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Motorcycle News, News

How to ship a motorbike across country

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(Contributed article for our North American readers)

There are several reasons why you might need to ship a motorbike across country. You might have bought a new bike across the other side of the country and need to get it shipped to your home. It might be because you’re relocating and don’t have the time to ride a long distance. Perhaps you need to get it to a specialist motorbike garage for some serious repairs, or because you’ve got a spot booked at the next Daytona Bike Week. Whatever the reason, shipping a motorbike cross country is easier than you think.

How to choose the best cross country motorbike shipping company

There are lots of companies you can use for shipping a motorbike cross country. But for your precious motorbike, it’s important to choose the right one. Choose a company that specializes in transporting motorcycles and you can be certain they’ve got the right experience, insurance and reputation to get the job done quickly and safely.

  • Compare motorcycle transporters: They must register with the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and have active DOT and MC numbers.
  • Check insurance coverage: US law requires motorcycle transporters to have both cargo and liability insurance if they want to transport motorbikes across the country legally. Always ask a carrier for written proof of their insurance before deciding which one to hire.
  • Read reviews: You can get a good idea about the reliability of a company by reading reviews left by previous customers. A company’s online reputation is a direct reflection of the experience and professionalism you can expect from a cross country motorbike shipping company.
  • Extra costs and surcharges: Check whether there will be any additional costs or surcharges you need to know about in advance. It’s also a good idea to check whether there are any discounts or promotions you can take advantage of.
  • Request several quotes: Request quotes from several different companies and compare the cost to ship a motorbike across country.

How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle?

The cost to ship a motorbike across country varies depending on several factors. These include:

  • Distance of travel
  • Pick-up and drop off locations
  • Make and model of the motorcycle
  • Whether the shipment is going to be expedited
  • Type of motorbike transport used: Typically, motorbikes are transported using enclosed trailers as these provide much more protection. Open motorcycle transport is available for people with limited budgets or owners in a hurry.

How to prepare your motorcycle for transport

Before the carrier transports your motorcycle, there are some things you have to do to get it ready.

  • Thoroughly clean your motorcycle
  • Make a note of any chips, dings, scratches, or other cosmetic damage
  • Take pictures of your bike from several angles, along with detailed shots of any existing damage
  • Remove all loose items from your motorcycle
  • Ensure your motorbike is in good working condition
  • Inflate tires
  • Charge the battery
  • Fill the gas tank to 1/4 full
  • Check and fix all fluid leaks

Now you know how easy it is to ship a motorbike across country, you don’t need to stress about it.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

What’s the best way to ship a motorcycle?

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(Sponsored post fr our North American readers)

Whether you are heading to a bike rally, fly and ride vacation, planning a move across state/country or trying to get your new or used motorcycle you purchased online, figuring out the best way to move a motorcycle from one location to the second location without actually having to ride it can be a little complex. According to a professional motorcycle transport company, there are numerous factors you should consider to make sure that your bike survives the journey in one piece.  Here are the two options which we are going to discuss, DIY or ship your motorbike professionally.

Do it yourself

This will be something you will need to consider twice about if you are moving out of state. Across state travels can be much more challenging and pose more dangers to your bike. If you don’t trust your wheels to just anyone, then DIY transport is best for you. First, you will need an automobile large enough to ship your motorbike. That automobile could be a lorry with a large bed or an SUV with a trailer attached. You may have your own trailer, or you may choose to rent one. No matter what type of vehicle you choose for your bike to ship, you should make sure that the platform is large enough to accommodate the length of the bike and should be free of any debris or boxes.

Also, you will need a slop/ramp for loading and unloading your motorcycle. While some riders may recommend making your ramp using wood etc., the secure ramps are made of iron or other solid metals and manufactured specially for shipping motorbikes or other automobiles.

You will also need a bike chock to stabilize your motorcycle on the truck or trailer bed. Chocks are specific devices that protect the motorbike’s front wheel and keep the motorcycle upright during transportation.

