Storage means and shipping method for motorcycles

A motorcycle storage and transportation system comprising:

• a base assembly for providing a flat surface adapted to support a motorcycle thereon;
• first and second ramp assemblies located at opposed end portions of said base assembly;
• a plurality of casters connected to said base assembly;
• and,
• a push bar for providing responsive manual manipulation of said base assembly over a floor surface;
• wherein said casters are lifted above the floor surface when a corresponding one of said first and second ramp assemblies is pivoted to a lowered position such that said base assembly is maintained at a substantially stable position;
• and,
• wherein each of said first and second ramp assemblies comprises:
• a ramp floor pivotally connected to said base assembly;
• a pair of ramp side panels connected to said ramp floor;
• a gripping handle connected to one of said ramp side panels;
• a “J”-shaped lift plate configured in such a manner to stabilize a position of said base assembly upon a floor surface;
• and,
• a locking mechanism removably attached to said lift plate;
• wherein said first and second ramp assemblies deploy said ramp floor to an inclined position from a secured vertical position;
• and,
• wherein, when said first and second ramp assemblies are pivoted to said lowered position, said lift plate engages said casters and thereby lifts said casters above the floor surface;
• wherein a curved lower edge portion of each of said lift plates pivots downwardly and thereby contacts the floor surface thereby lifting said base assembly above the floor surface and transferring weight from said casters to said lift plates;
• wherein said curved lower edge portion of each of said lift plates remains spaced from said casters when pivoted downwardly and contacting the floor surface;
• wherein said ramp floor is registered perpendicular to said base assembly when said first and second ramp assemblies are pivoted to an upright position;
• and,
• wherein, when said first and second ramp assemblies are pivoted to said lowered position, said first and second ramp assemblies remain spaced laterally away from said casters relative to a center of said base assembly.