In plain English
Because a motorcycle has no body panels and often has exposed chrome and paint, many riders choose enclosed transport. Bikes are loaded onto wheel chocks and strapped down, often with several bikes in one trailer.
Open trailers are used, too, but a bike on an open trailer is exposed to rain and road spray.
Why it matters when you ship
For a motorcycle, the premium for enclosed is usually less in dollars than for a car, so riders choose it more often.
What it looks like in our data
From our own delivered motorcycle shipments. See motorcycle shipping prices by distance.
Example
A rider books enclosed transport for a touring bike from Chicago to Phoenix. It rides with other motorcycles on chocks and straps.
Related terms
Learn more
Enclosed motorcycle transport: common questions
Is enclosed motorcycle shipping worth it?
For most bikes with paint or chrome that you care about, yes. In our shipments, 84% of delivered motorcycles were enclosed.
Cite this page
Cite as: Transportli, “Enclosed Motorcycle Transport: Meaning and Cost”, https://transportli.com/glossary/enclosed-motorcycle-transport/, updated November 11, 2026.
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