How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Cross-Canada Transport: A 12-Point Checklist

Why motorcycle prep matters

Most damage claims in motorcycle shipping aren't caused by the haul itself — they're caused by missed prep on either end. A clean, documented, properly-secured bike makes accountability bulletproof. Here's the exact 12-point checklist our drivers follow on every Canadian motorcycle pickup.

The 12-point pre-pickup checklist

1. Wash the bike — clean paint reveals every existing scratch and chip. Don't try to hide condition; you're protecting yourself.
2. Document everything with photos — 8 angles minimum: front, back, both sides, both ¾ angles, tank top, seat. Date-stamped phone photos are perfect.
3. Drain to ¼ tank of fuel — enough to start and load; little enough to be safe in transit.
4. Disable the alarm — it will trigger every bump on the highway. Park-mode it or pull the fob.
5. Charge the battery — your bike will sit. Trickle charge or fully-charged before pickup.
6. Secure or remove loose parts — saddlebags, GPS units, removable windscreens, sat-nav cradles.
7. Remove personal items — helmets, gear, tools. Most cargo insurance does not cover loose items.
8. Check fluid leaks — wipe the engine and transmission. A drip noticed at pickup but not in your photos becomes a problem.
9. Note the mileage — write it down. Easy to forget; impossible to fake later.
10. Photograph the keys — yes, the keys. Confirms you handed over what you handed over.
11. Have the title/registration ready — drivers don't always need to see it but border or weigh-station officers occasionally do.
12. Be on-site for pickup — not always possible, but a 5-minute walkaround with the driver is the single highest-leverage thing you can do.

Open vs enclosed: a quick decision

We default to enclosed transport on every motorcycle haul, no upcharge.

Day-of pickup: what to expect

Your driver arrives in a marked truck, completes a written condition report alongside you (signed and photographed), straps the bike using soft-ties through the triple tree plus a chock at the front wheel. No tank tie-downs, no fork compression. You sign, you keep a copy.

Inspection on delivery

Same process in reverse. The driver and recipient walk the bike together, compare to pickup photos, sign off. Any new mark goes on the report immediately — don't sign first and call later. That's the moment claims either succeed or get muddled.

Frequently asked questions

Should I drain the fuel completely? No. A small amount lets the bike start for loading. Empty tanks invite condensation and rust on long runs.

What if my motorcycle won't start? Tell us in advance. We bring ramps and winches for non-running bikes. No upcharge if disclosed at booking.

Can I ship gear in the saddlebags? We don't recommend it. Most cargo insurance excludes loose contents. Ship gear separately or take it with you.

Is enclosed transport really worth it for short Canadian routes? For premium bikes (custom, vintage, sport) — yes, even short routes. Road grit and weather can scuff fairings worse than the haul itself.

Need a direct-carrier quote for your bike? Request a quote — enclosed transport included by default.