Motorcycles ship through the same carrier network as cars, but the job isn’t identical — tie-down points, loading equipment, and how a bike is priced all work a little differently than a four-wheeled vehicle. If you’re moving a daily rider, a restoration project, or a show bike, here’s what actually determines cost and how the process works from quote to delivery.
Motorcycle Shipping at a Glance
| Factor | How It Affects Your Shipment |
|---|---|
| Transport method | Open carrier is the standard, lower-cost option; enclosed costs more and is worth it for high-value custom builds, vintage bikes, or competition motorcycles |
| Distance | The biggest driver of total cost — typically $300–$700 for routes under 1,000 miles on an open carrier, with longer routes and enclosed transport priced higher |
| Running condition | Non-running motorcycles can ship, but the carrier needs to know at booking so it brings the right loading equipment |
| Size and weight | A full-dress touring bike or trike takes up more trailer space and secures differently than a standard sport bike or cruiser |
| Season | Spring riding season is the busiest window for motorcycle transport — book ahead if your timing lines up with it |
What Actually Drives the Cost
Distance sets the baseline, but transport method is the biggest lever you control. Open carrier transport is the standard choice for most motorcycles, typically running $300 to $700 for a route under 1,000 miles — the same efficient, multi-vehicle trailer network used for cars. Enclosed transport costs more because it runs on a smaller, more specialized fleet, but it’s worth the premium for a high-value custom build, a vintage or collector bike, or a competition motorcycle where the extra weather and road-debris protection matters. For a standard daily rider, open transport gets the job done without the added cost.
Shipping a Non-Running Motorcycle
A motorcycle doesn’t have to run to ship. Project bikes, restorations, and non-running collector motorcycles move all the time — the difference is equipment, not eligibility. A non-running bike needs to be winched or lifted onto the trailer rather than ridden on, so the carrier has to know before pickup day, not find out on it. Flagging the condition when you request your quote — running or not, along with size and weight — is what turns a rough estimate into an accurate one.
Open vs. Enclosed: Which One Actually Fits Your Bike
Most motorcycles ship the same way most cars do: on an open carrier, exposed to weather but fully insured and handled by a driver who does this daily. It’s the right call for a standard street bike, cruiser, or commuter motorcycle with nothing on it that a little road spray would hurt. Enclosed transport makes sense when the bike itself is the reason for the extra cost — a vintage restoration, a custom build with a show-quality paint job, or a competition machine. The same logic applies to classic car shipping and to boat transport: the vehicle’s value and vulnerability decide the method, not habit.
Insurance and Documentation
Every legally operating carrier is required to carry cargo insurance under federal regulations, and that coverage applies to your motorcycle the same way it applies to a car — against damage during loading, transport, and unloading. It’s included in your quote, not an optional add-on. Confirm the coverage limit before booking, and document the bike’s condition carefully at pickup: paint, chrome, mirrors, and any existing chips or scratches are easy to miss in a quick glance but matter if there’s ever a claim. Our car shipping insurance guide covers the coverage questions worth asking before you book, and they apply just as directly to a motorcycle shipment.
Timing It Around Riding Season
Motorcycle transport demand follows the riding calendar. Spring is the heaviest window, as riders move bikes out of winter storage, to new addresses, or to a track or rally across the country — carrier availability for motorcycles gets tighter exactly when everyone wants one at the same time. If your move falls in that window, book earlier than you would in the fall or winter off-season.
Getting an Accurate Quote
A real quote depends on the same details every time: pickup and delivery locations, bike make and model (or at least size and weight), running condition, and which transport method you want. Comparing quotes from more than one company is worth doing — pricing on an identical route can vary between companies for reasons that have nothing to do with service quality. Our guide to choosing an auto transport company walks through how to separate a genuinely competitive quote from one designed to be raised later, and the same red flags covered in our auto transport scams guide apply to motorcycle shipments too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle?
Typically $300 to $700 on an open carrier for a route under 1,000 miles, with longer distances and enclosed transport priced higher. Exact cost depends on distance, the bike’s size and weight, and whether it runs.
Can I ship a motorcycle that doesn’t run?
Yes. Non-running motorcycles ship regularly — the carrier just needs to know at booking so it brings the right loading equipment (a winch or lift) instead of expecting to ride the bike onto the trailer.
Should I choose open or enclosed transport for my motorcycle?
Open transport is the standard, lower-cost choice for most street bikes, cruisers, and commuters. Enclosed makes sense for a high-value custom build, a vintage or collector motorcycle, or a competition machine where weather and road-debris protection matter enough to justify the added cost.
Is my motorcycle insured during shipping?
Yes. Every legally operating carrier is required to carry cargo insurance covering the vehicles it hauls, including motorcycles, and it’s included in your quote. Confirm the coverage limit before booking and document the bike’s condition at pickup and delivery.
When is the best time to book motorcycle transport?
Outside of spring, if your schedule allows it — that’s the busiest season industry-wide as riders come out of winter storage. If your move falls in that window, book several weeks ahead rather than close to your target date.
Have a question this didn’t cover? Check our full auto transport FAQ or reach out directly.
Get a Real Quote for Your Motorcycle
Distance, transport method, and your bike’s condition all factor into what your specific shipment will cost. Get a free instant estimate from a fully insured, vetted carrier network — no payment required until your motorcycle is assigned to a carrier.