By Motorcycle Transporters
The Best Motorcycle Shipping Company in California: What Riders Should Look For
If you are searching for the #1 motorcycle shipping company in California, here is what to check before you hand anyone your keys. California is a big state, the freeways around LA and the Bay Area rarely open up, and the bike you want is often sitting in another state. Riders here also ship for Pacific Coast Highway trips, track days and races at Laguna Seca, and cross-country moves. This guide covers what a good shipper should offer, how shipping within, into and out of California works, and how to get your bike ready. Motorcycle Transporters is based in Richmond, Virginia and ships motorcycles coast to coast to and from California, door to door in fully enclosed trailers.
What motorcycle shipping in California costs and how long it takes
- Most motorcycle shipments
- $750 to $1,200
- Coast to coast (for example Virginia to California)
- About $1,300
- Transit time
- 10 to 15 business days
Many California shipments are coast-to-coast moves at about $1,300. Your exact price depends on the distance, the bike, whether it runs, access at each address and how flexible your dates are. These are typical figures, not a quote. See our motorcycle shipping prices page, or request a free quote for your exact shipment.
What the best motorcycle shipping company in California does
On a long haul across deserts and mountain passes, how a bike is loaded, strapped and covered matters more than a small difference in price. Look for:
- A fully enclosed trailer the whole way, keeping sun, dust, rain and road debris off your motorcycle. Read about enclosed motorcycle transport.
- Soft tie-down straps around solid frame points instead of metal hooks, so nothing scratches paint or chrome.
- Real door-to-door service at your home, dealer, shop or storage unit, or a nearby spot you agree on. See how it works.
- Insured carriers, with the condition of the bike noted at pickup and checked again at delivery.
- A quote built for your bike, both addresses and your dates.
- Live agents 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm ET, which is 5am to 5pm in California. Ours are at (866) 216-7742.
- Palletizing, so projects and non-running bikes can move safely.
For red flags and the questions to ask before you book, read how to choose the best motorcycle transportation company.
Palletized shipping: an option most shippers do not offer
We can palletize your motorcycle. It is rolled onto a pallet, set in a wheel chock and held with soft tie-downs, then loaded and moved as one secured unit. The bike never has to start, which suits non-running bikes, restorations and vintage or high-value machines that should be handled as little as possible. Tell us about your bike when you ask for a quote and we will say whether it ships palletized or rolled in.
Get your California motorcycle shipping quote
Tell us about your bike and both ZIP codes. A live agent replies with your price, usually the same day we are open.
Shipping a motorcycle within, into and out of California
Inside the state, distance alone makes shipping worth a look. San Diego to Sacramento, Fresno to San Jose or Long Beach to Oakland is a lot of freeway, and shipping is the easy answer when the bike does not run, has no plates yet, or you would rather not add the miles.
Shipping into California is common for riders who shop online. The right model is often for sale in Nevada, Arizona or Oregon, or on the far side of the country. Before you buy a bike from another state, confirm with the California DMV that it meets California emissions rules, so there are no surprises when you go to register it.
Shipping out of California usually comes down to a move or a sale. Riders relocating east send the bike separately so it is waiting when they arrive, and sellers ship to buyers across the country. Our California motorcycle shipping page covers the regions we serve, and the service areas map shows every state.
Why California riders ship instead of ride
- A Pacific Coast Highway trip. Ship the bike to your starting point and spend your days on the coast road.
- Track days and races at Laguna Seca. Arrive with fresh tires and save your energy for the track.
- Buying online. Skip the flight and the long ride home on a bike you do not know yet.
- Moving across the country. Shipping the bike takes one task off the list.
- Projects and shop work. Non-running bikes need to travel without being ridden.
- Keeping a new or collectible bike fresh, with fewer miles and less grit on the paint.
California tips: cities, steep streets and emissions
- Where we pick up and deliver. Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno, Oakland, Long Beach and Riverside, plus the towns between them.
- LA traffic. A truck crossing Los Angeles can lose hours, so we agree on a pickup window and a wide street or lot with room for a trailer.
- Steep, narrow San Francisco streets. Many blocks are too steep or tight for a trailer to stop safely, so we plan a wider street or open lot nearby.
- Emissions before you buy. If the bike is coming from another state, confirm with the California DMV that it meets California emissions rules before you pay for it.
- Title and registration. Check with the California DMV for the current steps to title and register an out-of-state motorcycle.
How to get your bike ready for pickup
A little prep makes the handoff quick and gives you a clear record of the bike. Our full guide on how to prepare a motorcycle for shipping goes step by step. The short version:
- Wash the bike and take dated photos from every side.
- Run the tank down to about a quarter or less.
- Empty saddlebags and take off loose items such as phone mounts, tank bags and luggage.
- Disarm the alarm and have the keys ready for the driver.
- Tell us about anything unusual, such as a lowered stance, a custom front end, a leak or a bike that does not run.
Why riders call Motorcycle Transporters
We are based in Richmond, Virginia and ship motorcycles coast to coast to and from California and everywhere in between. Every bike rides door to door in a fully enclosed trailer, held with soft tie-down straps, with insured carriers.
When you call, a real person answers, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm ET, before you book and while your bike is on the road. If you also ship on the East Coast, see our guide to the best motorcycle shipping company in Virginia. Ready? Request a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle to or from California?
Most motorcycle shipments cost between $750 and $1,200, and coast to coast, such as Virginia to California, is about $1,300. Your exact price depends on the distance, the bike, whether it runs, access at each address and your dates. Request a free quote for a price on your shipment.
How long does it take to ship a motorcycle to California?
Plan on 10 to 15 business days for most shipments, including coast-to-coast moves. We will tell you what to expect for your route when you book.
Should I check emissions before buying a motorcycle out of state?
Yes. Before you buy a bike from another state and ship it to California, confirm with the California DMV that it meets California emissions rules. The DMV can also tell you the current title and registration steps.
Can you pick up in San Francisco or central Los Angeles?
Yes. Steep, narrow streets in San Francisco and heavy traffic in Los Angeles mean we agree on a wide street or open lot near you ahead of time, where a truck and trailer can stop safely.
Can you ship my motorcycle for a track day at Laguna Seca?
Yes. Give us the date and book three to four weeks ahead, since transit is typically 10 to 15 business days, and we will plan delivery so the bike is there in time.
Do you ship non-running motorcycles?
Yes. We can palletize the bike so it does not need to start or run. Tell us it does not run when you request a quote. It can change the price.
How do I get a quote?
Fill out our free quote form with your pickup and delivery addresses, your motorcycle and your dates, or call (866) 216-7742. Live agents answer 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm ET.
Follow Motorcycle Transporters on Facebook for new rides and shipping tips.
Get a free quote
Ready to ship your motorcycle in California? Call (866) 216-7742 or request a free shipping quote. Motorcycle Transporters is based in Richmond, VA and ships nationwide.