A 1974 Harley-Davidson SS Sprint 350 transported recently from West Frankfort, Illinois to Tullahoma, Tennessee. A 1974 Harley-Davidson SS Sprint 350 transported recently from West Frankfort, Illinois to Tullahoma, Tennessee. Distance is 277 miles in an enclosed trailer. The owner paid $400 for this transportation, a reasonable price for regional transporting of classic motorcycle. Classic motorcycles require special treatment and therefore enclosed transporting provides a proper care for this old classic motorcycle.
The route passed south from southern Illinois, through Kentucky and into central Tennessee. This transportation route remains very active in terms of freight transporting, and thus finding an enclosed transporter took some time. In case of classic Harley transportation it was never about speed or saving money, but about transporting this unique motorcycle as it was left.
We Ship Motorcycles Only on Enclosed Trailers
As for motorcycles, the decision on the trailer is obvious – we transport bikes only in enclosed trailers. No open trailers for motorcycle transport, and this decision has very reasonable explanation. The motorcycle has no bodywork, roof, or cabin, so every part is totally unprotected from the weather conditions and other factors on the road.
If we use an open trailer, the motorcycle will be fully exposed to rain, road dirt, salt, and all the particles that may appear on the road. The rain, road dirt, and salt may damage chrome, scratch the paint and penetrate the machinery parts. Enclosed trailer solves this problem by enclosing the motorcycle in a safe place.
The enclosed trailer provides a safe place for securing the motorcycle. It is necessary to strap the motorcycle upright in wheel chock or soft tie arrangement. This task becomes much easier and safer in enclosed trailer. Any motorcycle, old or new, we move in an enclosed trailer only.
Why a Vintage Bike Needs Extra Care
Since the SS Sprint 350 is not a production motorcycle anymore, replacing the parts or finishing in case there’s any problem is not an option. The SS Sprint 350 comes from the Aermacchi times when Harley-Davidson manufactured smaller motorcycles through its joint venture with Italy. Thus, such a machine is considered a collectible, and thus requires special care.
A vehicle which is more than 50 years old may have authentic paint job, period-appropriate chrome, and parts which are rare now. In case anything breaks down during transportation, then finding substitutes will take a while and be rather costly, or even impossible. Being inside the trailer keeps the vehicle safe since it remains untouched during the whole journey.
An older machine also needs careful treatment during loading. Old paint, rubber parts and other materials require special attention. It is just as important as using the right trailer.
The Route
The carrier used a southern route directly. Having departed from West Frankfort in southern Illinois, the trailer moved onto Interstate 57 going to the south and then turned to Interstate 24.
I-24 took the bike southeast through Paducah, across western Kentucky, and then in the direction of Nashville. After Nashville, the route took I-24 southeast and then local roads to transport the bike to Tullahoma.
Here is the route in more simplified form:
West Frankfort, IL → I-57 South toward Kentucky
I-24 Southeast through Paducah, KY
Kentucky → in the direction of Nashville, TN
I-24 → local roads → Tullahoma, TN
The traffic in this corridor is rather stable, which allowed the driver to keep a stable schedule. This is important for such a specialty move because the enclosed carrier transporting the classic uses known and safe roads.
Transport Summary
- Origin: West Frankfort, IL, 62896
- Destination: Tullahoma, TN, 37388
- Vehicle: 1974 Harley-Davidson SS Sprint 350
- Trailer type: Enclosed
- Distance: 277 miles
- Price: $400
- The route: West Frankfort, IL → I-57 South → I-24 Southeast → Paducah, KY → Nashville, TN → Tullahoma, TN
