VRCC Calendar Ad

Shipping a Valk from OH to VA, Any shipper recommendations?

Started by Valkyrie0002, Wed 25, Jul 2018, 08:06:50

Previous topic - Next topic

Valkyrie0002

Hello,  I am in the process of buying a 2014 from a private seller near Steubenville OH 43938 zip and I'm in Fredericksburg, VA 22407.   I would appreciate any recommendations for shippers.
Been riding since about 1985.  1st bike was a CB900F then 88 CBR1000 , 1990 VFR750F and 94 CBR1000F.  I bought my 2000 Std. Valkyrie new in 01.  Was an MSF Rider Coach for 12 years.  New owner of a 2014 Valk, Red, Non ABS.

Kidd




If I like to go fast , does that make me a racist ???

zackod

I've used federalcos.com (Federal Companies) several times for ship/fly motorcycle vacations.   AMA approved i think.

Jess from VA

#3
Ha, ha, ha, Supidville is my birthplace (though I came damn close to being born on the Stupidville bridge.)

That's just 300 miles or so, why not ride it home?

https://binged.it/2OdLEdA



Valkyrie0002

I was going to rent a u-haul trailer and spend a day trip to get it but my wife would prefer if I had it shipped.  Would be a good 14 hour day as long as traffic wasn't bad.
Been riding since about 1985.  1st bike was a CB900F then 88 CBR1000 , 1990 VFR750F and 94 CBR1000F.  I bought my 2000 Std. Valkyrie new in 01.  Was an MSF Rider Coach for 12 years.  New owner of a 2014 Valk, Red, Non ABS.

Jess from VA

Look into a bus trip up (carrying bike gear), overnight motel (or seller's house), and ride back.  Better to ride back after a night's sleep.  Bus is probably all day and slow.

I used the Amtrack (out of DC Union Station) to to get up the East Coast to get one home from  Massetwoshitts.

I really don't know what kind of money shipping is, I'd just be worried about scratches, dings or worse.

I'm just up in Fairfax County (near Ft Belvoir); we'll have to hook up and ride sometime.     

Valkyrie0002

If this trip was pretty much direct or I knew the route I might consider riding back but the U-haul trailer is only $15/ day and my Cherokee gets 30 mpg and is airconditioned and rain proof not to mention it has a very comfortable seat. 

I got a quote for $420 w/ enclosed trailer, 3 day window for pick-up.

I don't have any riding buddies here so yes, we should get together for a ride.
Been riding since about 1985.  1st bike was a CB900F then 88 CBR1000 , 1990 VFR750F and 94 CBR1000F.  I bought my 2000 Std. Valkyrie new in 01.  Was an MSF Rider Coach for 12 years.  New owner of a 2014 Valk, Red, Non ABS.

Jess from VA

Well, just make sure they know how to trailer and properly tie down motorcycles.  Make a big deal out of having your seller go out and shoot a bunch of photography of the bike before and during the loading. No straps on the paint.  Then do a real close inspection of it when it arrives (camera ready), before they leave.

And shoot me a PM sometime about a ride.  I am retired and can go anytime, but weekends are always less traffic, and I am not a fan of high heat and full sun riding anymore (like in my youth). 

KUGO

Quote from: Jess from VA on Wed 25, Jul 2018, 12:51:50
Well, just make sure they know how to trailer and properly tie down motorcycles.  Make a big deal out of having your seller go out and shoot a bunch of photography of the bike before and during the loading. No straps on the paint.  Then do a real close inspection of it when it arrives (camera ready), before they leave. 

Take Jess's advice to heart.  May save you heartache.  Had mine delivered from a dealer just north of Chicago to my place four hours (by car) south to east-central Illinois.  Enclosed trailer, only thing in the trailer which was quite large - big enough for six bikes.  Arrived on it's right side after scraping across the aluminum anchor tracks on the trailer floor for about four hours.  (I could picture it sliding across those tracks, like a cheese grater, with every highway exit and on ramp.  Driver said he never knew.  (Never checked?))  It had been absolutely pristine (I'd seen the pics) with just a few hundred miles on it, not a scratch, prior to loading.  $2200++ damage: mirror, RT radiator shroud, RT exhaust, crash bar, etc., etc.  Totally covered by insurance, but sure diminished my Christmas joy.  Make sure you are insured at both ends, either way. 

Have fun with your new ride!!   8)

Valkyrie0002

Quote from: KUGO on Wed 25, Jul 2018, 13:32:26
Quote from: Jess from VA on Wed 25, Jul 2018, 12:51:50
Well, just make sure they know how to trailer and properly tie down motorcycles.  Make a big deal out of having your seller go out and shoot a bunch of photography of the bike before and during the loading. No straps on the paint.  Then do a real close inspection of it when it arrives (camera ready), before they leave. 

