With all the logistics involved in moving, figuring out how to transport a motorcycle can feel like one more tedious item on your to-do list.
Not only that, moving a motorcycle isn’t exactly simple. It requires careful planning and special handling. How you choose to transport your bike will depend on several factors, including how far you’re moving, when you’re moving, what your budget is, and how much work you want to do yourself.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top things you need to know (and plan for) when moving with a motorcycle. We’ll walk through transportation options, costs to consider, and a few common questions, so you can ensure your bike arrives at your new home in great condition.
Factors to Consider Before Moving a Motorcycle
Before deciding how to move a motorcycle, assess your unique situation and priorities. Here are five things to consider before choosing a transportation method for your bike.
Distance of the Move
The distance of your move will probably be the biggest factor when deciding how to move with a motorcycle.
If you’re moving locally or just a few hours away, driving your motorcycle to your new home yourself could be both the simplest and most cost-effective option. On the flip side, for a full cross-country relocation, hiring professionals to transport your bike for you would be much more practical.
Keep in mind: The farther you’re traveling, the more important it will be to consider things like fuel costs, travel time, and the wear and tear that comes with moving a motorcycle long distances.
Budget Considerations
Another important consideration when moving a motorcycle is your budget.
If you already have the equipment you need, doing it yourself is usually the cheapest option. Hiring a professional motorcycle shipping company, on the other hand, is often the most expensive route. That said, paying for a transport service can save you time and hassle, which may be well worth the extra cost depending on your situation. For others, renting a trailer or a pickup truck can be a nice middle ground on the budget front.
As you compare your options, don’t forget to factor in expenses like fuel, trailer rental costs, on-the-road meals and lodging, and the value of your time.
Time Constraints
Your moving timeline will also likely impact how you transport your motorcycle.
Maybe you’re planning your move months in advance, or maybe you’re already down to the wire. If you’re on a tight schedule, hiring professional motorcycle transport services can help alleviate stress. If you have more time to plan, you may be able to save money by renting equipment and transporting your motorcycle yourself.
It’s also worth thinking about the time of year. If your move doesn’t line up with riding season, you might want to think about temporary self-storage for your bike. People who are storing a motorcycle for winter before or after a move, for example, may choose to keep it in storage until the weather warms up and move it later.*
Equipment You Already Own
If you already own the right equipment, like a pickup truck, trailer, loading ramp, and tie-down straps, transporting your motorcycle by yourself could be the most straightforward and affordable option. But if you need to rent or buy equipment, those costs can add up quickly. You’ll also want to factor in the time it takes to learn how to appropriately load, secure, and transport your bike if you’re using this type of equipment for the first time.
Convenience vs. Cost
There’s almost always a tradeoff between cost and convenience, and you’ll need to decide which matters most to you.
Handling the transportation yourself might save money, but it will also require more time and planning. Hiring a professional transport service generally costs more, but it can take a lot of the work off your plate.
How to Transport a Motorcycle: The Cheapest Options
When it comes to how to transport a motorcycle, there are several options that don’t involve spending a fortune.
Use a Pickup Truck
For shorter moves, using a pickup truck to move your motorcycle will be one of the easier and more affordable solutions. If you already own a truck, your only costs should be fuel and maybe a few pieces of equipment, like a loading ramp and tie-down straps.
Rent a Motorcycle Trailer
Many rental companies offer trailers specifically designed for transporting motorcycles, which can also be relatively cost-effective. Renting a motorcycle trailer could be a great solution if you’re moving a longer distance but don’t want to pay to hire a professional motorcycle shipping service.
Borrow Equipment
A great way to save money is by borrowing equipment from friends, family, or local community rental marketplaces, either for cheap or free. Just be sure that any equipment you use is in good condition and suitable for properly transporting a motorcycle.
How the Options Compare
So how do the different options compare? Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Method | Best For | Typical Cost Range |
| Pickup Truck | Local moves | Low |
| Trailer Rental | Medium- to long-distance moves | Low to moderate |
| Professional Shipping | Long-distance moves | Moderate to high |
How to Transport a Motorcycle: When to Use Professional Shipping Services
Professional motorcycle shipping is usually one of the more expensive transportation options, but many people consider the added convenience and security to be well worth it, especially during long-distance moves.
What Is Motorcycle Shipping?
Motorcycle shipping involves hiring a company to transport your bike from one location to another.
In most cases, the company will pick up your motorcycle near your current location and deliver it close to your destination. Depending on the provider and service level you choose, your bike may be transported in either an open or enclosed trailer.
With professional shipping, you can eliminate the hassle of coordinating trailers, loading equipment, and covering hundreds (or even thousands) of miles.
Benefits of Motorcycle Transport Services
There are several reasons people choose to hire a motorcycle transport company. Some of the biggest advantages include:
- Less Planning and Logistics: You won’t need to rent equipment, arrange a trailer, or tow your motorcycle across multiple states.
- Specialized Experience: Many transport companies focus specifically on moving motorcycles and have established procedures for loading, securing, and transporting bikes properly.
- More Time and Less Stress: Moving comes with a long to-do list. Having professionals handle your motorcycle can free up your time and energy to focus on everything else involved in your move.
How Pricing Works
Motorcycle shipping costs can vary based on several factors, including:
- Seasonal demand
- Pickup and delivery locations
- The distance your bike needs to travel
- The size and weight of the motorcycle
- How quickly you need the bike delivered
- Whether you choose open or enclosed transport
Before you choose a motorcycle shipping company, compare quotes from several providers so you can find an option that best fits your budget and moving plans.
How to Transport a Motorcycle: FAQs
What’s the Easiest Way to Transport a Motorcycle?
The easiest way to transport a motorcycle is usually through hiring professional motorcycle transport services. These companies handle pickup, loading, transportation, and delivery, which significantly reduces the amount of work required on your end.
That said, if you’re only moving with a motorcycle a short distance and already own a pickup truck, transporting the motorcycle yourself may be nearly as easy (and a lot cheaper).
How Do You Strap Down a Motorcycle for Transport?
Strapping your motorcycle down properly is extremely important when moving, especially if your move is a multi-hour or multi-day trip. Here’s the basic process:
- Position the motorcycle upright and center it in the truck bed or on the trailer.
- Attach tie-down straps to sturdy mounting points on the motorcycle (typically near the handlebars or front suspension).
- Use four tie-down points if possible: two in the front and two in the rear.
- Tighten the straps evenly until the bike is stable and standing upright.
- After driving a few miles, stop and recheck the straps. They can loosen a bit as everything settles during transit.
Can You Lay Down a Motorcycle to Transport It?
Laying a motorcycle down on its side for an extended period of time isn’t a great idea. Transporting a motorcycle that way can increase the risk of:
- Oil getting into places it shouldn’t, potentially causing engine issues
- Fuel leaks or flooding, especially on carbureted motorcycles
- Coolant or battery leaks
- Damage to handlebars, mirrors, footpegs, or engine covers
- Scratches, cracked fairings, dents, and other cosmetic damage
That’s why professional transport equipment is designed to keep motorcycles upright.
If you’re moving a motorcycle yourself, investing in a good set of tie-down straps and taking a few extra minutes to ensure your bike is secured is well worth it.
Make Your Move Easier with Motorcycle Storage
Turns out, there’s no single right way to move a bike. Deciding how to transport a motorcycle for your move ultimately depends on your budget, timeline, and personal preferences.
If you only ride seasonally or need to keep your bike in storage before or after your move, CubeSmart can help. We offer a variety of solutions, from motorcycle storage to climate-controlled storage and storage lockers for smaller items.* Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
