AN INSIDE LOOK AT SHIPPING MOTORCYCLES INTERNATIONALLY

• June 7, 2018

Last updated on April 20, 2025

TIPS TO ENSURE SAFE MOTORCYCLE SHIPPING OVERSEAS

Shipping motorcycles internationally is one of our specialties. We understand the excitement and power you experience on your bike as you explore a winding mountain road or speed down the highway. There’s no reason you should ever leave your motorcycle behind when traveling internationally. If you’re going to be away from your home country for an extended period, taking advantage of motorcycle shipping overseas options is a great way to explore your next destination.

A CLEAN MOTORCYCLE IS PRIMED FOR PICK-UP

You may run the risk of having your cargo rejected for international motorcycle transport if it isn’t primed to be picked up by the carrier or loaded into its shipping container. When shipping motorcycles internationally, it’s crucial that your bike doesn’t leak any fluid. Guidelines for overseas shipping of motorcycles also advise against transporting a bike with soil caked in the tire treads or wheel casings. Clean your motorcycle thoroughly before sending it overseas, and make sure your bike remains pristine until it’s ready to be packed, loaded, and transported.

STRIP IT DOWN

The responsibility of shipping your motorcycle internationally doesn’t end with cleaning it. Take off any accessories or additions, particularly if they jut out from the motorcycle’s frame. If you have an alarm, remove that as well. The main idea is to take away any removable items that might be broken, crushed, or damaged when shipping a motorcycle overseas.

You need to strip down the bike in another way, too. While you don’t want to leave it with an empty tank, you need to get rid of almost all fuel, even if that means a final, short road trip. Shipping experts advise having no more than a quarter of a tank if you’re shipping a motorcycle internationally.

A PRE-SHIPPING PHOTO SHOOT IS A MUST

There are many ways to get your bike to the freight forwarder you choose for motorcycle shipping overseas. You might pack it yourself, arrange for a courier to pick it up, or choose a company that does everything. No matter the method, remember to check out your bike from back to front after removing the accessories. Take note of any chips, dents, scratches, or other damages.

An important step to protect the bike you are sending through international motorcycle shipping transport is to write down your observations, but you should also take pictures. Snap photos of your motorcycle from every angle before it reaches its drop-off location. That way, you’ll know if any additional damages occur during transit.

Budget vs. Time

If budget is a concern, there are different options for shipping motorcycles internationally that can help you save money. That’s also true if time is of the essence. Airfreight will get your bike to its destination as quickly as possible, but it’s typically the most expensive method of transport. When you have plenty of time and don’t want to break your budget on motorcycle shipping to an overseas location, opt for a groupage on a cargo ship. Your bike can share a container with other motorcycles, all firmly secured for international motorcycle transport.

To hear more about our international shipping process and find out what options are best for you, touch base with Trans Global.