As a native Brit, I’ve been told I sound naturally snotty.  I take no offence (generally), however I can imagine how it goes over with the Harley crowd in Texas when I mention the great privilege it is to own a Triumph Motorcycle in these United States of America.

Moreover, you can imagine the ribbing I get when I insist on taking special precautions when transporting my Triumph Motorcycle long distance.

While others might simply drive their motorcycle to a far-off destination, there are plenty of good reason why you might not want to put unwanted mile on your precious bike.

Based on past experiences I found three acceptable ways you can go about doing this.

So as a follow-up to an earlier article on long-distance riding, here’s some recommendations on methods to move your classic 2-wheeler.  And the first is…

Using a Long Distance Towing Company

A good towing company does more than just pick up stranded motorists – most are capable of transporting cars and motorcycles long distance.

For my move to the States I had used a company called Reliable Guys Towing out of St Louis.  They were centrally located, and while it took some coordination and some negotiating, they ending doing the job at a fraction of the price of a specialized transport company.

Make sure you insist on a flatbed tow truck configuration and make sure they use hold down straps that don’t scratch your prized bike during transport.

Pros:

• It is the perfect middle ground of all the options available in terms of cost and features.
• A good towing company will also have some sort of insurance that will cover any unforeseen events.\
• It is a great option if you are busy or in a hurry and do not want to take the hassle of personally transporting your motorcycle.
• You do not have to worry about equipment like a loading ramp or the necessary ropes or tie-ins.

Cons:

• There are chances of delays.
• It is a costly option.
• Can be time consuming as well.

Renting a Flat Bed Trailer and DIY

If you really love your motorcycle then this is the option to go for. It involves a lot more hassles but if done right it will ensure that your motorcycle will reach its destination in the best shape possible. After all, no one else can show the same level of care towards your motorcycle that you can. It is a reasonable option if you are willing to go the extra mile.

Pros:

• You can do it at your own time and leisure.
• It is the most cost-effective method.
• You can always keep an eye on your motorcycle during transit.
•  It can be a rewarding experience and one which you can go to time and again once you get the hang of it

Cons:

• You need the proper know how and equipment which can be daunting for some.
• The drive can become a bit monotonous.
• Larger motorcycles can be difficult to load on to a flatbed.

Most people who opt for this method fall into the temptation of using a makeshift ramp like something made out of a wooden plank but it is a recipe for disaster. Whatever you use, make sure that it does not shift under the motorcycle. The last thing you want to do is drop a heavy motorcycle on yourself. There are many purpose built ramps available that aren’t that expensive and make life a lot easier. Also use good quality tie-ins to secure the motorcycle to the flatbed.

Pay close attention to the ones that secure the front of the bike as most of the support is needed there. Everything should be snug and check everything a couple of times to make sure there is no wiggle room.

Using a Vehicle Transport Company

If you are, however, looking for the very best choice available and do not mind shelling out a few extra bucks then this is the way to go. They are the specialists who know how to transport motorcycles, sports cars, and most anything else safely and in a manner that has the least chances of causing any damage to motorcycle. This is your safest bet but it too comes with its caveats.  You can coordinate directly with a company or go through a broker like National Transport to find a company that fits your needs.

Just like availing any other professional service, it is best to use a reputable vehicle transport company. Also check all the fine print when handing over your motorcycle to ensure that there are no loopholes.

Pros:

• The safest option as they have all the specialist equipment and transport vehicles necessary.
• Least amount of headaches as a good vehicle transport company will know exactly what to do.
• You can be rest assured that your motorcycle will be handled very professionally allowing it to reach in one piece.

Cons:

• It is the most expensive option for obvious reasons.
• The transit time can be longer as these companies tend to transport more than one vehicle at a time and you might have to wait for a certain lot to be filled.
• You might have to navigate a lot of red tape in the form of terms and conditions to ensure that you have total assurance that your bike will be delivered to the destination as per your needs.

In Summary

Moving a motorcycle might seem like a daunting task but many have done it successfully in the past. There is no single right or wrong way to do it and it all depends on your situation, requirements and the availability of time.