorcycle shipping cost by speaking with our shipping advisors by phone or Live Chat

Your motorcycle shipping quote is all-inclusive. So when you’re ready to make your booking, all you’ve got to do is click on the link in the emailed quote to complete your booking. 

Step 2: We pick up your motorcycle

You’ll be contacted a few hours before the scheduled pick-up time to make sure someone is available to release the motorcycle. You and the driver carefully inspect the bike when it is picked up. Remember to note any damage on the Bill of Lading. 

Your vintage motorcycle will then be carefully loaded onto the motorcycle shipping trailer. 

Step 3: You receive your motorcycle

You’ll receive your motorcycle in just a few days. The motorcycle transport company will contact you a few hours before they’re due to arrive to make sure you’re available. When they deliver your motorcycle, closely inspect it to ensure everything is in order. 

Getting your vintage motorcycle ready for its journey

As with any vehicle, preparing your vintage motorcycle property for its journey is essential. Here are some tips on what you can do.

  • Remove any and all side bags, hard-shell cases, and other removable accessories.
  • Remove any personal items or belongings.
  • Deactivate any alarms, so they don’t cause any problems during shipping.
  • Check the tires to ensure they’re adequately inflated.
  • Remove any fluids from the motorcycle.
  • Unplug the battery, remove it if possible, and store it in a safe place
  • Wash your motorcycle, as this will allow you to notice any damage, which you should take photographs of. 

Whether you want to transport your vintage motorcycle to the other side of the state or across the country, SGT Auto Transport is ready and capable of assisting you with all aspects of your vintage bike shipping needs.

Our accomplished team of shipping advisors has years of experience and will find you the best deal. 

Contact us on (864) 546-5038 or use Live Chat and get your instant quote today.

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