
Preparing Your Motorcycle for Transport: A Step-by-Step Checklist from VanUmove

*Collaborative Post
When it’s your first time transporting your motorbike, it could feel like a challenging process. But with the correct planning and skill set, the process can be simple and painless. That’s where this article comes in — we walk through a thorough checklist to prep your bike for transport. If you’re sending your motorbike to a local shop for maintenance or relocating it across the nation, these moving tips will make sure it’s in good hands.
Clean and Inspect Your Motorcycle
Before you transport your motorcycle, it’s essential to give it a good clean. This isn’t just about keeping it looking neat; cleaning your bike helps you take care of its condition and spot any possible problems. Sometimes, dirt and grime can cover up important details like cracks or scratches. A thorough wash will leave your motorcycle looking its best for transport and allow you to carefully check for any existing damage.
So, take a little time to give your bike a good once-over! Inspect the frame, handlebars, and exhaust for signs of wear. Don’t cheap out on the suspension and other mechanical bits, either. If you notice anything strange, take some pictures to save in your files. Plus, a well-kept cycle not only looks great but has movers take extra precautions when moving it!
Remove Accessories and Loose Items
Second, always make sure to remove all accessories or loose items from your motorcycle. That includes things like mirrors, saddlebags, fuel tanks, etc. — anything that can be removed easily. Loose parts can be a hazard in transit because they can come loose or cause damage to other items. Thus, securing all the stuff is a good plan!
Also, if your bike has any sensitive electronics or personal accessories, take those separately. They shouldn’t risk getting damaged in transit, so you can keep them safe in a locked box or bag. It also helps make the motorcycle smaller and more convenient to tie down for the trip.
Check Fluids and Battery
Make sure the gas tank does not contain more than a quarter-full. Many shipping companies will not transport full tanks for safety reasons. This step may be particularly important if your bike is being shipped between continents because of the differences in international shipping laws.
Confirm the levels of all your fluids: oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc. If any are running low, think about topping them off. It certainly helps when your motorcycle arrives at its destination, so at least it is running properly. And make sure to check the battery — it’s charged up, and connections are tight. Some of the transport companies may ask that you disconnect the battery for the trip so it does not cause electrical issues while in transit.
Check Tyre Pressure
Another thing to keep track of when moving motorcycles is the tyre pressure. While that might not sound like a big deal to you, it can cause a lot of problems when you transport the bike, compromising its stability and safety. Front and rear tyres: Always check the inflation of your front and rear tyres is as per the standards. If you don’t know the right pressure, refer to your motorcycle’s manual for specs. Tyres inflated to below their recommended pressure can sustain damage to the rim during transit, and over-inflated ones may be prone to bursting. Either situation could create avoidable headaches, so it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to inspect your tyres before sending your bike out.
Record Your Motorcycle’s Condition
Once you’ve completed all the checks and cleaning, take a few moments to write down the condition of your motorcycle. Housemate products, such as cars, maximise high-quality photos from all angles and record dents, scratches, or other tell-tale markings that look. It’s also a good idea to take visual records of your bike’s condition before shipping for good measure, just to be sure nothing is done to it while en route. If a company is going to transport it, they may have you fill out a condition report, an official record of your bike’s condition. Such insurance will protect you in case of any damages during transport, so be sure that you can file a claim if the moving company damages your belongings.
Securing the Motorcycle for Transport
Securing your bike properly for the ride is the most essential part of the motorcycle transport process. Regardless if you’re moving motorcycles across town or the country, securing your bike is key to minimising any shifting or damage while in transit.
While the motorcycle cannot be moved, rope tie-downs and coating with soft straps are commonly used by professional moving companies so that the motorcycle does not move. If you are doing the moving in a trailer yourself, it is important to use heavy-duty tie-downs to secure both the wheels and frame of the motorcycle. You want to be holding it firmly in place but without damaging it.
Check Shipping Options and Choose the Best One
There are many factors to consider when choosing a shipping option, such as cost, delivery time, and company reputation. You can trust VanUmove as it is the best platform to compare and pick the most suitable moving company as per your requirements. Whether you’re in search of door-to-door delivery or you opt to drop your bike yourself at a shipping terminal, VanUmove offers a variety of options to make it simple for you. Read reviews, verify the company’s insurance, and confirm their specialisation in motorcycle transport.
Conclusion
Whether this is your first time shipping a bike or you’ve done it a million times, be sure to follow this step-by-step checklist to make sure your bike will be safe, no matter where it’s going. Clean and inspect your bike, remove accessories, check fluids and battery, check tyre pressure, and lock your motorcycle securely. Finally, when searching for options, use some trusted platforms like VanUmove, and be smart to use the most suitable company when moving.
*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.