Lastly, you will also need strong tie-downs to protect the body of the motorcycle to prevent it from shifting side-to-side during transport. Tie-down harness should be made of sturdy material, and should also be fairly wide to better allocate the weight of the motorbike across the sides of the truck or trailer bed. Belts with attached ratcheting mechanisms are recommended to make sure that straps are tightened adequately. Shipping your motorcycle on your means that your motorbike never leaves your sight, decreasing the chance of accidental loss through negligence. But, if you have to buy costly tools or equipment’s, like a trailer or chock, if may cost as much, if not more, than professional transport.

Hire Motorcycle Transport Company

Motorcycle shipping company can offer a variety of benefits when shipping your motorbike, including individual shipping crates, enclosed transport, professional service, and specific insurance. When shipping your motor bike with an expert auto transport company, it is necessary to confirm the amount and type of insurance coverage the company provides before finalizing the deal.

If you do agree to transport professionally, you should prepare your motor cycle for the trip by removing all private items, disconnecting the motorcycle’s anti-theft system, locking handlebars, folding inside mirrors, and leaving the motorbike in neutral. If you plan on shipping your motorcycle via crate, you should drain the gas tank and remove the battery.

Regardless of your chosen specialized transport mode, you should always clean your motorcycle and photograph any dents or scratches before shipment. This way, you can provide evidence of existing damage for insurance purposes. Professional transport does not need any special tools or equipment; all crates, harnesses, and trailers are their responsibility. However, the personalized and convenient service may make shipping your bike expensive.

Ultimately, the transport mode you choose will depend on your preferences and financial plan. Whatever the way, be sure to take the correct methods to secure your bike arrives in one piece at your new location.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Motorcycle safety scholar Dr Wigan retires

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Australian motorcycle road safety will be a little poorer with the retirement of 50+-year scholar and transport consultant Dr Marcus R. Wigan.

The Emeritus Professor of Transport and Information Systems Edinburgh Napier University says it is time to hang up his mortar board and enjoy his Yamaha MT-10 in his retirement.

Over the past half century Dr Wigan, aged 78, has produced many interesting papers on a range of subjects including transport and, in particular, motorcycling.

One of his enduring themes is the need for more comprehensive and qualitative crash data.

He says governments and big business often exploit poor data, resulting in poor decisions.Dr Marcus

Dr Wigan has consulted to many governments and businesses and says his papers have been cited many decades after publication.

His papers have helped formulate policies on several motorcycle issues such as front number plates, parking, lane filtering, rationalising helmet standards and road hazards.

One of the most famous reports on motorcycling is the Leuven Project study into a particularly congested route in Belgium.

It found that when 10% of car drivers swapped to motorcycles – congestion was reduced for all road users by 40%. When 25% of car drivers swapped – congestion was eliminated altogether.

That report also cited Dr Wigan’s research.

Dr Wigan: safety mindset

Dr Wigan and family

His motorcycle safety mindset was probably forged in the 1960s while at Oxford University in the UK where he had his first and last exchange with a traffic cop after riding his Norton way too fast.

“I was roaring up the white line on Folly Bridge Road, helmet-less and in rowing gear, at 60mph in a 30mph zone (in the UK) when I was flagged down and instead of having a book-sized set of infringements thrown at me, I was asked: ‘Why?’

“I said: ‘Because I have eight other people in the Hertford College first VIII waiting anxiously for me.’ He explained very carefully how stupid I had been and why and let me go.

“I have NEVER forgotten this and it has guided me in my riding ever since.”

Future challenges

As he departs for those winding roads into the hills, Dr Wigan says these are the challenges facing motorcycling:

  1. Being recognised in the spectrum of sub-car mobility. This places motorcycles as transport in context instead of as a safety problem; and
  2. Getting high-quality credible research that supports my first point!

Potted riding history

Dr Wigan once held an FIM International Racing Licence, but began his riding career in 1956 with a Lambretta scooter in the UK while studying at Oxford.

