How to ship your motorcycle from the US to Europe

Shipping your motorcycle from the US to Europe isn’t actually as complicated as you would think, and yet it seems that there is limited information available.

I shipped my motorcycle from the US to France in 2020 (yes, probably the worst year) and can tell you all about my experience.

Finding a shipping company

Depending on where in Europe, you should be able to find a shipping company that outsources to other companies in a specific country. The challenge with finding a shipping company is always the price comparison!

Your only option is to spend time on several different websites, inputting all of your information, and then waiting for the company to get back to you with a price quote.

The company I chose to use was Schumacher Cargo Logistics, who were very helpful in the process!

Comparing prices

I paid less than a thousand for the actual shipping of the bike. However, there are a few different factors that go into the total price of shipping, such as:

Location of your bike

Usually bikes will be shipped from the West Coast or the East Coast, so the cost will vary. If you’re located somewhere in the middle, the fee of moving the motorcycle will be a factor in the final price.

Dimensions

Heavier, bulkier motorcycles may cost more, since most of them will be built into custom crates.

Final destination

The closer the final destination, the cheaper. For example, shipping to Australia may be more expensive than Europe. There are also different custom and import taxes that vary with each country.

Selected shipping method/service

Transport options

With most companies, you can either drop off and pick up yourself, or pay an extra transport fee to have the company do it for you.

The cost varies, but will be a few hundred usually. You can always choose one option and not the other.

Storage options

Container shipping

Block and brace method – The motorcycle is strapped down and secured using the “block and brace” method inside of the container. The structure of the wood enclosures keep the bikes from moving while on the ocean.

Crate the bike – As an additional service usually, the company can build a wood box around the bike and brace it by itself. This creates an individual enclosed space for your bike within the container. Most don’t need this service, but it does offer maximum security.

Roll-on, roll-off

The roll-on roll-off method is much less secure but still works. The motorcycle will be shipped out in the open, so it will be subject to all weather conditions. The bike also must be operational, as someone will need to roll the bike on and off the boat.

This is less secure but of course the most cost efficient way to ship the motorcycle.

Air freight

The most expensive but the fastest for when you need have limited time to receive your bike. This involves putting your bike into an airplane to reach the destination faster.

Shipping marine insurance

The shipping company may also recommend an insurance to take out on the motorcycle while it is shipped. This protects your bike from theft, fire, loss, damage, etc. You have a few different options available depending on the coverage that you prefer.

How to optimize your bike for travel

There are two main issues when transporting your bike: Avoiding damage and saving the battery.

For the first you can wrap your bike in bubble wrap, take the mirrors off, or find an extremely secure crate for transport.

Saving the battery is a bit more complicated, depending on how long your bike sits. Depending on how long the journey and customs take, your bike could be sitting for a month or longer. Unplug the battery before sending the bike and bring a charger with you once you pick it up in case of emergencies.

Arrival in Customs

Once your bike has arrived, it will need to be approved by customs and they may ask for some additional documents. It costs for them to store your motorcycle, but normally the first 10 days are free, so most motorcycle have cleared customs by that point.

Is it worth it to ship your motorcycle from US to Europe?

It really depends on your situation. Many people recommend only shipping your bike if it has a lot of custom parts to it. In the end, you can just buy another bike once you get to Europe and save yourself some trouble.

Another consideration is that your American motorbike may not conform to EU regulations. The bike may look the same, have the exact same specifications as the EU model, but in order to obtain an EU license plate and EU insurance, it needs to have a certificate of conformity. You can contact the European version of the dealer to ask for this.

If however, they are unable to immediately send you a certificate of conformity, you will have to get someone from the dealer to come out, inspect your bike, send a letter in the mail telling you all the parts you need to change, and then have them switched out and inspected yet again before receiving this certificate. Sometimes the parts are impossible or too unrealistically expensive to change.

How long can I drive in Europe with my American licensed bike?

You are only allowed to drive in Europe for a year with your American motorbike. The customs agent will give you a document saying that your bike has cleared.

HOWEVER, whether the police actually check for this is a whole other question.

In my experience, the police are extremely confused to see a foreign motorcycle and end up just passing you through. There are some Americans I’ve met who have left their bikes overseas for years, with someone to charge the battery while they’re gone so they can pick up in ride when they arrive.

The main issue is the insurance that you need, as it’s difficult to find and much MUCH more expensive.

How do I get insurance for my motorbike when overseas?

There are insurances available for theft, collision, etc., but the required liability insurance is actually the hardest one for find.

If you’re a veteran or associated with the armed forces, you have plenty of options. Not so much if you don’t.

Some companies, such as AXA, will host you if you also purchase another type of insurance with them (home, life, etc.) Some companies told me that they could only provide insurance if my bike conforms to EU regulations.

Many companies offered an anti-theft or collision insurance, but not the EU required liability insurance.

Liability insurance

This is the minimum requirement to drive your bike overseas. You HAVE to have it and yes, it is much more expensive than American insurance.

It was extremely difficult for me to find, but I finally found foreigner’s insurance off of a motorcycle touring site. The company has a partnership with an Italian insurance agent, who provides this special insurance. This is really the best option if you are not part of the military or unable to get insurance from a group such as AXA.

You can find this insurance at MotoTouring.com. Some of the documents needed will be:

• The title of your motorbike
• Photocopy of the owner’s passport
• Self certification form that they send you
• Green card form that they also send you

Unfortunately, you can only have this insurance for 6 months at most at a time. However, there is the option to renew.

The insurance is valid in the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, France, Finland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Greece, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, Ireland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland

Once you have this insurance, you’re free to enjoy your motorcycle overseas! The process may be long and difficult, but I’m so happy I’ve gotten to enjoy my bike overseas. Plus, having a Texas license plate is a sure conversation starter!