Most of the information you can find online regarding shipping vehicles is directly related to cars. While some of the generals (price, insurance, contracts) apply to all vehicles, shipping a motorcycle is actually quite different to shipping a car.

For starters, motorcycles are rarely shipped in open containers. Closed carriers are the best options because they provide stability (don’t forget that bikes have only two wheels so they are unable to stand up straight during shipping unless propped or chained correctly). Aside from that, motorcycles are more likely to suffer damage if not properly positioned inside the carrier, so shipping companies usually provide special covers to protect the paint and small accessories that cannot be removed (such as handles or breaks). If you insist on an open trailer, you may not qualify for full insurance and risk the motorcycle being damaged by the elements.

Shipping a motorcycle is not necessarily any cheaper than shipping a car. Most companies base their pricing on the technicalities and difficulties of shipping a vehicle, rather than on its size. Because bikes require special care (both to protect the bike itself and to ensure that there are no accidents and slips from the carrier), you will end up paying a higher premium. Rather than fighting this, focus on making sure the company provides all necessary protections to ensure a safe ride for your motorcycle.