He bought a 1946 Norton ES2 single ex sidecar in 1962 for 8 quid and sold it for 8 quid.

In 1964 he bought his first new motorcycle … a Vespa Sportique 150cc that he took on his “first honeymoon”.

Over the years there has been a host of other motorcycles, including race bikes and a stint of racing, culminating in an Indian Scout which he recently sold for his current Yamaha MT-10.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Survey attracts a robust number of riders

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A Queensland motorcycle and scooter survey to help Transport and Main Roads identify rider types and develop relevant policies has attracted a “robust” number of participants.

The research group running the survey, Enhance Research, sought our assistance in early June to reach out to riders of registrable motorcycles, scooters and mopeds.

A spokeswoman says the survey closed on Sunday 28 June 2020 as per the survey instructions and attracted more than 1800 completed surveys from motorcyclists across Queensland.

They say this is “a fantastic and robust outcome”.

The research group had already held focus groups with various stakeholders including motorcycle retailers, riding and social clubs, riding schools and riders.

Rider types2016 big for official safety recalls - Sunshine Coast Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer entrapment slump

The survey was designed to help TMR quantify those findings.

In general terms, the questionnaire asked riders about:

  • Demographics – age, gender, occupation, etc.
  • What bikes they own, number, type, capacity, etc;
  • For their main two bikes (if they have more than one), they ask for details about their use , such as frequency, distances, purpose, etc;
  • General attitudinal questions about their riding ability, bike maintenance, views about personal safety, safety gear, risk, etc; and
  • Crash and infringements history.

Questions about crash and infringements history concerned some riders, but the survey was totally anonymous and covered by the Market & Social Research Privacy Principals and Privacy Act.

Results will only be reported to TMR in aggregate form. 

Responses have gone directly to Enhance Research who will now analyse the information collected without the identification of individual respondents.

Enhance Research does not have access to respondents’ email address, and the company will maintain complete confidentiality of individual feedback. 

Prize draw

TMR also offered a prize draw of five $100 GiftPay vouchers. Survey participants could choose to enter if they provided their details which were used only for the prize draw purpose.

The random prize draw was conducted and winners notified.

They are:

  • Brett Newman
  • Keith Garrett
  • Andrew Coghlan
  • Andrew Peirson
  • Amanda Austin

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Survey seeks to identify rider types

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Queensland motorcycle and scooter riders are being asked to complete an online survey to help Transport and Main Roads identify rider types and develop relevant policies.

The research group running the survey, Enhance Research, has sought our assistance in reaching out to riders of registrable motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, so it excludes off-roaders, motocross, etc.

This anonymous survey only takes about 15 minutes to complete.

The research group has already held focus groups with various stakeholders including motorcycle retailers, riding and social clubs, riding schools and riders.

Rider types2016 big for official safety recalls - Sunshine Coast Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer entrapment slump

Now TMR needs to quantify those findings.

In general terms, the questionnaire asks riders about:

  • Demographics – age, gender, occupation, etc.
  • What bikes they own, number, type, capacity, etc;
  • For their main two bikes (if they have more than one), they ask for details about their use , such as frequency, distances, purpose, etc;
  • General attitudinal questions about their riding ability, bike maintenance, views about personal safety, safety gear, risk, etc; and
  • Crash and infringements history.

Questions about crash and infringements history may concern some riders, but the survey is totally anonymous and covered by the Market & Social Research Privacy Principals and Privacy Act.

Results will only be reported to TMR in aggregate form. 

Your responses go directly to Enhance Research who will analyse the information collected without the identification of individual respondents.

Enhance Research does not have access to your email address, and the company will maintain complete confidentiality of individual feedback. 

However, TMR is also offering a prize draw of five $100 GiftPay vouchers. Survey participants can choose to enter it they provide their details which are used only for the prize draw purpose.

Be quick, as the survey closes on Sunday, June 28 2020.

Please complete the survey by clicking this link.

