How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Motorcycle? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $200 - $2,000
Shipping a motorcycle costs $500 on average, depending on method and distance. Most spend between $200 and $2,000.
If you're a dedicated motorcyclist, your motorcycle is likely one of your most important possessions, if not the most important. So if you're planning a move, the first thing to think about is how to get your motorcycle from one place to another. Luckily, you have a variety of options when it comes to shipping a motorcycle. You can expect to pay an average of $500 for shipping, depending on the method you choose. You may pay as low as $200 or as much as $2,000, so you should contact a moving company near you for a quote.
- Average
- $500
- Low end
- $150
- high end
- $2,500
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Motorcycle by Method of Transportation?
Shipping a motorcycle is different from the process of moving your car across the country. You have a few options for shipping your motorcycle, and each has a different cost range.
| Motorcycle Shipping Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| Truck | $500 – $1,250 |
| Plane | $400 – $800 |
| Train | $200 |
| Boat | $1,000 – $2,000 |
Truck
To ship a motorcycle by truck, you will pay about $0.50 per mile for long-distance trips. You can expect to pay about $500 for a trip of 1,000 miles, and about $1,250 for a coast-to-coast trip.
Plane
Planes are more economical for shipping a motorcycle than a truck, and therefore slightly less expensive. As a result, you can fly a motorcycle across the country for $400 to $800.
Train
Trains are the most inexpensive way to ship a motorcycle, and you may pay as low as $200 for this transportation method. Keep in mind that this option is best for transporting motorcycles between major cities.
Boat
The cost of shipping a motorcycle by boat depends on the pick-up and drop-off location. You'll probably pay between $1,000 to $2,000 for shipping via ship. This transportation method is usually the best option for shipping internationally.
Motorcycle Shipping Cost Factors
Aside from type of transportation, there are several other factors to consider when calculating the cost of shipping a motorcycle.
Motorcycle Size
In most cases, the bigger and heavier the bike, the higher the cost of shipping. Some moving companies base their shipping costs on weight, meaning heavier models, like Harley Davidsons, will cost more than less heavy models. A typical moving service insurance rate is $0.50 per pound.
Prep
Before the shipping company picks up your motorcycle, you’ll need to perform some prep work. You’ll need to finance the prep work tasks to ensure the bike is ready to roll when the moving team arrives. Prep work includes:
Clean your motorcycle thoroughly.
Remove all personal items.
Perform any repairs or fix mechanical issues before pickup.
Properly inspect your motorcycle for any prior damage.
Check and record the mileage.
Fill the gas tank to 1/4 or 1/2 full.
Take pictures of your motorcycle before transport in case you need to dispute any damage with the shipping carrier or file an insurance claim.
Location
When shipping your motorcycle, you’ll need to consider distance as a cost factor. Typically, after the first 500 miles, each additional 500 miles will add $100 to your transport cost. Here’s what you can expect to pay, depending on how many miles you need to transport your motorcycle:
| Shipping Distance | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Up to 500 Miles | $200–$700 |
| 501–999 Miles | $700–$800 |
| 1,000+ Miles | $800–$2,000 |
Open vs. Enclosed Shipping
If you want your motorcycle protected from the outdoor elements during transit, you’ll pay more for enclosed shipping. An enclosed carrier typically costs about $150 more than an open carrier, but it provides additional safety and peace of mind.
Pickup and Drop-Off Location
Do you plan to pay for a door-to-door shipping service or at a local transit terminal? The answer will impact your shipping costs. The most inexpensive option is to pick up and drop off your bike at a centrally located transit terminal, and door-to-door shipping will cost extra.
Express Shipment
Like any delivery service, you can expect to pay additional fees for expedited shipping. That’s why it pays off to reserve your shipping date and method in advance to avoid extra costs.
Moving Insurance
Moving insurance is an additional expense, but it will ensure that you’ll get a reimbursement if your motorcycle is damaged or lost during transit. The cost of moving insurance varies by policy, but you can expect to pay more for full-value protection than released-value protection.
Additional Fees
Depending on when you book your motorcycle transport, you may incur additional fees for the following:
Time of year: Prices usually increase during the spring and summer as demand for transport spikes.
Inclement weather: If you ship your bike during a winter storm, your shipment will likely get delayed, resulting in increased transportation costs.
Fuel surcharge: The shipping company may add a flat-rate fuel surcharge instead of accounting for variable fuel costs throughout the shipping route.
DIY Motorcycle Shipping vs. Hiring a Pro
While you technically can ship a motorcycle yourself, we recommend hiring a moving company near you. Not only do professional moving companies have the proper tools and equipment to move your motorcycle safely, but you’re also sure to find one that fits your timeline, budget, and needs.
In addition, you’ll likely find a motorcycle shipping company licensed through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which guarantees knowledgeable, safe, and experienced motorcycle transport. What’s better than peace of mind when transporting precious cargo?
You have the option to rent a trailer and tow the motorcycle yourself. However, there isn’t a significant price difference between DIY shipping and shipping services. Renting a trailer large enough to haul a motorcycle cross-country costs about $400 to $500 on average. Plus, DIY shipping requires travel costs, such as hotel stays, food, gas, and rental trailer fees.
Tips to Reduce the Cost of Shipping a Motorcycle
There are a few things you can do to cut the cost of shipping a motorcycle if you’re on a tight budget.
1. Ship via Train
Trains are the most economical way to ship a motorcycle out of all the options listed. Keep in mind that doing it this way can be somewhat challenging, as railway companies often provide space to commercial clients first, so you may have to call around for a train that has space.
2. Tow It Yourself for Local Trips
If you're not taking the motorcycle far, renting a trailer for your motorcycle and driving it yourself may make more sense. You’ll only have to pay for the rental cost, plus gas and travel expenses.
3. Drive the Motorcycle to Your Destination
Why not go on a road trip? You won't have to pay any shipping costs if you ride the motorcycle yourself to your destination. However, this option is only viable if you’re moving a short distance and not transporting your household belongings on your own.
4. Choose Open Over Enclosed Shipping
You can save money by choosing open instead of enclosed shipping for your motorcycle. In an open carrier, the motorcycle is exposed to the outside elements during the trip. As a result, don't favor this option if you have a valuable motorcycle or are worried about damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can ship motorcycles via train, truck, plane, or boat. For trucks, they can be carried on either an open or enclosed trailer. In all cases, the motorcycle will be held down with straps to keep it securely in place. You’ll need to contact the appropriate carrier, shipping company, or moving company for exact details on how to prep and pick up your motorcycle.
No, a motorcycle exceeds the maximum weight allowed by consumer shipping companies or the post office. However, you can ship motorcycle parts using this method, but the cost will increase based on the weight of the individual pieces.
Not usually. Most bikes are at least 6 feet long while a short-bed truck is often shorter than that. Plus, you'd need to ensure your truck can handle the weight of your motorcycle. Finally, you'd need to figure out how to strap it down and protect it from damage.
No, it is vital to transport a motorcycle upright because of its battery. These batteries are typically not sealed to avoid overpressurization, so the motorcycle could leak battery acid if it lays on its side. Plus, laying it on its side for a long period of time may cause hydrolock, which is when oil leaks into the combustion chamber, making your spark plug unable to ignite the gas due to lack of air.