Is it time for you to part with your motorcycle? Whether you’ve upgraded to a newer model or the older bike no longer runs, vehicle donation is a great way to provide a new life for the motorcycle or its parts, as well as give back and help others.
There are countless charitable organizations across the country that accept vehicle donations, where you can donate your car, truck, recreational vehicle, boat—and yes, even your motorcycle!
But donating a motorcycle involves more than simply dropping it off somewhere. We’ve got the information you need to know below.
Why donate your motorcycle to charity?
First and foremost, gross proceeds from your donation—through reselling the motorcycle or recycling it for parts—go to a good cause and help disadvantaged members of your community. As with other charitable contributions, it’s also tax deductible, which reduces your taxable income for the year. The organization will provide you with a donation receipt to include with your documentation come tax time.
There’s also the matter of convenience. By donating your bike, you avoid having to list it, take photos, communicate with potential buyers and handle the transaction.
Finally, most donation centers take non-operational motorcycles; an ideal option if your old or damaged bike has been sitting in your garage.
Six steps to donating your motorcycle to charity
- Find and choose a charity that accepts motorcycles
A quick Google search will reveal numerous local and national organizations that accept a motorcycle donation. These are just a few:
- Habitat for Humanity: Profits help to build and repair affordable homes.
- Vehicles for Veterans: Profits support disabled and unhoused veterans.
- Cars2Charities: Profits from your motorcycle go to the charity of your choice.
- Wheels for Wishes: Profits benefit Make-A-Wish and other children’s charities.
- Goodwill: Profits support community-based programs and services in your area.
- National Motorcycle Museum: Donate your motorcycle or memorabilia to be exhibited for thousands of museum visitors.
- Fill out the donation form
Simply fill out the donation form, including information about your motorcycle such as the condition, estimated value and maintenance history if required. The organization will reach out to gather any additional details.
- Prepare your bike for donation
Before shipping your motorcycle to a donation center, you’ll have to cross a few final things off your to-do list:
- Remove license plates
- Clean the motorcycle
- Gather all sets of keys
The particular process will depend on the organization you’re donating your motorcycle to, but typically all require certain information and paperwork, such as the vehicle’s title, identification number (VIN) and arrange to ship your motorcycle to the charity
Certain charities offer free vehicle pickup anywhere in the continental United States, where a driver will come to your home to pick up the motorcycle, load it onto a trailer and bring it to its destination.
If you’re on your own to figure out shipping, Montway Auto Transport is at your service. With a network of more than 15,000 carriers nationwide, we help motorcycle owners transport their vehicles quickly, safely and affordably. Request a motorcycle shipping quote or call us at 888-989-8526.
- Keep your donation receipt for tax purposes
Look into tax benefits. You may be able to include charitable contributions such as a motorcycle if you itemize your deductions. Consult the IRS for guidelines.
- Contact your motorcycle insurance provider
Notify your motorcycle insurer to either cancel coverage or update it to a new bike—just make sure you wait until you’ve signed over the title first.
Ultimately, donating a motorcycle isn’t as complicated as it may seem at first glance—with the right information you’ll be able to locate an organization where your motorcycle can be put to good use in no time. Every charity has its own requirements and processes, so once you have picked one, contact them for additional information on how it works
