Enclosed vs Open Motorcycle Transport: Which is Right for You?

Enclosed vs Open Motorcycle Transport

Do you want to find a safe and inexpensive way to transport your motorcycle to another place? Then you have to call in an established motorcycle shipping firm that will deliver your bike in an open or enclosed trailer to the required location.

What is your decision, be it enclosed or open motorcycle transport? They both are helpful and disadvantageous. The key is to determine which option is best for your bike, budget, and risk tolerance.

What Is Enclosed Motorcycle Transport?

A method of transporting your customised, vintage, and luxury bike is enclosed motorcycle transport, whereby your bike is moved in a completely covered trailer. Such trailers are equipped with climate control options, hydraulic lifters and advanced tie-downs. This means of transportation will provide the utmost safety for your motorcycle against dirt, weather conditions, and road accidents.

Your motorbike is free of rain, snow, mud, and people who gawk. The tradeoff? It is expensive and can be time-consuming to schedule. You can select this transportation method to ship your rare model or customized motorcycle over long distances in inclement weather conditions.

What is Open Motorcycle Transport?

The most popular mode of shipping is open motorcycle transport. Your bike, along with other motorcycles, is loaded on an open trailer. These flatbed trailers can accommodate multiple motorcycles simultaneously, facilitating their seamless transit.

Although it is more affordable than the enclosed method, it exposes your bike to road hazards and weather elements, such as rain, storms, dust, and debris. With the easy availability of open trailers, scheduling may not be the problem.

Why Do People Choose Enclosed Motorcycle Transport?

Bike owners select this shipping mode to have peace of mind. Here's the checklist of advantages:

  • Excellent Protection: When transporting high-end motorcycles or rare models, you look for a high level of protection that only an enclosed trailer can provide. Your bike remains safe from the weather, garbage, and theft.
  • Special Handling: Reputable carriers, such as Vehicle Transport Hub, handle your vintage bikes and high-end bikes with personalized care.
  • Peace of Mind: With excellent protection in an enclosed trailer, you can secure peace of mind knowing that your bike is safe and secure.

If your motorcycle is a rare, valuable, or sentimental item, it is usually safer to use enclosed transport.

 

Disadvantages of Enclosed Motorcycle Transport

Enclosed transport has a few drawbacks as well that every bike owner should be aware of.

  • High Cost: You will be paying a lot more than you would in open shipping.
  • Scarcity of Availability: Fewer carriers run enclosed trailers.
  • Delays in Booking: You may need to wait for a long time due to lower frequency and specialized equipment required for an enclosed trailer.

Bike riders with a tight budget or looking for a flexible shipping requirement may consider open transport to be more attractive.

 

Advantages of Open Motorcycle Transport

Open motorcycle transport is still popular, since it has the following advantages:

  • Cost Savings: It is the most affordable way to deliver a motorcycle.
  • Flexibility: More carriers provide open trailers; therefore, booking becomes quicker.
  • Swifter Transit: Due to the maximum capacity, your bike will be shipped to the desired destination faster.

These benefits make open transport an enticing option for riders who prioritize affordability and comfort.

Drawbacks of Open Motorcycle Transport

Besides the advantages, the open mode of transport has some drawbacks as well.

  • Exposure to Weather: Rain, snow, and sun may have an impact on your bike and its paint and parts.
  • Road Debris: Dust, rocks or tiny objects may result in cosmetic damage.
  • Lower Security: Open trailers have a lower degree of protection against theft or vandalism.

These risks may prove to be greater than the savings if you have to transport a high-end motorcycle or a rare model.

 

Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right Shipping Mode

So what are the factors you should consider when deciding on the right way to transport your prized possession?

The Value of Your Motorcycle

In case you have a bike of high value or a vintage bike, transportation in an enclosed way offers the best security. In the case of a regular motorcycle, open transport can be a suitable option.

Distance of the Trip

Open transport is usually safe and cost-effective for short distances. However, in the case of long-distance travel, enclosed transport is more effective due to its protection from weather and road hazards.

Weather Conditions

Enclosed transport is better when it comes to shipping during storms or snow. The most significant risk facing motorcycles shipped in open trailers is that of weather exposure.

Your Budget

Cost is an important deciding factor. Open shipping (or trucking) has low costs and is very common, whereas enclosed shipping is an expensive service.

Your Risk Tolerance

Some people do not mind taking a small risk to save money on shipping. Some appreciate peace of mind most. Your choice may boil to the matter that is of utmost importance to you.

Making the Right Choice

What suits one motorcycle owner does not necessarily suit all motorcycle owners. Open transport is suitable in case you require the lowest cost and are transporting a regular bike. However, when your motorcycle is unique, one-of-a-kind or sentimental, the extra price of enclosed shipping is justified.

Think about your situation. Here, you should take into consideration the price of your motorbike, your finances, the time of the year, and the distance it will be transported. These will make it easier to make a decision.

Why Consult VTH for Motorcycle Shipping?

Whether you choose an open or an enclosed trailer, partner with a professional carrier with extensive experience. An established firm like Vehicle Transport Hub (VTH) will provide you with safe, reliable, and excellent motorcycle or car shipping service.  You can rely on our cost transparency, insurance cover and professionalism. Get safe and seamless delivery of your bike to any part of the United States with our robust and secure shipping platform.