Our view

We understand some riders may be concerned about a lack of privacy.

However, I did the survey and didn’t divulge any information that isn’t readily available, anyway.

Surely it is better for riders that the department that is making decisions that affect our riding are armed with relevant information.

Otherwise, they are making uninformed decisions that could have disastrous repercussions for riders.

In the absence of the Motorcycle Riders Association of Queensland which closed in January this year it is even more important for your voice to be heard.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Riders invited to join government panel

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Riders are invited to nominate to join a special panel to advise the Victorian Government on all matters involving motorcycles.

The Motorcycling Community Engagement Panel replaces the disbanded Motorcycling Expert Advisory Panel MCEP after a review of MEAP called by Road Safety Minister Jaala Pulford.

Some say it is a political move.

However, it also provides riders with a clean-slate opportunity to have their voice heard.

New panel

The MCEP will include five Victorian Government representatives and six community members with “a range of different attitudes, expertise and skills”.

Nominees must be current motorcycle riders with a valid licence and live in Victoria.

It precludes Victorian riders who have moved interstate and visiting riders attracted to the state’s famous riding roads or attend the annual MotoGP, Phillip Island Classic or World Superbikes.

CFMoto-650 Vicroads online Survey motorcycle safety levy Victoria Yarra Black Spur safety levy country
Yarra Ranges have some great roads

Click here to express your interest in joining the panel.

Be quick as expressions of interest close on Sunday (1 December 2019). The new panel is expected to be commissioned in the first quarter next year.

Positive approach

Former MEAP delegate Rob Salvatore is positive about Pulford’s new MCEP.

Panel Rob Salvatore
Rob Salvatore

“The Minister has previous experience with the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee which after a review and refresh on her watch, developed into a genuine working committee helping set policy,” says Rob who is also VicRoads Transport Users Forum delegate and Victorian Motorcycle Council Vice Chair.

“I believe this is her motivation for the MEAP review.

“The review process was fairly open and involved all panel members.

“From a personal point of view, motorcycling is more complex than it first appears and that goes tenfold for the issues around motorcycling.

“While I support the broad search for new perspectives, I hope that those selected for the MCEP genuinely appreciate this truth about motorcycling.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Bar Cuffs make bike transport easy

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These clever Bar Cuffs not only make it easy to tie down your motorcycle for transport, but are also guaranteed not to scratch your chromed or powder-coated handlebars.

The multi-patented Bar Cuffs cost $US49.95 (about $A75 plus postage) and are made of stainless steel so they won’t rust like many tie-down hooks.

They feature rubber inserts to prevent scratching and slipping and save you the hassle of putting something soft between the nylon straps or hooks and the bars.

Bar Cuffs

Adam Ewles says his invention will support up to 900kg of strain, so they should be suitable for all sized scooters and motorcycles.

They are also able to be locked in case you are storing your bike on a trailer overnight.

Bar Cuffs come in a pack of two with extra inserts in different sizes to accommodate various sized bar diameters.

You can also clamp then right over the bar grips and the eyelets will self tighten.Bar Cuffs to transport motorcycle

Note that you will still need nylon straps to tie down the rear of the bike.

Click here for tips on how to safely transport your bike.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Footpath parking ban a ‘conspiracy theory’

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Claims that the Melbourne Council Draft Transport Plan will reduce motorcycle parking in the city is a conspiracy theory, says transport spokesman Cr Frances Gilley (above).

However, he does admit they will restrict some footpath parking in the short term with a long-term option of removing all motorcycles from CBD footpaths.

In the meantime, he says they will reduce street car parking and convert it to motorcycle spaces.

“Motorcyclists won’t lose any spaces,” says the councillor who used to commute on a scooter and park on the footpath outside council chambers.

Conspiracy theory

“I get the conspiracy theory that if we create 10 spaces we lose a thousand.

“We will create more spaces on-road and if we need more we will provide them.

“But at some point we may find there is no need to park on pavement and we may do something. But that is not the current plan.”

