You’ve found the perfect motorcycle. You’re already envisioning your first ride. But then reality hits: the private seller is located three states away—and so is your motorcycle. At first, making such an important purchase out of state might seem like a deal-breaker. But with the right approach, you can remove the hassle (and uncertainty) of buying your new ride from a private seller located elsewhere in the U.S.

Your Checklist For Buying From a Private Seller

Buying a used motorcycle from someone local brings a certain level of convenience. You can make the transaction in-person and inspect the motorcycle before riding it home. But when you’re looking for a particular used motorcycle, or the best overall deal, you might have to set your sights beyond your state line. Before you buy, complete this checklist to make sure you’ve dotted your i’s, crossed your t’s and are on your way to a successful purchase.

(Note: This checklist focuses on purchases from private sellers. If you’re purchasing a motorcycle from a dealership, they should be able to help you navigate the items below. If you’re traveling to another state so that you can purchase the motorcycle in person, then do the viewing live rather than over video call.)

1| Determine the Motorcycle’s Value

• Shop around. See what the motorcycle is selling for elsewhere.
• Search the NADA Guide. Ensure the asking price is reasonable for the motorcycle’s year, make, model and condition.

2| Contact the Seller

• Email the seller. Ask to see more photos of the motorcycle. Keep the dialogue friendly.

• Get the VIN.Ask the seller for the VIN number before you move any further. Then, run a VIN check. (The National Insurance Crime Bureau has a free VIN service to help you determine if the motorcycle was stolen or reported as salvage. You can also do this for a small fee through the DMV.)
• Ask about the title. If the seller doesn’t have a title, the deal doesn’t necessarily have to be DOA. However, if you move forward knowing the seller has no title, do so with caution.
• Pick up the phone. If you’re still interested after your email exchange, pick up the phone. It’s much easier to sense a scam on a call, when you have the benefit of hearing the person’s voice. Ask about payment terms if you haven’t already.

3| Hold a Virtual Viewing

• Schedule a video call. Set aside a full hour so you have enough time to really assess the bike you’re considering buying.

• Ask the owner questions.

  

  • How long have you owned the motorcycle?
  • When was the last time the motorcycle was registered?
  • Who was the previous owner?
  • Has the motorcycle been in any accidents? If so, describe them.
  • Do you have receipts from the motorcycle’s repairs and/or maintenance? If the seller is willing to share them via email, that’s a major plus.
  • Do you have a buyer’s remorse policy? Most private sellers won’t have this, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

• Inspect the motorcycle “live” on video. You can view our detailed checklist for buying a used motorcycle, but here is a quick guide for things you will want to ask the seller to show you:
  • The VIN. Make sure the numbers aren’t altered. If they appear to be changed, not stamped by the factory, then it’s time to walk away.
  • The title. Make sure the owner can show you the title. Then, make sure the VIN on the motorcycle matches the one on the title.
  • The engine while running. Ask the owner not to start it before your call so that it’s cold when started.
  • The motorcycle rolling. Ask the owner to turn off the motorcycle, put it in neutral and roll it.
  • A close-up of the motorcycle itself. Don’t be afraid to take your time; if sellers are serious about making the deal a win-win, they’ll show you the details you need to make up your mind.
    • • The ground under the motorcycle. Are there any wet spots?

    

    • Bar ends, levers and footpegs. Are any of them aftermarket? Are they damaged? If so, the motorcycle might have been in a crash.
    • The tires. Are they flat? Do you see any pilling or feathering, which are common signs of a motorcycle being used at the track?
    • Scratches or dents
    • Fork and ignition locks. Make sure the key works and that they’re not broken.
    • Wiring. Pay attention to any signs of a DIY fix or update. This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s better to know now—when you can ask the seller about it—than after the deal is done.
    • Damage. Check for scratches, dents, rusty chains, leaks and any other sign of an issue.

4| Do Your Paperwork

• Review your state’s rules about out-of-state purchases. These vary and can impact the process of transferring the title and bringing a vehicle into the state.
• Sort out registration. When you buy a motorcycle from a dealer, they usually handle registration for you. But if you’re buying from a private seller, it becomes your job. Contact your local DMV and have the motorcycle’s VIN ready. If you’re riding your motorcycle home, you’ll need to also get temporary registration.
• Get insurance. In most states, you’ll need proof of motorcycle insurance before you can complete the title and registration process. If you already have a motorcycle insurance policy, get a quote on adding the additional bike. If not, contacting your auto insurance agent is a good place to start.

5| Figure Out Shipping

• Get a free quote ahead of time. If the buyer doesn’t include shipping in the sale price, then your goal should be to find the best quality, most affordable motorcycle shipping company. (Full disclosure: We’re one of few companies that specialize in motorcycle transport). Get a quote for shipping the motorcycle to your door before you finalize the deal. That way, you know the true costs of your purchase.

6| Purchase the Motorcycle

• Use escrow.com to protect both parties. As the buyer, you deposit the purchase price into a secure online account. When the escrow agent lets the seller know the payment is received, the motorcycle is shipped to you. When you receive the bike, you have a certain amount of time to confirm it was received in the agreed-upon condition. Once you do so, the funds are released to the seller. (Here’s more on how the escrow.com process works for motorcycles.)
• Make sure you receive the title when you pay. This is another area where escrow.com comes in handy. If the seller says he will mail you the title, walk away.
• Pay sales tax. If you purchase your motorcycle online, that doesn’t mean you’re exempt from tax. In general, you’ll pay sales tax in the state where you’ll be registering it. If you’re buying in a state with no sales tax (think: Delaware or Oregon), you’ll still have to pay sales tax if you register it in a different state, Your local DMV can help you through the process.
• Get riding. Once your paperwork is complete and the sale is final, it’s time to hit the open road.

