A 5-Step Guide to Help Prepare Your Motorcycle For Shipping

Transporting your motorcycle to an overseas destination or even within the U.S. can be a hassle, especially if you are doing this for the first time. Apart from finding an expert motorcycle transport company and completing necessary paperwork, you also have to prepare the vehicle for shipping to avoid damage and resultant losses. To help avoid confusions and mistakes, the post breaks the process of preparing your motorcycle to be shipped in four easy to follow steps. Take a look.

1. Remove all Personal Items 

Personal items in your motorcycle apart from causing damage can result in the motorcycle transport company rejecting the shipment. To avoid inconvenience, remove all personal items such as riding gear, and panniers. Further, remove accessories, alarms, and loose items. Store these items safely in a separate bag.

2. Document Existing Damages, if any  

Documenting existing damage will help with insurance claim, if any damages occur due to the motorcycle shipping company’s negligence. Write down mechanical issues. Note chips, dings, scratches, and other cosmetic damages. Take photographs of the motorcycle and detailed shots of damaged parts  from different angles.

3. Drain Fluids 

Your motorcycle uses various fluids that are flammable. To avoid safety risks, most motorcycle transport companies require that the owner drain the fluids before transporting the vehicle. To empty the fuel tank, first locate the hose. Next loosen the securing clamp with the help of a screwdriver and redirect the fuel to an empty can. Drain the gas and oil tanks completely and remove the battery. Look for leak points and fix them.

4. Wash the Motorcycle Thoroughly 

To avoid any cleaning charges, clean the bike thoroughly. Pressure wash the underbody, fairings, wheels, and mud guards. Focus especially on areas that are difficult to reach. After you have washed the motorcycle, use a soft cloth to wipe-off accumulated water and leave it to dry for some time.

5. Check the Tires and put the Motorcycle in Neutral 

Maintaining proper air pressure in the tires helps the motorcycle remain stable and cushion it from any sudden impact during the shipping process, which is important to avoid damage due to vibrations. To avoid any internal damages that may result from the vibrations , put the bike in neutral.

Conclusion 

Preparing your bike before shipping can help avoid damages. You can achieve this objective by following the above tips. Further, if you have any doubts about motorcycle shipping or want more detailed info on how you can avoid motorcycle damages, talk to your mechanic. Request them to evaluate the vehicle’s condition before shipping it and suggest any additional steps that can help avoid damages and resultant losses.

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