| Perhaps you’ve just got a great deal by winning | | | | be able to dispute these charges later should a |
| a motorbike off eBay or through Autotrader, the | | | | problem occur. |
| only downside being that it is located on the other | | | | Go through contract |
| side of the country. Or perhaps the motorbike is a | | | | Verbal promises mean nothing, insist upon a written |
| non-runner and you need to get it from A-B ready | | | | contract for the services to be carried out. If you |
| for repairs or scrap? Whatever your reasons, | | | | are uncertain about any clauses, ask the firm and get |
| getting your motorcycle delivered by a motorbike | | | | them to re-draft it if necessary. There should be a |
| transporter is a fairly straightforward process. | | | | clause whereby you are compensated if they fail to |
| Service Type | | | | deliver within the specified timeframe. |
| There are a few different service options available | | | | Preparing the motorcycle for transport |
| when looking to move a motorcycle.a) Motorcycle | | | | Now that you have agreed dates and signed on the |
| transported inside commercial vehicles on specially | | | | dotted line, you will need to ensure that you spend |
| built bracketsb) Motorcycle transported on open | | | | adequate time preparing your motorcycle for |
| trailerc) Motorcycle transported in enclosed trailer | | | | transit. 99% of problems on delivery are down to |
| Quite often, the cheapest option will be for your | | | | poor preparation. So, don’t leave this to the |
| motorcycle to be transported as a part-load with | | | | last minute. The transport firm will no doubt offer |
| other goods in a commercial vehicle (van or HGV). | | | | you tips as well, but be sure to do the following: |
| However, be sure that the transport provider has | | | | 1) Wash the motorcycle thoroughly |
| experience with moving motorcycles and that they | | | | 2) Make a written note of any pre-existing damage |
| are using industry standard brackets/securing | | | | (chips, dents etc) |
| mechanisms to help prevent damage in transit. | | | | 3) Take photos of the bike from several angles and |
| Custom-built motorcycle trailers do tend to result in a | | | | close-ups of any pre-existing damage |
| slightly higher cost, however this will help ensure that | | | | 4) Date the photos and written record |
| your motorcycle is clear of other goods. Open | | | | 5) If your motorbike is being moved as freight along |
| trailers are more susceptible to damage and theft as | | | | with other goods, be sure that you remove the |
| the bike is clearly visible (in particular when parked). | | | | battery and drain all fluids and fuel. |
| Enclosed trailers on the other hand offer a more | | | | Remove any accessories and loose items from your |
| secure solution and do not carry the risk of stone | | | | bike, the transporter is not responsible for these |
| chips or damage from debris on the road. | | | | items if they go missing or are damaged. |
| Getting Quotes / Prices | | | | If the motorcycle is being trailered, although not |
| Just like any service, you wouldn’t just accept | | | | always necessary, it is helpful if the bike is in working |
| the first price you receive. It pays to shop around, | | | | order in the case that it needs to be driven a short |
| so aim to get at least 5 quotes. | | | | distance between transporters. |
| Insurance | | | | So, you should: |
| Without a doubt the most important thing when | | | | 1) Inflate tyres |
| choosing a motorcycle transporter is to check their | | | | 2) Charge battery |
| insurance documentation. If they are not | | | | 3) Fill petrol tank to ¼ - ½ full |
| adequately insured, you run the risk of not only not | | | | 4) Check and fix any fluid leaks |
| being able to file a claim in the event of damage but | | | | What to expect from the motorbike transport |
| even losing your motorcycle altogether if their | | | | company on pickup / delivery |
| transporter is impounded by the police. | | | | Before you release your motorbike to the |
| Policies do vary from company to company, but the | | | | transporter, be sure to record the current mileage, |
| key areas you will want to check are the value of | | | | although you bike may be ridden a very short |
| the level of cover and cover for both theft and | | | | distance to get on/off trailers there should be no |
| damage. | | | | major increases in mileage between pickup and |
| Your own motorcycle insurance policy may provide | | | | delivery. |
| some cover for “vehicles in transit”, so it is | | | | Make sure that you have the driver’s contact |
| worth checking this for extra peace of mind. | | | | details and that they have yours. |
| Establishing the trustworthiness of motorcycle | | | | Upon delivery, you need to inspect your motorbike |
| transport companies | | | | thoroughly. Do not rush this step or sign anything |
| Right, you’re happy with the insurance document | | | | until this is complete. Check for any new damage or |
| and you like the price, but how can you be sure that | | | | increase in mileage. Only once you are happy should |
| they are reliable & have the necessary | | | | you sign any documents, there is generally no |
| experience to take care of your motorbike? First | | | | come-back once the papers are signed. |
| off, you should do some background checks on the | | | | In the unlikely event that new damage has been |
| company. A simple search of the company name on | | | | caused in transit, you should file a claim with the |
| Google should bring up some impartial reviews. The | | | | transport company and follow their usual procedures. |
| company themselves should also be able to offer | | | | You should also file a claim with your own insurance |
| you testimonials and references. It is up to them to | | | | company within 24 hours. |
| prove to you that they are trustworthy. If they | | | | Post Delivery |
| find it hard to do that, then they probably aren’t | | | | The vast majority of motorbike transport |
| worth the risk. | | | | transactions go smoothly, however if there were any |
| Payment terms | | | | problems, first try to iron these out with the firm |
| General practice is that the motorbike delivery firm | | | | directly. They usually work on a referral basis and so |
| will take a deposit (definitely no more than 25%) | | | | really do want to resolve any issues that have arisen. |
| upon booking their services, with the rest payable on | | | | If you had tried but feel you are not getting |
| delivery. Usually cash or check is accepted but it is | | | | anywhere, you may want to file a complaint with |
| advised to use credit card where possible as you will | | | | agencies such as trading standards. |