[deputydog95]

I think I finally found my bike.

It is in Richmond, VA. Going to arrange a pre purchase inspection at the dealer tomorrow or the next day.

Problem is, how do I get it home?

I am guessing it is about a 13 hour ride from Tampa to Richmond. That's a hell of a long ride on a Duc. Not to mention I would probably destroy the set of tires that are on there now with 900 or so miles of straight roads.

I've been looking into shipping. Don't really get it. It is about the same price to ship it cross country as it is to ship from VA to FL. This doesn't really make much sense.

Any recommendations? So far I have been getting quotes of around $600 which seems a bit much when they're charging $680 to ship here from CA.

 

[DUC_54]

I think I finally found my bike.

It is in Richmond, VA. Going to arrange a pre purchase inspection at the dealer tomorrow or the next day.

Problem is, how do I get it home?

I am guessing it is about a 13 hour ride from Tampa to Richmond. That's a hell of a long ride on a Duc. Not to mention I would probably destroy the set of tires that are on there now with 900 or so miles of straight roads.

I've been looking into shipping. Don't really get it. It is about the same price to ship it cross country as it is to ship from VA to FL. This doesn't really make much sense.

Any recommendations? So far I have been getting quotes of around $600 which seems a bit much when they're charging $680 to ship here from CA.

If you can ship dealer to dealer it is about 1/2 price. I bought a 998 in Chandler Az and shipped it from there to Spokane, Wa. via dealer to dealer pick-up and it was half price....some kinda deal if going dealer to dealer. maybe this is an option for you??? good luck

allen

 

[cheech]

why don't you rent a truck and drive it home? better yet, find a buddy with a truck or trailer. buy gas, buy food, buy beer, and a few lapdances... i'm sure he won't mind.

 

[bubbazenetty]

why don't you rent a truck and drive it home? better yet, find a buddy with a truck or trailer. buy gas, buy food, buy beer, and a few lapdances... i'm sure he won't mind.

+1

 

[77RRad]

Have you tried this place?
http://www.forwardair.com/
I have shipped my bike with these guys From Las Vegas to Michigan and back to Las Vegas, but i have a forward air 10 mins from my house and it was shipped right to a dealer.
*You get a date when to ship, somone takes the bike to the warehouse.
* They bring a metal crate out to you that will fit a motorcyce, and you are responiable for tieing the bike down, and suppling 2 locks for the crate.
* After tieing it down you lock the crate up and let them know you are done.
* They come out and take the crate and call you when it is at you locaton being shipped to, and set a time to go pick it up.
Good luck, and hope this info helps out.
Ron

 

[Fox]

http://www.motorcycleshippers.com/s_shippingprices.htm

when i was still looking at bikes across the country this is the company i had decided to use. somewhat expensive, but i'd rather let someone else do all that driving.

by the way, i rode my 600rr from boston to miami and back... didn't destroy a set of tires at all. but that is a bunch of miles to put on a ducati, and since gas is so expensive now, the 600$ to ship is almost a deal

 

[level7]

UHaul! Don't you really want to see it before you plunk down all that hard earned money?

Arrange to pick up the motorcycle trailer where you will pick up the bike. That way you save on gas going there and you don't have to tow the damn thing.

Get a vehicle with a hitch and ball. If you don't have a hitch ball, pick one up BEFORE you leave. Some UHAULs don't sell the hitch balls, don't ask me how I know this.

Put everything together before you leave so you know it works. Bring all the tools for the hitch (big ass wrench) with you. You never know what will happen.

Bring extra tie downs/ratchet straps/etc. and some duct tape. Buy the GOOD tie downs/ratchet straps don't skimp here. The canyon dancers worked well for me, just make sure they're properly adjusted and installed. Duct tape the front brake closed after you tie it down.

Don't cover the bike with anything! Let it get wet/dusty, water will dry, scratches will have to be buffed/painted/etc.

Bring a good buddy, take your time and make a little trip out of it.

Don't forget to take some pics.
Have fun.

 

[deputydog95]

UHaul! Don't you really want to see it before you plunk down all that hard earned money?

Arrange to pick up the motorcycle trailer where you will pick up the bike. That way you save on gas going there and you don't have to tow the damn thing.

