Motorcycle TransportSoft-Strap Secured
Most motorcycle transport damage comes from wrong strap placement — on handlebars, bodywork, or chrome instead of the frame. We confirm carrier equipment and two-wheel securing experience before pickup, not at pickup when it's too late.
The price we quote is fixed. Whether you're shipping a daily rider, a custom build, or a vintage bike, your motorcycle gets a carrier that knows what it's doing.
Soft-strap securing on frame
No strap contact with chrome or bodywork
Why Motorcycle Transport Requires Different Equipment
Car transport secures vehicles through the wheels using heavy wheel straps. That same method applied to a motorcycle would tip it over. Proper motorcycle transport requires a completely different approach — wheel chocks that hold the bike upright, and soft straps attached to the frame at engineered tie-down points.
The soft straps are padded and apply tension to the frame rails, not the handlebars, forks, or bodywork. Improper strapping on handlebars is one of the most common causes of transport damage — scratched chrome, bent handlebars, and cracked fairings all result from carriers using the wrong technique.
Before pickup, we confirm the carrier's motorcycle-specific securing capability. At pickup, the carrier photographs your bike from multiple angles — including close-up shots of any existing scratches or chrome condition — before loading it.
Choosing Between Open and Enclosed Motorcycle Transport
Most motorcycles are transported using open carriers equipped with proper motorcycle-specific securing hardware. Open transport exposes the bike to road conditions, similar to riding it, but with the securing method keeping it stationary throughout transit.
Enclosed motorcycle transport ships the bike in a fully sealed trailer — recommended for show bikes, custom paint, vintage restorations, and high-value collectibles where any road dust or minor debris would be unacceptable. A crated option inside an enclosed trailer provides the maximum level of protection available for motorcycle transport.
For everyday riders, touring bikes, and standard cruisers being shipped for a relocation or seasonal move, open transport with proper securing equipment is the practical choice at a significantly lower cost than enclosed.
Crated option available
For show bikes, customs, and vintage restorations
Insurance active on every shipment
Chrome and finish damage documented before loading
How Your Motorcycle Is Protected During Transport
Motorcycles are susceptible to specific types of transport damage — strap rash on chrome, pressure marks on fairings, and scratch damage from inadequate padding. The condition report at pickup is your protection against any disputes that arise from pre-existing versus transport-related damage.
Our carriers photograph the motorcycle from multiple angles before loading, with specific attention to chrome surfaces, paint condition, and any existing scuffs or chips. This creates an accurate baseline that distinguishes pre-existing condition from anything that might occur in transit.
Every carrier holds active cargo insurance. Any legitimate transport-related damage — documented against the condition report — is processed through the carrier's insurance policy. We assist you through that process if needed.
What Our Customers Say
“shipped my 67 mustang from cali to florida and honestly didnt expect it to go this smooth. car showed up no scratches, driver was cool, kept me updated the whole way. will definitely use again”
Why Riders Choose American Auto Link
Motorcycle transport done right means the right equipment, the right carrier, and no damage to chrome, fairings, or paint. Here's what we deliver.
Motorcycle-Specific Securing
Proper motorcycle transport uses soft straps attached to the frame — never the handlebars, forks, or bodywork. Wheel chocks prevent movement in transit.
Crated & Non-Crated Options
Standard motorcycle transport ships without a crate. Crated shipping is available for high-value bikes, show motorcycles, or for owners who want maximum protection.
No Chrome or Finish Damage
The securing method is critical for motorcycles. Carriers using improper strapping damage chrome, fairings, and paint. We only book carriers trained in two-wheel transport.
All Motorcycle Types
Sport bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, dirt bikes, trikes, and custom builds. If it has two or three wheels, we can transport it across any route nationwide.
Open & Enclosed Available
Standard motorcycle transport uses open carriers with proper securing equipment. Enclosed transport is available for show bikes, vintage motorcycles, and custom builds.
Condition Documented
Photos document your motorcycle before loading and at delivery. For bikes with custom paint or chrome work, this documentation protects you from any disputed damage.
Booking Your Motorcycle Shipment
Four steps from quote to delivery. We handle the carrier matching and coordination — you just hand over the bike.
