Motorcycles are a great way to explore a new destination, and what could be better than doing it on a tour with expert guides who know the area?
Motorcycle tours are designed to give you the best possible experience of a place, and they include stops at popular tourist attractions and some off-the-beaten-path locations. A lot of motorcycle touring companies offer bikes to rent, however, if you have a highly customized bike that’s just right for you, or a three-wheeled motorcycle, shipping your own bike to the tour start can be a great option. (Be sure to check with your tour organizer to make sure this is allowed!) Shipping your motorcycle is a fairly straightforward process, and it can be done in several ways.
Several Reasons to Ship Your Motorcycle To or From a Tour
First of all, it’s a great way to save time and energy. If you’re touring on a bike with low miles, a sport bike or a vintage motorcycle, for example, you might not want to have to ride your bike all the way to the starting point of the tour. The extra mileage to and from the motorcycle tour start adds wear and tear to your bike and takes up valuable touring and vacation time. It also saves your valuable vacation time so you can do more riding at your destination.
Shipping your motorcycle is also a great way to ensure that it arrives safely at its destination. If you’re shipping your bike to a tour, the shipping company will usually provide insurance for the motorcycle while in transit. This means if anything happens to the bike, you’ll be covered.
Sometimes, shipping your own motorcycle can be cheaper than renting a bike at the tour’s destination, especially if it’s a popular destination in the high season…so if you’re on a budget, shipping your own bike might be an option.
Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Motorcycle
The first thing you need to do is ensure that the company you’re using is reputable and has a good track record. This is important because you want to be sure that your bike will arrive safely at its destination. Check their reputation for getting your motorcycle to its destination on time, too.
Companies like A1 Auto Transport have a good reputation, are reliable and have maintained an excellent delivery record for many years.
You also need to make sure that you have the proper documentation for your motorcycle. This includes a bill of sale, proof of insurance and a title. If you’re shipping your bike overseas, you’ll also need a customs declaration.
Finally, you need to make sure that your bike is in good condition before shipping it. This means that you should have it serviced by a qualified mechanic before it reaches its destination just to make sure you are good to go.
Things to Consider in Preparing Your Motorcycle for Shipping
If you’re shipping your motorcycle to a tour, here are a few things you need to do to prepare it for transport.
- Make sure that your bike is in good condition.
- Remove all of your personal belongings from the bike.
- Make sure that the gas tank is no more than half full.
- Disconnect the battery and any other electrical components.
- Secure any loose parts with tape or zip ties.
- Cover your bike with a tarp or blanket to protect it from the elements.
These are just a few things you need to think about to prepare your bike for shipping. For more information, check with the company you’re using to transport the bike.
Tips for Traveling With a Motorcycle
When touring, there are a few things you need to keep in mind if you’re traveling with a motorcycle.
- Make sure you have the proper documentation for your bike.
- Plan your route carefully.
- Pack lightly.
- Be prepared for breakdowns.
- Follow the rules of the road.
These are just a few tips for traveling with a motorcycle. Of course, shipping your bike to a tour will make the process much easier, but it’s still important to be prepared for your motorcycle trip.
FAQs About Shipping Motorcycles
Q: What is the process for shipping a motorcycle?
A: The process for shipping a motorcycle varies depending on the company you’re using. Most companies will require you to fill out some paperwork, including a bill of sale and proof of insurance.
Q: How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle?
A: The cost of shipping a motorcycle will depend on the distance of the shipment and the size of the bike. A shorter distance doesn’t always mean significant savings…it often only costs incrementally more to ship it all the way across the country.
Q: How long does it take to ship a motorcycle?
A: It typically takes 1-2 weeks to ship a motorcycle within the United States and 3-4 weeks to ship a bike internationally. Ask your carrier what kind of guarantee they make (if any).
Q: What is the insurance coverage for shipping a motorcycle?
A: Most companies that ship motorcycles provide insurance coverage for the bike while in transit and in their care. This coverage should cover the entire value of the bike.
Q: What should I do if my motorcycle is damaged during shipping?
A: If your motorcycle is damaged during shipping, you should immediately contact the company you’re using and report the damage. A claim will be filed, and the company will work to resolve the issue.
Conclusion
Shipping your motorcycle can be a great way to make your motorcycle tour easier and more enjoyable. It also ensures that your bike arrives safely at its destination.
So if you’re thinking of shipping your motorcycle to or from a tour, be sure to keep these things in mind. The tips we’ve provided will help you prepare your bike for shipping and make the process as smooth as possible.
And if you have any questions, be sure to contact the company you’re using to ship the bike. They’ll be happy to help.
Happy Travels!
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