When transporting your motorcycle, you want to ensure it arrives at its destination in the same condition it was when it left your possession. One of the best ways to ensure maximum safety before you ship motorcycle, is by protecting it sufficiently, for example, using a crate. This guide tells you how to prepare your bike for shipping, providing tips and advice to protect your precious cargo.
Table of Contents
Selecting the Right Crate
The first step is selecting the right crate. A crate that is too small won’t provide enough space for your motorcycle, while one that is too large can allow your bike to shift during transportation, increasing the risk of damage. You’ll want to choose a crate that provides a snug fit for your motorcycle.
To determine the appropriate size crate for your motorcycle, measure your motorcycle’s length, width, and height. Then, add a few inches to the packing materials contained in it. Doing so will give you the minimum size crate you need for your motorcycle.
Preparing Your Motorcycle for Shipping
Before placing your motorcycle in the crate, you’ll want to prepare it for shipping. First, ensure that your bike is clean and dry, which will prevent any dirt or moisture from damaging your motorcycle during transportation.
Next, remove any loose items from your motorcycle, such as mirrors, saddlebags, or other accessories. These items can shift during transportation and cause damage. Additionally, consider removing the battery from your motorcycle, as it will prevent any electrical issues from arising during transportation.
Packing Materials
Once you’ve prepared your motorcycle for shipping, it’s time to gather the packing materials you’ll need. You’ll want to use soft and hard materials to protect your motorcycle during transportation.
Soft materials, such as bubble wrap or foam, can be used to wrap delicate areas of your motorcycle, such as handlebars or mirrors. Hard materials, such as wooden blocks or cardboard, can brace your bike and prevent it from shifting during transportation.
Packing Your Motorcycle
Now that you have your packing materials, it’s time to pack your motorcycle into the crate. Begin by placing a layer of soft material on the bottom of the crate, acting as a cushion for your bike. Next, carefully place your motorcycle into the crate. Ensure it is centered and secure, using packing materials to fill gaps between your bike and the crate walls.
Once your motorcycle is in place, use hard packing materials to brace it and prevent it from shifting during transportation, including using wooden blocks to support the wheels or cardboard to brace the handlebars. Finally, place a layer of soft material on top of your motorcycle, tucking it around the edges to provide additional cushioning.
Sealing the Crate
With your motorcycle securely packed in the crate, it’s time to seal it up for transportation. Begin by placing a plastic wrap layer over the crate’s top. This will prevent any dust or moisture from entering the container during transport.
Next, secure the lid on the crate with packing tape. Be sure to reinforce any corners or edges that may be vulnerable during transportation. Mention your name, current address, and destination address. Include special instructions, such as “Fragile” or “This End Up,” to ensure your motorcycle is handled carefully.
If you decide to ship motorcycle, using a crate is one of the best ways to ensure safe transportation. You can rest assured about your vehicle’s safety by selecting the correct container, preparing your bike for shipping, using the appropriate packing materials, and securing the crate properly.
