How to Ship a Motorcycle

Whether you just bought a bike online, you're relocating across the country, or you want your motorcycle waiting for you at a rally destination, shipping a motorcycle is often the smartest — and safest — way to get it there. Riding thousands of miles puts wear on your bike (and your body), and towing it yourself means renting a trailer, buying tie-downs, and hoping nothing goes wrong on the highway.

At Lepke Auto Transport, we've been shipping vehicles of all types since 1991 — including motorcycles, cruisers, sport bikes, touring bikes, and custom choppers. This guide covers everything you need to know about motorcycle transport in 2026: how it works, what it costs, how to prepare your bike, and how to choose the right shipping company.

How Motorcycle Shipping Works

Motorcycle shipping follows the same basic framework as shipping a car to another state, but with a few key differences related to how bikes are loaded, secured, and priced.

Here's the process in a nutshell:

1. Get a quote. You provide details about your motorcycle (make, model, running condition) along with your pickup and delivery locations. We provide a guaranteed price — no hidden fees.
2. Schedule your pickup. Once booked, we match your shipment with a carrier equipped to handle motorcycles. You'll receive a pickup window, typically 1–5 business days depending on route availability.
3. Carrier loads and secures your bike. The driver uses soft straps, wheel chocks, and sometimes a motorcycle-specific cradle to secure your bike on the trailer. No chains or hard clamps that could damage your frame or handlebars.
4. Transit and tracking. Your motorcycle travels on the carrier alongside other vehicles. Your dedicated representative at Lepke keeps you updated on transit status — no call centers, no automated messages.
5. Delivery and inspection. At delivery, you inspect your motorcycle against the Bill of Lading (the condition report completed at pickup). If everything checks out, you sign off and pay the remaining balance.

The entire process typically takes 3–10 days for coast-to-coast moves, and 2–5 days for regional shipments. With our door-to-door transport service, the carrier picks up and delivers as close to your location as safely possible.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Motorcycle?

Motorcycle shipping is generally less expensive than shipping a car because bikes take up less space and weigh significantly less. However, costs still vary based on distance, method, and timing.

Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026:

What Affects Motorcycle Shipping Costs?

Several factors influence your final price beyond just distance:

• Motorcycle type and size: A lightweight sport bike (400–500 lbs) costs less to ship than a 900-lb touring bike like a Honda Gold Wing or a Harley-Davidson Road Glide. Trikes and three-wheeled motorcycles cost more because they take up significantly more carrier space.
• Running condition: Non-running motorcycles require manual loading with ramps or a lift, which adds $50–$150 to the cost.
• Transport method: Open trailer, enclosed trailer, or crated shipping each have different price points (more on this below).
• Pickup and delivery locations: Major metro areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Houston have more carrier availability, which keeps prices competitive. Rural areas or off-route locations cost more.
• Season and demand: Spring and summer are peak motorcycle shipping months — riding season means more people are buying, selling, and moving bikes. Prices rise 10–20% during peak months.
• Urgency: Expedited or guaranteed-date shipping costs more than a flexible pickup window.

Motorcycle Transport Methods Compared

Unlike car shipping, which is primarily open vs. enclosed, motorcycle transport offers a few more options:

1. Open Trailer Transport

This is the most common and affordable method. Your motorcycle rides on an open car carrier alongside other vehicles, secured in a wheel chock with soft tie-down straps. It's the same type of carrier used for standard open auto transport.

• Cost: Most affordable option
• Pros: Widely available, fast carrier matching, proven safe for the vast majority of motorcycles
• Cons: Exposed to weather and road debris during transit
• Best for: Standard motorcycles, daily riders, bikes under $15,000 in value

2. Enclosed Trailer Transport

For high-value, custom, or vintage motorcycles, enclosed transport provides complete protection from the elements. Your bike rides inside a fully enclosed trailer, shielded from rain, dust, UV, and road debris.

• Cost: 40–60% more than open transport
• Pros: Maximum protection, higher insurance coverage (up to $150,000), climate-controlled options available
• Cons: Higher cost, fewer carrier options (longer lead times)
• Best for: Custom bikes, vintage and classic motorcycles, bikes valued over $15,000, show bikes

3. Crated Motorcycle Shipping

For maximum protection — especially for rare, irreplaceable, or competition motorcycles — crating involves securing the bike inside a custom wooden or metal crate before loading it onto a freight carrier.

• Cost: Most expensive option ($800–$2,000+ depending on distance and crate type)
• Pros: Highest level of protection, ideal for bikes that cannot be strapped conventionally
• Cons: Requires advance planning, crating fees, and sometimes disassembly of mirrors/handlebars
• Best for: Rare collectibles, race bikes, international prep, extremely high-value customs

Quick Comparison

Not sure which option is right for your bike? Our team can recommend the best method based on your motorcycle's value, type, and your budget. Get a free quote and we'll walk you through the options.

Open vs. Enclosed Motorcycle Shipping

This is the most common decision motorcycle owners face when booking transport, and it comes down to a simple question: what's your bike worth to you?

For a deeper look at how open and enclosed transport compare across all vehicle types, read our full guide: Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport: Which Is Right for Your Vehicle?

Choose open transport if:

• Your motorcycle is a daily rider or standard production model
• The bike's value is under $15,000
• You want the fastest carrier matching and lowest price
• You're comfortable with standard industry insurance coverage

Choose enclosed transport if:

• Your motorcycle is custom-built, vintage, or a collector's piece
• The bike is valued at $15,000 or more
• You're shipping to or from a motorcycle show or auction
• You want premium insurance coverage and zero weather exposure
• You're shipping a high-end exotic bike like a Ducati Panigale V4 or custom Indian

How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Shipping

Proper preparation protects your bike and makes the loading process faster and smoother. Here's a complete checklist:

If you're new to the shipping process entirely, our first-time car shipping guide covers the general logistics that apply to all vehicle types, including motorcycles.

