How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Safe Shipping With Get Routed

Shipping your motorcycle overseas can seem daunting if you don’t have the experience. As one of Australia’s most experienced bike shippers, Get Routed simplifies the process. And we make shipping bikes easy for riders who want to explore breathtaking landscapes like New Zealand, Spain & Europe, Isle of Man and the UK on their own bikes.

Whether you’re heading to the scenic South Island or gearing up for an unforgettable ride across the European countryside, ensuring the safety of your bike is crucial. And like everything else, it starts with you.

This guide outlines every step you need to take before dropping your bike at a Get Routed depot for shipping. This guide provides a checklist along with relevant details and resources you will require to clean and inspect your bike.

Clean Your Bike Thoroughly

The cleanliness of your motorcycle is not just about appearance—it’s a crucial requirement for shipping compliance. Countries like New Zealand and Spain enforce strict biosecurity laws to protect their ecosystems. A spotless bike minimises the risk of delays and additional cleaning fees.

Start by pressure washing your motorcycle to remove all dirt, grease, and debris. Pay close attention to hard-to-reach areas, including the undercarriage, wheels, and engine components.

These spots often trap mud and grime that can be flagged during inspections. For best results, use a high-quality truck wash like C18 or similar, which is effective in removing stubborn contaminants.

Fuel Requirements

To comply with international shipping regulations and ensure safety during transit, start by reducing your motorcycle’s fuel level to less than 2 litres.

This requirement applies to all destinations serviced by Get Routed, including New Zealand, the UK, Europe, and others. Shipping containers are designed to minimise risks, and a reduced fuel level prevents potential fire hazards.

For New Zealand specifically, this is a strict biosecurity and safety regulation, as part of the nation’s efforts to safeguard its ecosystem.

Secure Your Battery

Next, disconnect the battery leads and insulate the terminals with tape to eliminate any possibility of accidental electrical discharge.

This step is universally mandatory for all international shipments. It ensures compliance with shipping standards and protects your bike and other items in the container.

For shipments to New Zealand and Europe, this step is crucial as local customs and safety authorities may inspect electrical components to verify compliance before clearing the shipment. Failing to adhere to these requirements could result in delays or fines at the destination.

Pack Permitted Items

Shipping a motorcycle isn’t just about preparing the bike itself. Riders often need to ship essential gear and ensure all items adhere to strict shipping and biosecurity guidelines.

Pack permitted items like your helmet, gloves, jacket, boots, and tools securely. Use bubble wrap or protective covers to prevent damage during transit.

Label all loose items clearly with your name and motorcycle registration number for easy identification at the destination.

Avoid packing non-compliant items such as tents, food, or clothing, as these are prohibited in shipping containers and can delay customs clearance.

Get Routed provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure your bike and any accompanying gear meet all shipping requirements.

Familiarise yourself with our terms and Conditions to avoid overlooked details that could cause issues during the process. Ensure your bike, gear, and packed items comply with size and weight limitations outlined by Get Routed.

Disclaimer: The charges and requirements outlined in the tables above are based on current information and are subject to change. Many of these fees, such as cleaning costs, storage charges, and penalties, are determined by third-party providers and not directly controlled by Get Routed. For the most accurate and up-to-date figures, we strongly recommend contacting Get Routed directly at dave@getrouted.com.au or 03 5625 9080.

Coordinate Drop-Off and Ensure a Smooth Handover

The final step in preparing your motorcycle for shipping involves coordinating the logistics and ensuring all details are in place before handing over your bike. This phase is crucial to ensure your shipping timeline stays on track.

Once your reservation is confirmed, coordinate your drop-off date and time with us. Ensure you schedule this at least four days prior to the container’s departure. This time period is essential for preparing and securing the bikes within the shipping container.

On the scheduled drop-off day, arrive on time to ensure a smooth handover process. Bring all required documentation, including your reservation confirmation, proof of ownership, and identification. This will help the Get Routed team process your motorcycle efficiently and get it ready for loading into the container.

Here is a checklist to help you work through the preparation process for dropping your bike at your nearest Get Routed depot.