Melbourne zones
Melbourne footpath parking

Footpath obstruction

He says motorcycles are a major obstruction to pedestrian traffic which represents 90% of the movement around the CBD.

“But there is nothing in the current Draft Transport Plan to say people can’t keep parking on the pavement. However, there will be some places where we will restrict it,” he says.

“The problem is that some motorcyclists keep ignoring disabled parking spots and park too close on the footpath which prevents people from getting out of their cars.

“We will clearly mark paces where people can’t park.”

Frances says riders of big motorcycles would find it easier to park in on-street parking spaces than to “go up on the pavement and have to weave around pedestrians”.

“When we create alternative on-street parking spaces we will see what it looks like,” he says.

“We think there will be a change in the number of motorbikes that use the pavement.”

Keen rider

Frances says he is a keen rider who had an old 250cc Vespa and a BMW K 100 in the UK in his 20s and is “not quite finished” customising his 25-year-old Honda Trans Alp.

Melbourne Council draft transport motorcycle parking conspiracy theory transport spokesman Cr Frances Gilley
Frances and his Trans Alp

“I rent in the inner city and for the past six years I’ve ridden a Vespa 250 to work and just recently swapped it for an electric bike to use the bike paths.”

He also owns a KTM 530 EXC dirt bike and his son and daughter have dirt bikes.

“We go weekend bush riding at our shack in Mansfield high country,” he says.

“There is 10km of dirt to get to my shack. It’s a nice ride up through the hills.”

Draft plan discussion

The Draft Transport Strategy 2030 was endorsed for public consultation by the Future Melbourne Committee on May 7 and is open for public comment until June 19.

Information sessions to discuss the draft with the community will be held at the Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale St, next Wednesday (29 May) from 6pm-8pm and on Saturday, June 1, 11am-1pm.

Click here to register to attend an information session.

Riders can also speak with the project team at one of the following pop-up sessions:

            Melbourne Town Hall Pop-up

            Melbourne Knowledge Week – Prototype Street Pop-up

            North Melbourne Station Pop-up

            Harbour Esplanade Pop-up

            Southern Cross Station Pop-up

Go to the Participate Melbourne page for more details.         

 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

How to Transport Your Motorbike

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A motorbike is a fantastic form of transportation, but there may be times where you are unable to ride the bike and need to find a way to transport it. This could be on a particularly long journey, because repair work needs to be carried out or any other reason. So, what do you do in these situations? Fortunately, it can be relatively straightforward to transport a motorcycle when you know how.

Using a Van

The best way to safely transport a motorcycle is to use a van. You can find suitable vans from places like Imperial Car Supermarkets and you will need to make sure that there is plenty of room in the back for your bike.Queensland Motorcycle Breakdown Service tyre punctures transport

Equipment

There are then a few pieces of equipment that you will need to safely load and transport the bike in the back of a van. These include a loading ramp, ratchet straps/bungee cords, chocks and a canyon dancer bar harness. It is also helpful if you have a spare pair of hands to help you to load the bike into the back of the van.

Loading the Bike

First, you need to make sure that the bike is in neutral and to secure the ramp so that it will not slip. One person should then hold the handlebars straight while the other pushes the bike from behind. You may then need someone to also pull the bike in when it is near the top of the ramp at its heaviest.

Securing the BikeTransport puncture flat tyre GT10009

To secure the bike in place you will need to put the kickstand up and put the chocks in place to prevent the wheels from moving. You can then attach the canyon dancer harness with the ratchet straps attached to the harness. The ratchet straps should then be affixed to the floor or wall of the van – tighten them to make sure that there is no movement.

This is the easiest, safest and most effective way to transport a motorcycle. It can be intimidating and daunting at first as you will not want to damage your bike but once you have secured the bike once and seen just how secure it is you will feel much more confident the next time. You need to make sure that you have the right van for the job and high-quality equipment and once you have this it can be quick and easy to secure a bike for transportation.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com