What to Check Before Shipping a Used Motorcycle

Check the Battery

A dead battery is one of the most common issues at pickup. If the motorcycle has been sitting for weeks or months, the battery may not hold a charge. While we can transport non-starting motorcycles, a working battery makes loading easier — the bike can be started and rolled into position. If you know the battery is dead, let us know when booking so we can plan accordingly.

Inspect Tires and Tire Pressure

Low or flat tires make it significantly harder to roll a motorcycle during loading and unloading. Check tire pressure before pickup day and inflate to the manufacturer's recommended PSI. If a tire is flat and won't hold air, let your transport company know — we'll bring equipment to handle it, but advance notice helps us prepare.

Look for Fluid Leaks

Check under the motorcycle for signs of oil, coolant, or fuel leaks. A small seep might not be a problem, but an active leak needs to be communicated before transport. Leaking fluids can damage the van interior and potentially affect other components during transit. If your motorcycle has a known leak, mention it when you request your quote — we'll prepare protective materials.

Document Existing Damage

Used motorcycles often have existing cosmetic damage — scratches, dents, faded paint, worn chrome. Before transport, photograph everything from multiple angles. This establishes a clear baseline so there's no confusion about pre-existing versus new damage. Our drivers also document condition at pickup and delivery, but your own photos provide additional peace of mind. You can reference these photos later through our tracking system.

Verify the Key Situation

Make sure you have the ignition key (or a spare) available for the transport driver. If the motorcycle has a steering lock, fork lock, or disc lock, provide the key or combination. If there's no key available (common with auction purchases or non-running bikes), let us know — we can still transport the motorcycle, but loading requires different procedures.

Check for Loose or Fragile Parts

Used motorcycles sometimes have loose mirrors, cracked fairings, aftermarket parts that aren't fully secured, or accessories that could shift during transport. Tighten anything loose, remove anything fragile that could break, and secure aftermarket accessories. If something can't be removed or tightened, wrap it with a soft cloth and tape it in place.

Fuel Level

Keep the fuel tank at about a quarter full. Enough to start and move the motorcycle during loading, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight or creates spillage risk. If the motorcycle has been sitting with old fuel, that's fine for transport — we just need to be able to roll it. Don't fill the tank before transport day.

Communicate Known Issues

The most important thing you can do is communicate. If the bike doesn't start, tell us. If it has a slow oil leak, tell us. If the front brake sticks, tell us. If the kickstand is broken, tell us. Every piece of information helps our driver prepare for a safe, efficient pickup. Include all known issues when you fill out the booking form.

Frequently Asked Questions