Motorcycle Shipping Insurance: What's Covered

Every legitimate auto transport carrier is required to carry cargo insurance. Here's what that means for your motorcycle:

• Carrier liability insurance covers damage that occurs during loading, transit, and unloading. This is mandated by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
• Open carrier coverage typically protects up to $50,000 per vehicle — more than enough for most motorcycles.
• Enclosed carrier coverage extends up to $150,000, appropriate for high-value customs and collectibles.
• Your personal motorcycle insurance may also provide coverage during transport. Check with your insurer to confirm — some policies cover transit, others don't.

At Lepke Auto Transport, we only work with carriers that meet our strict vetting standards, including verified insurance, safety ratings, and track record. This protects you before a claim ever needs to happen.

Popular Motorcycle Shipping Routes & Costs

Here are estimated costs for some of the most popular motorcycle shipping routes in 2026:

These estimates are for standard motorcycles (sport bikes, cruisers, standard touring bikes) shipped via open transport. Trikes, oversized touring bikes, and enclosed shipping will be higher. Get a personalized quote for your exact motorcycle and route.

Best Time to Ship a Motorcycle

Motorcycle shipping demand follows a predictable seasonal pattern, and timing your shipment wisely can save you real money:

There are also event-driven spikes to watch for. Major motorcycle rallies (Sturgis in August, Daytona Bike Week in March, Laconia in June) create temporary demand surges on specific routes. If you're shipping to or from a rally, book early — carriers fill up fast.

How to Choose a Motorcycle Transport Company

Not all auto transport companies handle motorcycles equally. Here's what to look for — and what to avoid:

Green Flags

• Experience with motorcycles specifically. Ask if their carriers have motorcycle-specific equipment: wheel chocks, soft straps, cradles. A company that ships mostly cars may not have proper securing methods for bikes.
• Locked-in pricing. Your quote shouldn't change between booking and delivery. Lepke Auto Transport guarantees your price from day one — no fuel surcharges, no last-minute increases.
• $0 upfront. You shouldn't pay anything until your motorcycle is assigned to a carrier and dispatch is confirmed. If a company wants a deposit just to "hold your spot," that's a red flag.
• Dedicated representative. You want a real person managing your shipment, not a call center where you explain your situation to a new person every time.
• Verified carrier insurance. Ask for proof that the specific carrier assigned to your motorcycle has active, sufficient insurance coverage.
• Positive reviews. Check Google Reviews, the BBB, and Transport Reviews for real customer experiences.

Red Flags

• Prices that seem too good to be true. A $200 cross-country motorcycle shipment isn't realistic. Low-ball quotes are a classic bait-and-switch tactic — the price goes up once they have your deposit.
• Large upfront deposits. Legitimate brokers don't charge hundreds of dollars upfront. That money is often non-refundable.
• No physical address or USDOT number. Every legitimate transport company has a USDOT and MC number registered with the FMCSA. If they can't provide one, walk away.
• Pressure tactics. "This price is only good for the next hour" is a sales trick, not how professional logistics works.
• No Bill of Lading. If they don't conduct a thorough condition inspection at pickup and delivery, there's no documentation to support a claim if damage occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship a motorcycle that doesn't run?

Yes. Non-running motorcycles can be shipped, but they require special loading equipment (a ramp and manual push or a small lift). Expect to pay an additional $50–$150 for a non-running bike. Make sure to disclose the condition when getting your quote so the carrier comes prepared.

How are motorcycles secured on a transport trailer?

Motorcycles are secured using a combination of wheel chocks (to hold the front wheel in place) and soft tie-down straps attached to the frame or handlebars. Reputable carriers never use chains or hard clamps that could scratch or damage your bike. Some enclosed carriers use motorcycle-specific cradles for even more stability.

Can I ship personal items with my motorcycle?

Saddlebags and small compartments should be emptied before shipping. Unlike cars, where carriers allow up to 100 lbs in the trunk, motorcycles don't have enclosed cargo space that can be safely sealed. Loose items create a liability risk and may not be covered by insurance.

Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?

Someone over 18 needs to be present at both ends to sign the Bill of Lading and inspect the motorcycle. It doesn't have to be the owner — a friend, family member, or dealership representative can handle it on your behalf.

How far in advance should I book motorcycle shipping?

We recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance for the best carrier availability and pricing. During peak season (spring and summer) or around major rally events, 3–4 weeks is even better. That said, we can often accommodate last-minute requests — it just may cost more.

Can I track my motorcycle during shipping?

At Lepke Auto Transport, your dedicated representative provides personalized updates throughout transit. You'll know when the carrier picks up your bike, the estimated delivery window, and any changes along the way. No guessing, no automated status pages — just a real person keeping you in the loop.

What about shipping a trike or three-wheeled motorcycle?

Trikes and three-wheeled motorcycles (like the Can-Am Spyder or Harley Tri Glide) are wider and heavier than standard bikes, which means they take up more carrier space. Expect to pay closer to standard car shipping rates for a trike. Our team can provide an accurate quote based on your specific model.

Ready to Ship Your Motorcycle?

Every motorcycle, route, and timeline is different — and the best way to know exactly what you'll pay is to get a free, no-obligation quote. At Lepke Auto Transport, you'll get a guaranteed price with $0 upfront, a dedicated representative who knows motorcycles, and access to our network of 30,000+ vetted carriers across all 48 contiguous states.

We've been a family-owned operation since 1991, and we treat every motorcycle — from a daily commuter to a $50,000 custom build — with the same level of care and attention. Contact us today or use the form below to get started.