By Motorcycle Transporters
Selling a Motorcycle to an Out-of-State Buyer? How Shipping Works
Listing a motorcycle online opens it up to buyers across the country, and that often means the best offer comes from someone hundreds or thousands of miles away. The question is always the same: how do we get the bike there? Professional motorcycle shipping makes an out-of-state sale simple for both seller and buyer.
Who books the shipping?
Usually the buyer books and pays for shipping, since they're receiving the bike. But sellers who offer to arrange shipping often close the sale faster. Either way, we just need the pickup and delivery addresses, the bike's year, make and model, and contacts on both ends.
Protect both sides before the bike moves
- Get payment cleared before pickup.
- Sign the bill of sale and have the title ready to hand over according to your state's rules.
- Take dated photos of the bike from every side and record the odometer.
- Both parties should agree on the pickup date in writing.
If you are buying a bike you have not seen in person, our guide to buying a motorcycle online or at auction covers what to check before you pay.
How the bike ships
Every motorcycle we ship is rolled onto a pallet, strapped down and loaded into a large truck. Palletizing is standard on every shipment, not an add-on, because it keeps the bike upright and stable the whole way.
Cost and transit time
- Most motorcycle shipments
- About $750 to $1,200
- Coast to coast
- About $1,300
- Transit time
- 10 to 15 business days
Most motorcycle shipments run about $750 to $1,200, and coast-to-coast shipments run about $1,300, depending on distance and the bike. Typical transit is 10 to 15 business days. Trikes and Can-Am Spyders need a tow truck to load and unload, which adds about $125 at pickup and $125 at delivery. For a closer look at the numbers, read our guide to the cost to ship a motorcycle.
Prep checklist for the seller
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel or less.
- Make sure the battery is charged and there are no fluid leaks.
- Remove saddlebags, loose accessories and anything valuable.
- Hand over a set of keys at pickup.
For the full list, see how to prepare a motorcycle for shipping.
At delivery
The buyer should inspect the bike with the driver before signing, compare it to the pickup photos and note anything on the delivery receipt.
Get a free quote
Send us pickup and delivery ZIP codes, the bike's year, make and model, and your preferred pickup date. Get your free motorcycle shipping quote or call 866-216-7742. We're available 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
Does the seller need to be there at pickup?
Someone has to release the bike and hand over the keys. It can be the seller or someone they trust.
Can you ship a motorcycle I sold to someone overseas?
Yes. We offer international motorcycle shipping too.
How long does it take?
Typical transit is 10 to 15 business days.
Is the bike crated?
Every bike is palletized and strapped down, then shipped in a large truck.
New to shipping a bike? See how nationwide motorcycle shipping works.
Follow Motorcycle Transporters on Facebook for new rides and shipping tips.
Get a free quote
Tell us where the bike is and where it's going, and we'll get you a free quote. Call (866) 216-7742 or request a free shipping quote. Motorcycle Transporters is based in Richmond, VA and ships nationwide.