Now that summer has arrived and the hot sun is shining down on the roadways throughout much of the world, it is a great time to be able to hop on a bike and take a cruise down the highway to see the sights. Traveling with a motorcycle is a great way to really see nature at its finest and really be able to not just see the scenery but actually smell the great fragrances that exude from the flora and fauna that live in the wilds near the roadways. In other words, riding a motorcycle can really help you feel at one with nature in a way that riding in a personal car, taxi or public bus will never be able to do.While many riders choose to hop on their bikes and ride cross country whenever they feel the urge, there are many times when riding may not be an option to reach a destination due to time constraints, weather or the need to travel with companions during a move or a vacation. In time such as these, riding the bike to the destination may not be an option, but when it comes to getting it there so you can enjoy riding locally once you arrive, you may want to consider the various ways that you can have moved to the new location safely and in a timely manner so you will be able to ride during your stay or once you move to a new home.
Since the creation of the very first motorcycle, the Daimler Reitwagen which was produced by Daimler Motors Corporation, moving one from one location to another has been perfected by many individuals around the world which makes it quite easy for bike owners today to get their prized possessions moved to where they need it as quickly, and safely, as possible at a fraction of the cost that it was even a decade ago.
Riding the Motorcycle.
You may not have the time to ride the bike on your own, but some people opt to hire a rider or have a friend or family member ride for them. This may be an option if you know someone well enough to fully trust them to ride your personal motorcycle across the country. If you hire someone to ride your bike or even have a friend ride for you, you run the risk of taking a loss of your motorcycle, or worse, a friend or relative, in case of an accident during the long ride.
Riding the bike will also cause mileage to add up and you will most likely have other expenses including buying new tires, paying extra for fuel and having other motorcycle maintenance that you may not be prepared to budget in anytime soon. Bikes tend to burn oil, especially on long distance rides and this can cause the owner to have to pay for oil changes as well as work that may need taken care on parts like the pistons, camshafts and other vital engine parts. Replacing or repairing these parts when damaged can be very expensive.
Riding a long distance can be highly dangerous and most people find that even when riding to save money, the cost can actually be higher to ride when you factor in stops for food, lodging and motorcycle maintenance along the way.
Hauling Behind Your Truck.
If you plan to drive a truck or even a large SUV and have a trailer that is capable of hauling a motorcycle, it may be a consideration to try to haul your own bike instead of riding it or having someone else ride for you. Pulling a trailer is beneficial in that you will be able to keep your motorcycle in your sights during the journey and you know that since you will be the one hauling it, that you will take care of it.
There are, of course, some drawbacks to hauling your own motorcycle that you really need to consider when you need to make a move cross country or even if you need to move abroad. Something that is very important is going to be the fact that when you haul anything behind a truck or SUV, it is going to add weight to your vehicle and this weight will cost you more in fuel costs because the engine is going to work harder to pull the extra weight.
Long distance drives are tough on tires and when you haul a heavy load, it can cause engine strain as well. These things can definitely cost a great deal financially when you factor in the cost of new tires as well as oil changes, tune-ups and other repair and general maintenance work.
Moving abroad? There is no way to haul a motorcycle behind another vehicle if you need to move across the ocean to a new location. When it is time to relocate your motorcycle, it is best to take time to really consider the options you have before you jump into anything that may cost more money or not be safe for your bike.
Professional Motorcycle Transport.
When you are moving abroad and need to take your motorcycle, the only option you will have is going to be hiring a professional to handle the move. If you need to move to a different state or across the country, the best option, as well as the safest and most economical, is going to be hiring a trustworthy motorcycle transport company to move the bike for you.
Most bikes are crated for protection during shipment but you will have the option to have it crated or even strapped and hauled on a flatbed trailer. Crates can be purchased through many motorcycle sales shops as well as obtained through the professional transporter. Motorcycle transport is highly safe and seldom ever will you hear of any bike being damaged during shipment.
A motorcycle shipping agent will work closely with you to make sure your bike is shipped just as you want it to be. In most cases, you will be able to track the shipment from start to finish and this will help ease any stress you may have about being separated from your motorcycle. With the way transport schedules work, it will also be simple to have the bike shipment planned to coincide with your vacation or relocation so the bike will be delivered at a time that is convenient for you.
Once your motorcycle has been delivered to the new location you will be able to do a walk through inspection with the delivery driver to make sure that everything is good and that there is no damage to the bike. You may want to take a little time to get to know the local roadways so you will not find any surprises when you start riding your motorcycle in the new area. Be sure to have a mobile phone or radio in the saddle bag of the bike in case of an emergency during your rides. Have fun while you ride, but above all, stay safe no matter where the roads may lead you and your motorcycle during your travels.
By: Jenna Oppenheimer