Whether you’re purchasing a motorcycle out of state or want to take a destination ride (think: Alaska, Hawaii or anywhere else in our great nation), Motorcycle Shippers is here to help. Let us get your precious cargo to its final destination safely.

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Maybe you’ve just purchased a new dirt bike from a dealership or private seller in a different state. Or maybe you want to take a destination ride halfway across the country—or even outside the continental U.S. In all these scenarios, you need to ship your dirt bike safely from Point A to Point B. But how much does that cost, and what should you expect from the process?

At Motorcycle Shippers, we know motorcycles. But we’re also experts at helping our customers ship a variety of vehicles: electric bicycles and mountain bikes, electric motorcycles, dirt bikes, and beyond. To help guide you through the process, we’re answering the dirt bike shipping questions we hear most often from riders. Read on for more information on transporting your ride locally, domestically, and internationally.

How much does it cost to ship a dirt bike?

Dirt bike shipping costs can range from $35 for a local move to more than $3,000 if your destination is outside the U.S. However, your total cost will depend on shipping distance, delivery address, the size of your dirt bike, gas prices, the shipping method you choose, and other factors. It’s also important to educate yourself about hidden fees.

Local Dirt Bike Shipping Costs

If you need to ship your dirt bike a short distance under 150 miles, the price can range from $35 to $275. For local moves, consider companies like AMA Roadside Assistance. Its annual membership is $35 (as of January 2023); with that membership, AMA will move your dirt bike for free up to 35 miles.

Long-Distance Dirt Bike Shipping Costs

The next scenario is long-distance dirt bike shipping up to 3,500 miles. This move can cost anywhere from $375 to $950. Why the range in pricing? Because numerous factors can shift your price in either direction. Your dirt bike’s size and type will impact your shipping cost. So will the pickup and delivery addresses, fuel prices, and, in some cases, the season.

The method of shipping (freight company vs. independent hauler vs. professional dirt bike shipper) will also affect the price of transporting your dirt bike. Visit this link for a quick cost comparison of the various shipping methods; although it’s calculated using a Kawasaki Vulcan, the general rules still apply. It might seem more cost-effective to move your dirt bike yourself, and in some cases, it can be the best option. But professional service companies often come in at around the same price once you factor in time, fuel, and hotel/accommodation costs. Freight companies are typically the most expensive of the domestic dirt bike shipping options.

International Dirt Bike Shipping Costs

If you need to ship your dirt bike internationally, the cost can range from $900 to $3,500. This is a specialized service, so it’s best to find a specialized company. ShipMyBike.com is a trusted resource for international dirt bike transport; visit its website to get a free quote.

No matter the dirt bike shipping distance or method, keep in mind these hidden fees, each of which can affect the total price of your transport:

● Rural or “beyond” fees (based on pick-up or delivery locations; to avoid surprises, agree to both locations before finalizing your quote)
● Fuel surcharges (Diesel Fuel Prices posted by the EIA)
● Toll road and lift gate fees
● Insurance fees
● Residential fees (if you opt for door-to-door dirt bike shipping; you’ll need to ask the company if this service is offered)
● Attempted delivery fees (make sure you’re available when the driver arrives and that the location is easily accessible to the shipping company)
● Storage fees (when your dirt bike can’t be delivered as scheduled, such as the attempted delivery scenario we just described)

When determining your dirt bike shipping cost, also remember to factor in insurance. Ask the shipper about its insurance coverage and determine if its base-level offering is sufficient for the value of your dirt bike. If the answer is “no,” you will likely need to purchase above-and-beyond coverage for an additional fee.

Is dirt bike shipping different from motorcycle shipping?

When you search online for information about dirt bike shipping, what tends to come up is a bunch of articles about transporting motorcycles. With the right equipment and customized approach, shippers can adjust their system for shipping motorcycles to meet the needs of your dirt bike. However, most shipping companies don’t have the specialized equipment or expertise required to ship motorcycles and other two-wheel vehicles. With cargo as valuable as your dirt bike, experience is critical.

At Motorcycle Shippers, we ship dirt bikes like we ship motorcycles, using a proven transport system that has earned the trust of customers for more than 25 years. We have the equipment, expertise, and customer service to get the job done right, ensuring your dirt bike reaches its destination in the same condition as when it entered our hands. Our specialty skids provide a Perimeter of ProtectionⓇ around dirt bikes shipped using our Classic Service. Our Economy Services uses specialized soft straps to protect the fragile areas and finishes of your dirt bike. We ship our customers’ dirt bikes in fully-enclosed air-ride trucks that protect your ride from the elements during transport. And every step of the way, your shipping is managed by riders who treat your dirt bike as carefully as if it was our own.

Visit this link to learn more about our shipping process for motorcycles, dirt bikes, electric bikes, and more. Then, contact us for a free shipping quote. Our flat-rate quotes ensure that you get a transparent, fair price for shipping your dirt bike—no surprises or hidden fees.