Take Jess's advice to heart.  May save you heartache.  Had mine delivered from a dealer just north of Chicago to my place four hours (by car) south to east-central Illinois.  Enclosed trailer, only thing in the trailer which was quite large - big enough for six bikes.  Arrived on it's right side after scraping across the aluminum anchor tracks on the trailer floor for about four hours.  (I could picture it sliding across those tracks, like a cheese grater, with every highway exit and on ramp.  Driver said he never knew.  (Never checked?))  It had been absolutely pristine (I'd seen the pics) with just a few hundred miles on it, not a scratch, prior to loading.  $2200++ damage: mirror, RT radiator shroud, RT exhaust, crash bar, etc., etc.  Totally covered by insurance, but sure diminished my Christmas joy.  Make sure you are insured at both ends, either way. 

Have fun with your new ride!!   8)

I appreciate the advice.  I've asked the shippers about experience and of course they all say don't worry.
Been riding since about 1985.  1st bike was a CB900F then 88 CBR1000 , 1990 VFR750F and 94 CBR1000F.  I bought my 2000 Std. Valkyrie new in 01.  Was an MSF Rider Coach for 12 years.  New owner of a 2014 Valk, Red, Non ABS.

Wayne Basso

My route planner shows it to be 338 miles.  Trust me, if you hop on that bike, the miles will fly by and you will be home before you know it and you'll be wishing you lived farther.  It's just a little over a tank of fuel.  Ride it like you bought it.

pago cruiser

+1 on riding it, or carting it yourself.

Seen several instances of folks (commercial shippers and bike owners) using front and/or rear crash bars as tie down points; big uh uh on the 1800 - and prolly the new Valk as well.  You/they might get lucky; or you/they might shear off bolts and bend crash bars and/or engine support rails... :o

Several threads over on the GL1800 site.
Just because you are not paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you

Hot Rod

Rent a car ,much cheaper than shipping. Ride up in car drop car off at rental place ,ride bike back ! Only way to go !
"The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it." Thucydides 460 - 455 BC

Durable

Moved from CA to MN last month. I used Haulbikes, I'm a bit of a lightweight, I did not want to make the ride although I know the F6C would have no issues. Haulbikes took great care of my bike. Be aware of the logistics/time of the process. They load 40 motorcycles picked up in different locations and dropped in 40 different locations.

Keep the shiny side up!

Bob

tazzzed

I rode mine from Baltimore area to Ct when I purchased mine last year.   Friday of 4th of July weekend hitting the GWB was a blast!!!   NOT        If I made it home that day anyone could!!   Ride it!

DGS65

Maybe it's me but there is no way I would plan a 300+  mile ride as my first trip!
There as so many things that could go wrong, the thought of breaking down on the trip home would be terrible!!
I would either  rent a trailer or have it shipped.
I had my bike shipped from CA to NY it took three weeks to get to me but $700 was worth every penny.  The bike was just serviced and I was assured it was ready to ride however less the 200 miles later the bike broke down it would have been a nightmare if I was in route home.  I took a few days to get the parts to fix it.
Best of luck.

ledany

Quote from: Wayne Basso on Wed 25, Jul 2018, 16:39:43
My route planner shows it to be 338 miles.  Trust me, if you hop on that bike, the miles will fly by and you will be home before you know it and you'll be wishing you lived farther.  It's just a little over a tank of fuel.  Ride it like you bought it.

I totally agree  :cooldude:

Otherwise, you don't deserve the bike !  :2funny:

Valkyrie0002

So I'm a wuss.  I'm not familiar with the route and would not feel comfortable riding it home.  Renting a trailer is the cheapest way to get it home but my wife preferred I not make the one day round trip alone.  Got several quotes for $400 - $420.  Contracted for an enclosed trailer at $420.  I don't feel bad spending an extra $320 to ship it based on the deal I got on the bike and me not tying up a whole day driving.

I appreciate all the input and recommendations.
Been riding since about 1985.  1st bike was a CB900F then 88 CBR1000 , 1990 VFR750F and 94 CBR1000F.  I bought my 2000 Std. Valkyrie new in 01.  Was an MSF Rider Coach for 12 years.  New owner of a 2014 Valk, Red, Non ABS.

Jess from VA

When working and making a decent living, often times things are simply easier paid done than doing them yourself.  That was my experience when working.  And, this goes hand in hand with the old saying.... happy wife, happy life.   :)

Just tell them you have a nasty, ill-tempered guard dog lawyer for a friend (me),  and so long as everything goes smoothly and the bike arrives in perfect condition, you won't have to sick him on them.   ;D :evil:     (not that I want the business, I'm retired)        (and insurance)

Valkyrie0002

Bike arrived in good condition this morning.  Already got it titled and registered.
Shipping was a PIA.  One shipper backed out, another gave me a small window to arrange pickup which I couldn't make.  I ended up paying a little more to get it delivered this weekend and he got caught in a lot of traffic which delayed pick-up and delivery.

I'm looking forward to my first ride but it looks like I'll need to get my rain gear out because they are calling for rain all week.
Been riding since about 1985.  1st bike was a CB900F then 88 CBR1000 , 1990 VFR750F and 94 CBR1000F.  I bought my 2000 Std. Valkyrie new in 01.  Was an MSF Rider Coach for 12 years.  New owner of a 2014 Valk, Red, Non ABS.

Jess from VA


Durable