Motorcycle Shipping for Road Trip

[Sandaholic]

Every year for the past 6 years a group of guys from my work goes on annual motorcycle trip. The trips are usually 5-7 days but each year seems to be getting shorter and shorter.

With the limited amount of days its difficult to get very far away from Los Angeles. The idea came up that we could ship our motorcycles, then fly up to them and ride them back home.

I see there are many shipping companies out there big, small, uship, etc.

Any idea what it would cost to ship 4-6 motorcycles from Los Angeles to Seattle for example?

How does the delivery of the motorcycles work? Do you meet the delivery truck a specific time/location? Do have to arrange temporary storage for delivery?

[Turkus]

Originally Posted by Sandaholic

Any idea what it would cost to ship 4-6 motorcycles from Los Angeles to Seattle for example??

Going out on a limb here, I would think it just might be cheaper to fly and rent........rather than bouncing your rides all up and down the Left Coast.

I see you've got yourself an RT
I'm assuming you all are planning a "street" ride and not wanting to stray off the beaten paths (i.e. dirt)

[jdgretz]

The biggest issue for something like you are planning is the time factor. Shippers try to fill their truck and then do a delivery route, and 6 bikes may not be enough for you to get expedited direct shipping.

I just checked my paperwork and my bike, shipped from Seattle to Los Angeles took 4 days. I was given a range of dates for pickup (4/17 - 4/21) as well as a range for delivery (5/1 - 5/4). The bike was picked up on the 21st and arrived at the shipping depot on the 28th. I went to the depot and picked up the bike rather than wait another two to four days for delivery.

The cost for a single bike was approximately $600. You may be able to get a slightly better bulk rate, but the cost often depends on the size and weight of the shipping container/pallet. The bike was shipped via JC Motors with Motorcycle Shippers, their shipping subsidary.

jdg

[Sandaholic]

I have looked at the fly and rent option. Weekly rental rates seem to be in $1000 range, I was thinking shipping maybe cheaper especially in a bulk rate. And of course there is added value to ridding your own bike vs a rental.

A flexible pickup time is fine. Its the delivery part that I have the most concern with. I was hoping someone already worked out the details so I wouldn't have to.

[jdgretz]

Hey Scott - I finally noticed you are in Northridge! Howdy neighbor.

Motorcycle Shippers will use a shipping terminal for a final deliver point. The bike gets shipped on a pallet and is pretty much ready to go when they unstrap it. They do require "draining" the tank, so you'll be down to minimal fuel when the bike is delivered. If there is a gas station within 5 miles, you should be good, or bring a can of gas with you.

If you're not busy on a Friday, come join us for lunch, bench racing, and a bit of riding at the Rock Store. Not crowded on Fridays and a good group of folks there.

jdg

[tintasbarnes]

ACT shipped my bike here in Hungary. Call Michael at allcoaststransport.com, 818-924-2217 and try to arrange some discount for yourself.

[HaulBikes]

Hey Sandaholic,
Shipping and flying is a great way to enjoy more of a vacation! Here's an article on fly-and-ride vacations with more information on how to plan.
We're always happy to help with any motorcycle shipping needs. Give us a call at 1-888-HAULBIKES if we can assist you with anything.

Ride on!
HaulBikes