Get Your Free Quote
Provide your motorcycle's make, model, and dimensions. We quote based on your specific bike — not a generic rate — and confirm carrier availability for your route.
Confirm & Schedule
Choose your pickup window and lock in your booking. We match your motorcycle with a carrier experienced in proper two-wheel securing and crating requirements.
Motorcycle Pickup
The carrier arrives with the right equipment — soft straps, wheel chocks, and frame cradles — to secure your motorcycle without damaging chrome, fairings, or handlebars.
Delivery & Handoff
Your motorcycle is delivered and unloaded with the same care as pickup. Inspect against the condition report and confirm everything arrived correctly.
What Affects Motorcycle Transport Pricing
Motorcycle transport is generally less expensive than car shipping for the same route due to smaller footprint on the carrier. The factors below determine your specific rate.
Get your quote in about 60 secondsDistance
Motorcycle transport rates follow standard distance pricing. Cross-country motorcycle shipping is often significantly less expensive than car transport for the same route.
Motorcycle Type & Size
Standard bikes are priced at base rates. Trikes, large touring bikes, and oversized custom builds may require special positioning on the carrier.
Crated vs. Non-Crated
Non-crated transport is more affordable. Crated shipping adds crating materials and labor, but provides additional protection for valuable motorcycles.
Open vs. Enclosed
Open motorcycle transport is the most affordable option. Enclosed is available for show bikes, restorations, and vintage motorcycles where weather exposure is a concern.
Route Availability
High-traffic corridors between major cities have strong carrier availability and competitive pricing. Remote locations may have limited carrier options.
Season & Demand
Motorcycle transport demand peaks in spring and fall with seasonal riding transitions. Early booking in peak seasons secures better availability and pricing.
Why Choose American Auto Link?
Motorcycle transport goes wrong when carriers treat bikes like cars. We confirm the right equipment and experience before every booking.
Vetted Carrier Network
Every carrier is FMCSA-licensed, insured, and confirmed to have motorcycle-specific securing equipment before pickup.
Dedicated Coordination
A real team manages your shipment and confirms carrier capability before your bike is scheduled for pickup.
Nationwide Reach
Motorcycle-capable carrier coverage across 48 contiguous states, including seasonal routes between riding regions.
Transparent Pricing
Your motorcycle transport quote is clear and itemized. No surprise fees at pickup.
Every carrier we book for motorcycle transport is equipped for it.
Soft straps, wheel chocks, and trained loading technique are confirmed before we schedule your pickup. Your bike gets on the right carrier or it doesn't go.
Motorcycle Transport Questions
Common questions about shipping motorcycles. If yours isn't here, our team can answer it directly.
(832) 346-3497Proper motorcycle securing uses soft straps attached to the frame at the front forks and rear frame points, combined with wheel chocks that hold the bike upright. Straps are never attached to handlebars, chrome, or bodywork. The securing method is the most important factor in whether a motorcycle arrives without damage.
No — and this is where most motorcycle transport damage originates. Standard car carriers may not carry wheel chocks or know proper soft-strap placement. We specifically confirm carrier equipment and two-wheel experience before pickup. A carrier showing up without the right equipment is a problem we prevent at matching, not at pickup.
Most standard motorcycles are transported without crating. Crating is recommended for extremely valuable bikes, show motorcycles, vintage restorations, or bikes being shipped internationally. For domestic transport on standard routes, proper soft-strap securing is adequate.
Yes. Cross-country motorcycle transport is one of the most common requests we handle. Transit time for coast-to-coast routes is typically 5–8 days, with pickup in 1–3 business days on most routes.
Yes. We ship standard motorcycles, sport bikes, cruisers, dirt bikes, trikes, and custom builds. For non-standard configurations or very wide custom bikes, we confirm carrier compatibility before booking.
Most carriers require fuel tanks to be no more than a quarter full for safety compliance. We will confirm the specific requirements with your carrier at booking. Batteries should remain connected unless otherwise specified.
Ready to Ship Your Motorcycle?
Get a motorcycle transport quote in minutes. American Auto Link confirms the right carrier and equipment — and coordinates everything from pickup to delivery.