How bike transport works

Bike transport — sometimes called two-wheeler shifting or motorcycle relocation — means packing your bike to protect it and sending it by goods vehicle to the destination city, where it is unpacked and handed back to you. Unlike riding the bike there yourself, it adds nothing to the odometer and spares you a long, tiring ride on highways.

Most of our bike customers fall into a few groups: people relocating for a job or studies, families moving house, riders who have bought a bike in another city, and people sending a bike home to family. The steps are much the same in each case:

You share the pickup city, delivery city and bike model, and choose a packing option.
We send a written quote.
On the agreed date, the bike is inspected, packed and loaded.
It travels to the destination and is unpacked for you to check before you sign.

Each stage is explained in more detail on our bike transportation process page.

Packing options for your bike

A motorcycle’s weak points in transit are its tank, mirrors, indicators, lights, levers, fairings and painted surfaces. Good packing protects these from scratches and knocks during loading, transit and unloading.

Standard packing

Protective layers are wrapped around the vulnerable parts of the bike — typically the tank, handlebars, mirrors, lights and body panels. [To confirm: the packing materials ARC uses for standard bike packing, e.g. foam, bubble wrap, corrugated sheet]

Wooden crate packing

A wooden frame is built around the packed bike, holding it upright and creating a barrier between the bike and other goods in the vehicle. It costs more and takes longer to prepare, but adds a solid layer of protection. Read our full guide to wooden crate packing for bike transport.

Standard packing vs. wooden crate
	Standard packing	Wooden crate
Protects paint, tank, mirrors, lights	Yes	Yes
Rigid frame keeping the bike upright	No	Yes
Separation from other cargo	Limited	Yes
Cost	Lower	Higher
Often chosen for	Commuter bikes and scooters, shorter routes	Premium and heavy bikes, long routes

Bikes we transport

We move everyday commuter motorcycles and scooters as well as larger bikes. If yours is unusually heavy, wide, modified or not in running condition, mention it when you enquire so we can plan the right packing and handling. [To confirm: any bike categories ARC does NOT handle, or handles only on request, e.g. superbikes, vintage, non-running, electric]

What decides the cost of bike transport

Distance and route. Longer routes cost more; well-connected routes between big cities are often more economical than remote destinations.
The bike. A 110cc scooter needs less space and handling than a 1,000cc touring motorcycle.
Packing choice. A wooden crate uses more material and labour than standard packing.
Pickup and delivery points. Collection from your home and delivery to your door involve more work than a handover at a loading point.
Timing. Busy relocation seasons and festival periods can affect availability.

What your written quote covers

Your quote is sent in writing so you can see the route, the bike, the packing option and the price before you commit. Anything that may be charged separately is listed on it rather than added at delivery. Items that may appear separately:

[To confirm: list of charges that may be added to or listed separately on a quote, e.g. GST, packing, pickup/delivery, tolls, parking, waiting or storage — include only items ARC confirms]

How to prepare your bike

Clean it so existing scratches and dents are easy to see and record.
Photograph it from every side, plus close-ups of the tank, fairings and any existing marks.
Reduce the fuel to the level we advise.
Remove loose accessories — top boxes, saddlebags, phone mounts, GPS units, tank bags and anything that can be detached easily.
Check tyres and battery. Tell us beforehand if the bike does not start or a tyre is flat.
Hand over the right keys. Keep spare keys with you unless we ask for them.
Point out existing damage during the inspection so it is recorded.

Documents

Two-wheeler transporters in India typically ask for a copy of the registration certificate (RC), the insurance policy and the owner’s photo ID. Keep originals with you unless we ask for them.

[To confirm: the exact documents ARC requires for bike transport]

Pickup and delivery

At pickup, the bike’s condition is checked with you before packing. [To confirm: confirm whether ARC issues a written condition record / receipt at pickup] At delivery, the packing is removed and you should inspect the bike before signing — check the paint, mirrors, lights and levers, and start the engine. If you see any new damage, note it on the delivery document and photograph it.

Someone else can hand over or collect the bike on your behalf; just tell us their name and number in advance.

Updates while your bike is on the way

We do not currently offer live online vehicle tracking. For a status update, call us or use the shipment update request form. [To confirm: how status updates are given, e.g. phone call / WhatsApp / SMS]

Bike transport FAQs

Do I need to empty the petrol tank before bike transport?

Transporters usually ask for the tank to be nearly empty, because fuel adds weight and is a fire risk in a loaded vehicle. [To confirm: ARC’s exact fuel rule for bikes, e.g. “near-empty tank” or “fully drained”]

Should I choose wooden crate packing or standard packing?

Standard packing protects the surfaces of the bike; a wooden crate adds a rigid frame that keeps the bike upright and separated from other cargo. Crate packing is worth considering for long routes, expensive or premium bikes, and bikes you cannot replace easily. See wooden crate packing for bikes.

Can you transport an electric scooter or electric motorcycle?

[To confirm: whether ARC moves electric two-wheelers, and any battery handling or charge-level rules]

Can I send my helmet and riding gear with the bike?

[To confirm: ARC’s rule on helmets, riding gear and accessories travelling with the bike]

Can I move my bike along with a car in one booking?

Tell us both vehicles when you request a quote and we will confirm how they can be moved on your route.

How do I check where my bike is?

Moving a car as well? See car transport. More answers on the FAQs page.

Bike Transport Service for Motorcycles and Scooters