Overall length of bike for enclosed shipping container

[Tigerman67]

Thought I would check with the collective knowledge of the board and see if anyone happens to know what the overall length of our Valks are from Tip to tail. 

I was looking at possibly shipping my bike at least one way for a spring riding trip to allow more days riding at my destination rather than spending it grinding across Kansas or Okalahoma.

I was checking out this outfit called forward air.  I have no experience with them, but they only ship bikes in fully enclosed containers, and they can transport your bike between most any of the larger airports in the US in 2 or 3 days.  (I thought they were actually air freighting these things, but it turns out they are simply a trucking firm that is normally located near airports).

Now the neat thing is they will even provide you with one of three standard size motorcycle containers, and the price is partially based on weight but a large factor is which size container you need.  There is a fairly dramatic jump on price between the mid size and large container.  So I go out and slap down a measuring tape next to my Valk (standard with a set of Tourer bags mounted), and using a tape and my eye ball it looks to be to be around 98", but I wasn't being very precise.  It turns out that the mid size container has a length of 98" so it would be in my financial interest if my bike could fit in that size, but I am getting the feeling that I am pushing it trying to get it into the container.

So anyone care to comment on what the overall length of the bike is and would it fit in a 98" shipping container?  Anyone ever use this forward air company, and how did it work out for you?

Thanks!

[DFragn]

I've ever shipped in that fashion.
Is it safe to assume the 98" is an inside dimension of the crate?

My theory would be "a little tight". I'd be guessing that no matter how tight she's tied down inside there could be some slight fore/aft movement. Not much of an issue forward, but reward could damage the rear fender/bags and or trunk.
Just something to consider...

[larryh0841]

Your overall length is slightly reduced when turning the forks to the side.  If you do this for shipping I think you could get it in the 98" box.  Check this out to be sure.  Don't use a tape measure in by holding it in the air.  Drop a point down vertically from the front and rear and mark the points on the floor.  Then measure the distance between the points.

[Earl in Pensacola]

When I bought my trailer for a Tourer, the 4'X8' was too short!  I went with a 10'.  Also the last I shipped my bike it was by air (expensive but fast-over night!) It was lashed to a metal palet, with gas in the tank at a min.(on reserve). THe bike was waiting at LAX when I arrived the next day.

[Joe Hummer]

I checked online for some information and found this:

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/touring_cruiser_comparison/honda_valkyrie_tourer.html

States the overall length of a Tourer is 100.2"

I have a 5'x7' trailer and from my sig pic, you can see that the back wheel on my IS is right at the edge of the trailer.  that is 84". 

Joe

[R J]

84" is too short.

You will want the bike standing upright.

DO NOT let it be shipped on the side stand.

It will bend and or break the frame...

Get some good ratchet straps, 4 minimum, tie it low, like on the engine guards,  and pull it forward and outward on the straps.

On the rear, get on the shock mount if possible and pull the strap rearward and out.

Like the picture, follow the little red road  and the black one on the rear..  Pictures 2 & 3 are much better and closer up.



The front outside tiedown is right between my legs on the outside of the trailer.

This is the picture I wanted for the front.



This is the one for the rear.

[greggh]

RJ what are you doing with the strap between your legs.
Makes it hard to drive the truck I would think

[Garland]

When I bought my trailer for a Tourer, the 4'X8' was too short!  I went with a 10'.  Also the last I shipped my bike it was by air (expensive but fast-over night!) It was lashed to a metal palet, with gas in the tank at a min.(on reserve). THe bike was waiting at LAX when I arrived the next day.

Inquiring minds want to know, how much does it cost to ship a bike BY AIR?