Transportation Help and ideas to get my bike home.

[BigTex]

Greetings!  May 7th, 2012

I just purchased a Std Model Valkerie over the weekend. Pretty excited.

Here is my challenge,

The Bike is in the Monroe Louisana area, approximately 280 miles one way.

The bike is in good shape, so I could possibly ride home, but also considering having someone transport it home via trailer.

If I go get it and ride it home, i have to figure out a one way ride  out to pick it up.

Any ideas or suggestions?

thanks,

Larry

[RainMaker]

Take the bus or fly to Monroe and have the PO pick you up. Did this with the tourer and rode it home.

OR - go to Uhaul and rent one of their motorcycle trailers.  They are $14.95 per day, no mileage, and they work well with a nice fold down ramp on the back.  Monroe and back is a a breeze on I-20. You'll have to take the trailer out and bring it back for that rate, plus their motorcycle trailers are not one-way.  They do have one-way trailers but they are not motorcycle specific and they cost more due to the one-way aspect.

RainMaker

[WDAN]

I flew to Tulsa to pick mine up and rode it home.
The previous owner was more than happy to meet me at the gate and take me to the Valk and pocket my cashier's check.

[BigTex]

Thanks for the input on the transport.

I slept on it, and have decided to ride her home.  I will probably just catch the Greydog as suggested.

I was going to do it next weekend, but too excited to wait that long.

Thanks again, hope to meet some of the locals in the future.

Larry

[RainMaker]

If you run into problems getting back, find a computer or smartphone and post.  There are a lot of trailers available to get you back.

If your first time on a Valk, take it easy - these things are powerful.  Make sure you are on the main gas, not the reserve - they are not the bike you want to push a couple of miles for gas. 

And just try to get the grin off of your face afterwards.

RainMaker

[BigTex]

Thanks!

yes my first time on a Valk, havent owned a bike in a long time.  Only a few rentals for the past 10 years.

Everything should go well, but if not I will try the post on here.

Thanks,,,

Larry

[john]

good luck larry             
be careful ... keep a keen eye open ....                     

[Big Ed]

1. Congrats..!!!

2. What year? How many miles on it and what color(s)?

3. Enjoy the ride.

[Disco]

Congratulations, Larry.  Too bad you can't get a ride out there from a hopeful passenger, spouse, spousal equivalent, future ex-spouse, or riding buddy who can then follow you home.  Please post your schedule route once it's arranged.  If it's on a nice weekend, we might be able to arrange a series of meet-ups and hand-offs so you're not doing the whole thing alone.

[2-CUP]

  LARRY I LIVE RIGHT ON THE TEX/LA LINE JUST 4 MILES SOUTH OF WASKOM,TX. IF I CAN HELP YOU ANYWAY CALL ME AT 318.564.0865....

[SideCar]

Larry, congrats on the new bike.  I have flown out to pick up bikes a couple of times. Used to be able to carry on some basic tools (just in case), but now the TSA doesn't allow all the ones I like.

I do suggest that you make sure and do a basic pre-ride check before you climb on and head for Texas.  At a minimum, check the oil and tires, including tire condition and pressure before you head out.  And, remember that it's cheaper to buy a return ticket even at last minute prices than to go through with buying a bike that you find isn't as the seller represented it.  Just thoughts from a few experiences with the "fly and ride" purchase.

Don't forget your helmet and gloves.

Oh, and take the title transfer form that Texas requires with you so you get it signed while you're there.  You can download it online.  You don't want to have to deal with getting a signature like that after you get back.

[BigTex]

Sidecar thanks,

This is my third trip out to make sure of the bike and get everything set up.

I have looked at 11 bikes over the course of the last three months, and hadnt found the one..

all great advice, thanks!

Helmet check
Gloves check
Road Toggs check

I checked oil during visit, and will recheck pressure in tires tomorrow.

I just hope i remember how to crank it...

I will post again when i get in,

Thanks for all the advice and help!

Larry

[5_19]

I just hope i remember how to crank it...

I will post again when i get in,

Thanks for all the advice and help!

Larry

Larry,

Welcome to the DFW VRCC.

Well..... did you get it started? Did you make it back? How did it go? Just curious!  the suspense is almost to much 

TJ

[RainMaker]

Maybe he'll stop by the burger joint for the meeting tonite.

[Former BMW Guy]

As I found out...pictures are mandatory!!
Good luck and ride safe.

Joe P

[BigTex]

Yes I did pick my bike up yesterday, caught the greydog out and rode her home.

Loved the ride,

Larry