(Contributed post)
If you’re preparing for a long-distance move, something that you’ll want to consider is how you’re going to transport your motorcycle. A long-distance move is typically any move that is outside a 50 to 100-mile (80-160km) radius.
While any move is challenging, long-distance moves come with the additional challenge of not being able to easily get back and forth between your old home and your new home. This means you have to pack everything at once since you’re not likely to be able to go back and get it in a reasonable time.
One of the items you’ll need to think about is your motorcycle.
In a perfect world, you would be able to ride your bike to your new home! But, very likely, you’re going to find yourself in a situation where you either need to drive your car or take a plane.
So, what exactly are you supposed to do with your motorcycle? Is selling your only option available? The good news is that it is actually fairly easy to move a motorcycle!
Here are some possible solutions that will help you safely transport your bike.
Moving in a truck
If you have a large pickup truck with a flatbed, it is possible to safely secure your motorcycle on it. To do this, all you need to do is get the motorcycle onto the truck and secure it to the truck using tie-down straps. Make sure you use tie-down straps that are specifically meant for motorcycles. These straps can be purchased online or from your local motorcycle retailer.
If you’re traveling a long distance, you’ll also want to cover your motorcycle up with some sort of tarp. This can help prevent debris, such as pebbles or rock, from hitting and damaging your motorcycle.
If you’re planning on renting a pickup truck to move your motorcycle, make sure that the moving company will allow you to put a motorcycle on the truck. It is also important to note whether the truck can handle the weight of the bike.
Moving in a trailer
Another way to transport your bike is by renting some sort of enclosed trailer or some sort of utility trailer. Trailers are some of the safest ways to transport motorcycles long distances. This is because the trailer can be attached to your moving truck or to another vehicle. They also sit lower to the ground than flatbed trucks, which makes getting the motorcycle onto the trailer easier.
No matter if you’re using an enclosed trailer or a utility trailer, you’ll want to use motorcycle tie-down straps to secure the bike to the trailer. If using a utility trailer, you should consider covering your motorcycle with a protective tarp.
Some moving companies may even have specific trailers that are meant just to transport motorcycles. If you’re working with a company for your move, ask them for their recommendations. You’re not the only one who has ever had to transport a motorcycle!
Using a transport service
Another safe way to transport your motorcycle during a move is to hire a transport service. Some companies specialize in moving motorcycles.
Most companies will help you figure out a way to safely ship your motorcycle to your new home. Other companies may use trailers to tow your motorcycle. Another benefit of using a transport service is that most of them offer some sort of insurance. If your bike is damaged in the move, they’ll cover the costs.
These transport services are specially trained to transport motorcycles safely. Of course, you’ll still want to do your research before committing to one. Make sure to check several websites, get quotes, read reviews, and talk to representatives.
While using a transport service can be expensive, this is one of the best ways to transport your bike.
Move it on a jet ski trailer
If you’re in a pinch, you can also use jet ski trailers to transport motorcycles. Most jet ski trailers don’t have a supportive floor, so you’ll need to get creative and build a wooden floor for your motorcycle to rest on. This will allow you to strap your motorcycle down in a similar way that you would if using a traditional trailer.
You’ll also want to make sure the trailer itself can handle the weight of the bike. If the jet ski trailer is too lightweight, the weight of your bike could cause the trailer to bounce around too much.
You should really only consider a jet ski trailer as the last resource. However, if you really love jet skiing, you’ll at least be able to use it again in the future. Make sure to check out this ultimate jet ski accessory guide to learn about other jet ski accessories.
Getting bike on to truck or trailer
If you do decide to move forward with using a truck or trailer, you’re going to have to figure out a way to safely move the bike onto the bed.
Most trailers will already have some sort of ramp. Some ramps will allow you to wheel your motorcycle onto the trailer, while other ramps might lift the bike onto the bed.
Trucks are a little more challenging. You’ll want to make your own ramp out of wood to get the motorcycle onto the bed. Take your time when moving a motorcycle onto a truck. Of course, once you have the motorcycle on the truck or trailer, you’ll want to use the tie-down straps to safely secure the bike before moving the vehicle.
Final thoughts
If you’re planning a long-distance move, now is the time to start considering how you’re going to move your motorcycle.
If you feel comfortable transporting your motorcycle by yourself, consider whether or not your truck can handle the weight or if you would need to buy/rent a trailer.
If you’re not comfortable with transporting the motorcycle by yourself, look into a professional transport service. They will handle the logistics for you so that you can remain focused on other aspects of the move.