Get a vehicle with a hitch and ball. If you don't have a hitch ball, pick one up BEFORE you leave. Some UHAULs don't sell the hitch balls, don't ask me how I know this.

Put everything together before you leave so you know it works. Bring all the tools for the hitch (big ass wrench) with you. You never know what will happen.

Ironically enough, I already had plans to go to DC next weekend. The bike is around an hour or so from DC. Figured it must be fate that I found a clean 996 out of state and I just happen to be going up there for a visit.

I'm going up there to visit my wife at a training class. Her company is paying for the airfaire, so it's a free trip (hotel and air) to DC.

If I had to pay for gas to get up there and hotel, it definately would not be worth it and shipping would be the better option.

However, I am entertaining the idea of finding a way to bring it home. A rental car and the Uhaul motorcycle trailer would be a great option. I don't think any rental cars come with trailer hitches though.... Does anybody know if there is a rental car that may come with a hitch?

I already have canyon dancers and ties downs from my track days, so I'm good there.

 

[2UpDuc]

Most Rental places have trucks with Hitches and balls. You can call and arrange ahead of time. Or get a Cargo Van from Ryder/Uhaul and roll it in the back and away you go. Just get good straps. Remeber, that you are straping down a 10 to 30 thousand dollar motorcycle. So dont skimp on a set of straps..

 

[hunduc]

I used Allied and they damaged my bike and paid only half the damage. I will never have any one ship any of my bikes. Rent a uhaul or buy a small trailer.

 

[Chuckracer]

Oh definitely, rent a cargo van and drive it back. I wouldn't bother with shipping for that short of a distance.

 

[MikeM]

Forward Air? Never again. Ya been warned.

Like the others say, just rent or borrow a truck or trailer. OR... For the cost of shipping, you can buy an open trailer brand new. OR... for that $600 you should be able to come close to scoring a used, small enclosed trailer. You'll love it on track days, vacations, etc.

 

[77RRad]

May I ask what happened with Forward air, so if i have to next time I can avoid a disaster later on ?

 

[CHRISMI]

Another vote for hauling it back!

I trailered both of my bikes from Michigan to Texas,took about 20 hours one way with the way i drive. I had a companion but she slept most of the way so not much help there! Wasn't a bad trip just long..im just glad i was staying in texas and didn't have to drive back to MI. Rent the cargo van and have a road trip!!!

 

[level7]

Oh definitely, rent a cargo van and drive it back. I wouldn't bother with shipping for that short of a distance.

Not a bad way to go. But what about ramps? If he picks up the van at DC...where is he gonna get ramps from to load the bike? Maybe he can pick it up at the dealer, they would surely help DeputyDog.

 

[level7]

Ironically enough, I already had plans to go to DC next weekend. The bike is around an hour or so from DC. Figured it must be fate that I found a clean 996 out of state and I just happen to be going up there for a visit.

I'm going up there to visit my wife at a training class. Her company is paying for the airfaire, so it's a free trip (hotel and air) to DC.

If I had to pay for gas to get up there and hotel, it definately would not be worth it and shipping would be the better option.

However, I am entertaining the idea of finding a way to bring it home. A rental car and the Uhaul motorcycle trailer would be a great option. I don't think any rental cars come with trailer hitches though.... Does anybody know if there is a rental car that may come with a hitch?

I already have canyon dancers and ties downs from my track days, so I'm good there.

Good for you. Then it was meant to be. For my bike, everything fell into place almost all by itself, then I knew it was going to be alright.

 

[moto]

What ever shipping company you use--remember to get full insurance. Maker sure your contract states inurance coverage.

My friend used Forward air and one of the tie down points in the Forward Air provided box broke off. They only paid him the minimum which was like $200 after a long fight. He requested insurance, but they did not charge him for it so he did not get it. he did not check the contract...

 

[deputydog95]

Not a bad way to go. But what about ramps? If he picks up the van at DC...where is he gonna get ramps from to load the bike? Maybe he can pick it up at the dealer, they would surely help DeputyDog.

The local dealer in Richmond has been pretty helpful so far. They said they would be glad to assist in loading the bike however I decided to get it home.

Problem is, it's freakin' expensive to rent vans and trucks, one way, out of state. It's still going to cost $600 with gas, mileage, and rental fees. They wack you hard for mileage ,etc. Riding it home is starting to look better and better, ie cheaper