If you dream of importing a motorcycle, but it just seems too hard to arrange all the international shipping and customs formalities, then we can help you. We arrange pickup, crating, and shipping from almost anywhere in the world. On arrival in Australia or New Zealand, we have our own offices to handle Customs and Quarantine clearances for you.
Established in 1984, Taurus Logistics is one of the few specialised motorcycle transportation companies that have the experience and expertise worldwide, to deal with even the most difficult shipments.
80% receive a quote in 30 seconds! More complex jobs will receive a response within 24 hours.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Motorcycle?
While it’s not possible to list the shipping times for every route Taurus Logistics offers, below are a few of our most popular routes. These are indicative transit times, and do not include all shipping lines, containers, or part container options. All bikes (with the exception of Australia to New Zealand) are shipped in containers, and in most cases crated. In some locations, we can offer a consolidated group service with other bikes, and this avoids the need for crates and saves costs. Australia to New Zealand we can offer both RORO, and crated options. RORO is the cheapest. Please contact us to discuss container sailing dates, or for roll on roll off please refer to our RORO Sailing Schedule.
Shipping to Oceania
- Europe to Australia / New Zealand – 40 days Approx.
- USA to Australia / New Zealand – 20 days Approx.
Shipping from Oceania
- Australia / New Zealand to Europe – 45 days Approx.
- Australia / New Zealand to USA – 25 days Approx.
Trans-Tasman
- Australia to New Zealand – 10 days Approx.
- New Zealand to Australia – 8 days Approx.
What’s Involved in Motorbike Shipping?
This depends upon where you want to ship your motorbike because regulations on importing and exporting motorbikes are different for each country. However, there are certainly some common procedures in motorbike shipping.
- Your motorcycle needs to be spotless and clean to avoid any issues with quarantine on arrival.
- All motorcycles need to be crated unless shipping as a group in a container. In most locations, we offer crating, battery removal, and fuel draining in line with shipping requirements.
- There are special requirements on the type of wood that can be used for building crates, so if you intend to crate your own motorcycle either use a steel crate or build it from what is known as ISPM15 timber. If in doubt leave it to us, non-compliant timber cant be shipped.
- In some countries (like New Zealand) we can apply for GST exemption. There are some criteria, but as a rule of thumb if you are emigrating to the country and already own the bike then we can apply for an exemption for you.
Group Motorbike Tours
If you're going on a tour and then returning back to your country of origin, then we would advise using an ATA Carnet. This is a customs document that allows you to enter your goods into a country on a temporary basis without having to pay taxes and duties (normally for a period of up to one year)
We offer advice on group motorcycle tours: we often work with groups that are planning a trip in the next year or two. Get in touch with us, we’d love to hear from you!
What If I Haven’t Bought The Motorbike Yet?
If you're trying to budget for motorcycle shipping costs but haven't found the bike you love yet then we can give you some good ballpark figures. Once you've decided on a motorbike then let us know the make, model, year and location and we can firm up a shipping price for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Found a bike online but don't know how to ship her home? We can help. Below are some common questions, but as always if you need any help just drop us an email.
How do you calculate the shipping costs?
We calculate the freight on the volume of the motorcycle, and how much space it takes up inside the container, but there is a minimum charge for motorcycles.
What does the motorcycle quotation include?
Receipt at origin depot through to you collecting from our depot at destination. We can also assist with pick up and delivery if required.
How much notice do you need before the ship sails?
Ideally 7 days prior to the sailing date to ensure we can complete all the necessary Customs formalities. The motorcycle needs to be at our depot 4-5 days prior to the sailing date.
Does it matter if my motorcycle is dirty?
Your motorcycle must be thoroughly steam cleaned prior to shipment.
How much would it cost to insure my motorcycle?
The insurance is calculated on the value of the motorcycle plus the freight. Get an instant
Marine Insurance Quote online. Takes less than 30 seconds. Find our more about
Marine Insurance and what it covers.
Can I ship personal effects with my motorcycle?
Yes you most certainly can if it is a closed crate. The most common items to send with your motorcycle are additional parts or helmets, etc. We must have an itemised list of what you want to ship with your motorcycle in advance though.
Does this include GST/VAT/Duties or Taxes?
All of our quotations exclude GST, duties and taxes.
What do I need to do to prepare the motorcycle for shipping?
The fuel needs to be drained down to reserve, or as low as possible. The battery must be removed and disconnected(not shipped as it's considered dangerous goods) and you must source a motorcycle crate for shipping. We can provide a crate in many locations.
Does my motorcycle need to be in a crate?
Yes unless shipping Roll on Roll off. Your motorcycle will be shipped in a shared container so it is important that it is packed in a secure crate as other items will be packed around it. We can crate for you, but if building your own crate it needs to be constructed from ISPM15 timber.
What is the first thing I need to do before considering importing motorcycles to Australia?
Importing of Motorcycles to Australia is restricted, so please read our guide on
Motorcycle Shipping & Import to Australia before you purchase or consider shipping your motorcycle.
What do I need to know before importing a motorcycle to New Zealand
There are no restrictions on importing motorcycles to New Zealand, but you “may” have GST to pay, and you need to check the on-road regulations. Find out more in our article on
Motorcycle Shipping & Import to New Zealand.
What information do you need to give me a quote?
The most important details we need are the dimensions, weight, and also its location. If you can also give us the make/model also, this helps us determine if we can save you money by disassembly.
