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Preparing Motorcycle
How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Relocating Across the Country

Shipping your motorcycle is a process that will take preparation and patience. You will want to make sure that you prepare your bike so that it is not damaged during shipping. You will also want to make sure that you choose a reputable moving company so that your bike arrives as expected. By doing these two things, you will receive your bike as quickly and safely as possible.

Inspect the Motorcycle

You will want to inspect your motorcycle for any previously existing damages, before transporting it. Inspecting your bike will give you a more sound mind and will allow for you to know if any damages occurred during the process. If your bike has previously existing damages, make sure to make a note of them and take pictures for your records.

You will also want to make a note of the way your bike works mechanically. If your bike has existing mechanical problems, moving companies Philly says to note them before informing the shipping company. If your bike has leaking fluids, make sure to stop the leak before shipping the motorcycle, or inform the company of the leakage. It will be best for you to fix all of your bike’s mechanical problems before shipping the bike because a bike sometimes needs to be operated to load it properly. However, it is not essential that you repair your bike before you transport it.

Detail all of the records and pictures that you take of your motorcycle. The shipping company will most likely also do an inspection of your bike, and having records that coincide with the records of the company can prevent complications if something goes wrong.

Take Belongings

Make sure to remove your belonging from the bike before shipping it. Items that are not securely attached to your bike may be lost during the transport process. The motorcycle transport company is not liable for these items, only your bike, so make sure that you take care of any loose items. If you choose to ship additional items with your bike, make sure to make not only a record of that but also notify the company. In most cases, a company will request that you do not ship any loose items with your motorcycle.

Follow your Movers’ Instructions

According to this article by Shipping Masters, some companies require that you drain certain fluids from your motorcycle before transport. UShip, on the other hand, says that you do not need to drain your motorcycle’s fluids before transport. However, UShip does provide levels that your fluids should be at to make the process more efficient. You will want to read the instructions of your specific transporter to perform the necessary steps.

Shipping your motorcycle across the country is a process that can be simplified by preparing properly. Preparation will allow you to ship your bike safely and efficiently.

Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
What Motorcycle Insurance Coverage You Need to Protect You and Your Ride

You love your ride, and you want to make sure it’s protected. When choosing insurance coverage, it’s important to remember that your needs as a motorcyclist are very different than your needs as a driver. Motorcycle insurance seems the same as car insurance at first glance, but there are several unique forms of coverage to consider. Here’s the type of coverage you should consider when shopping for cheap motorcycle insurance.

1. Liability Insurance

This type of insurance is required to drive, and it covers damages if you are found at fault for someone else’s injuries in an accident. Every state has mandatory minimum liability insurance, but it’s a good idea to get more coverage as the minimum is unlikely to cover all of the damages in an accident. If this happens, you can still be on the hook for the other driver’s medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

2. Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays for damages to your property as well as your injuries if you are in a collision. If you are in an accident, this coverage pays to repair your motorcycle. Your policy will also pay the actual cash value of your bike if it’s totaled in an accident.

3. Comprehensive Coverage

This optional coverage offers the greatest amount of protection. It takes effect if your bike is damaged in a covered event other than a collision, including striking an animal, hail, wind, theft, vandalism, and fire.

4. Accessories Coverage

Does your bike have aftermarket accessories like chrome, a custom paint job, or a sidecar? Your standard motorcycle insurance policy probably won’t pay to repair or replace your accessories in an accident. With equipment coverage, these accessories will also be covered up to a limit. Most types of accessories can be covered, even seats, saddlebags, and chrome.

5. Transport Trailer Coverage

You use your transport trailer to hit the road on new adventures, but what happens if it’s damaged in an accident, stolen, or vandalized? This optional form of coverage is designed to protect a trailer meant to transport motorcycles. As with a standard insurance policy, you may be able to choose liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage for your transport trailer.

6. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Depending on your state, anywhere from 10% to 20% of drivers on the road have no insurance at all. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, there will likely be no money from any source to pay for your damages — even if you sue the driver. Even more, drivers are underinsured, which means they have inadequate coverage to pay for damages in an accident. Because many drivers only take out the state-mandated minimum coverage, there’s a good chance you will be in a crash with someone who does not have enough coverage to pay for all of your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

UM/UIM coverage allows you to claim your policy if you are hurt in an accident by someone with no coverage or too little coverage. This type of coverage can pay your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and more. It also kicks in if you are hit by a hit-and-run driver who can’t be found.

A cookie-cutter motorcycle policy is unlikely to give you the precise level of protection you need. When buying insurance for your bike, consider not only your risk of being in a serious accident but the value of your bike and accessories.

Transport a Motorcycle
How to Transport a Motorcycle When Moving Long Distance

Your motorcycle is your baby. When it comes to transporting your motorcycle across the state or across the country, there are several factors you should consider to ensure that your bike survives the journey in one piece. One of the most important considerations for the bike owner on-the-move is whether to ship professionally or do it yourself.

Professional Transport

Professional movers can offer a variety of advantages when transporting your motorcycle, including enclosed trailers, individual shipping crates, expert service, and specialized insurance. When shipping your bike with a specialized transport company, it is important to verify the type and amount of insurance coverage the company offers before committing to the contract.

If you do decide to ship professionally, you should prep your bike for the journey by removing all personal items, disarming the bike’s anti-theft devices, folding inside mirrors, locking handlebars, and leaving the bike in neutral. If you plan on shipping your bike via crate, you should remove the battery and drain the gas tank.

Regardless of your preferred professional transport method, you should always clean your bike and photograph any scratches or dents before shipment. This way, you can provide proof of existing damage for insurance purposes. Professional shipping doesn’t require any special equipment; Great Guys Moving Company notes all crates, trailers, and harnesses are provided. However, the convenience and personalized service may make shipping your bike costly.

DIY Transport

While professional shipping may be ideal for some bikers, others may prefer to keep their bike close at hand. This will be something you will want to think twice about if you’re moving out of state. Across state moves can be much more challenging and pose greater risks to your bike. If you don’t trust your wheels to just anyone, then DIY shipping is for you. First, you’ll need a vehicle big enough to transport your bike. That vehicle could be a truck with a large bed or a sizeable truck or SUV with a trailer attached. You may own a trailer, or you may choose to rent one. No matter what mode of transport you choose for your bike, you should ensure that the platform is long enough to accommodate the length of the motorcycle and should be free of any other boxes or debris.

Second, you’ll need a ramp to load and unload your bike. While some riders may suggest making your ramp using wood or other materials, the safest ramps are made of aluminum or other metals and built specifically for transporting motorcycles or other recreational vehicles.

Third, you’ll need a motorcycle chock to stabilize your bike on the trailer or truck bed. Chocks are specialized devices that secure the motorcycle’s front wheel and keep the bike upright during transport.

Finally, you’ll need sturdy tie-downs to secure the body of the bike to prevent it from shifting side-to-side during transport. Tie-down straps should be made of durable material, and should also be relatively wide to better distribute the weight of the bike across the sides of the trailer or truck bed. Straps with attached ratcheting mechanisms are suggested to ensure that straps are tightened sufficiently. Transporting your bike on your means that your bike never leaves your sight, lessening the chance of accidental damage through carelessness. However, if you have to buy expensive equipment, like a chock or trailer, if may cost as much, if not more, than professional shipping.

Ultimately, the transport method you choose will depend on your budget and preferences. Whatever the method, be sure to take the proper measures to ensure your baby arrives safely at its destination.

Collector Car Insurance
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Antique Car Collection
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