How to ship a bike overseas

The ultimate guide to getting your bike from the UK to anywhere in the world.

Your bike is your pride and joy. So when you’re shipping it abroad, you want to know it’s in safe hands.

Shipping a motorbike from England to any location can be simple and affordable too, but here are a few things to keep in mind.

Why ship your bike from the UK?

There are plenty of reasons your prized two-wheeled companion might need to undertake a journey across the globe. Maybe you’re moving abroad, starting an exciting new life overseas and want your trusted road partner to accompany you on your next adventure.

Perhaps you’ve found the preloved motorbike of your dreams, through eBay or a vintage bike auction, or have purchased a spanking new bike from a British manufacturer and need to have it delivered across borders.

Whatever the reason, shipping a motorbike from the UK doesn’t have to be a hassle.

How to ship from the UK

Shipping motorbikes can be a stressful experience, leaving many owners unsure about the safety of their two-wheeled partners. Here’s a layout of the steps you need to take:

1. You’ve purchased your new motorbike (or need to ship your current one) from the UK.
2. Your bike needs to be collected from the seller and shipping arranged. While standard shipping is cheaper, the risk of your bike being treated as loose freight and damaged is high, so investing in a quality motorbike shipping company could save you repair costs in the long run.
3. You need to ensure the correct shipping paperwork and documentation, so your bike arrives safely and securely. This can be a challenging and time-consuming process.

Whether you’re looking to ship your motorbike to the USA for a road trip, Australia for a house move or anywhere else for that matter, you need to ensure your bike arrives quickly and safely without being damaged during freight.

Choosing a reliable motorbike shipping company certified by the British International Freight Association (BIFA) guarantees that your bike is well-cared for every step of the way.

AutoShippers is a trustworthy shipping service based near Bristol and offering daily motorbike collections from the UK to over 144 countries. They’ll manage the shipping process for you, from picking up your bike, and preparing documents and paperwork for customs, to meticulously packaging your bike into individual crates built to fit its unique measurements. This prevents any damage during the journey, leaving you with the utmost peace of mind.

How is your bike crated?

First, your bike should be strapped in on a heavy-duty base with both wheels and the stand secured tightly with wooden chocks. Then, it should be strapped in paces, with any areas of contact padded out with foam to ensure that the paintwork remains intact and free from damage and scratches.

Your bike should be braced using timber supports inside the crate. More foam padding should be added to any areas of contact to keep the bike protected. Once your bike is in place, the top of the crate should be fixed into place before being strapped and given a unique seal, ensuring safe arrival to your door.

You can see exactly how it’s done in a recent video by Autoshippers here.

What does it cost?

Shipping costs are calculated based on size, weight and destination. Shipping an average-sized motorbike (e.g. a HONDA CBR 600) to New York, USA, will cost £294. This doesn’t include the costs required to make the individually built timber crate. For this tailored service, add £320.00 for packing and crating and around £40.00 for paperwork. Crates for larger bikes are £420.00, and shipping costs increase depending on the size of your bike.

Whether you’re shipping a motorbike to the USA, Canada or New Zealand, it’s worth paying for a quality service to protect your motorbike from rough crossings or handling. The exact cost depends on the final location and size of your bike. It’s easy to get a personalised quote by supplying a few details about the journey and the size of your bike, then you’re ready to set off on that adventure with your pride and joy.