Buying a bike and having it shipped
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 272
From: Ohio
Buying a bike and having it shipped
I am thinking about purchasing a bike and having it shipped. It would all be done in the lower 48. Has anyone else done this? What is the most secure way to purchase and ship? Be coming from Oregon to Ohio...Any suggestions would be appreciated.
The most secure way is to write one check to a licensed dealer for everything: Bike, shipping, etc.
That way if anything goes wrong you don't have multiple companies pointing fingers at each other.
This is also the most expensive way.
That way if anything goes wrong you don't have multiple companies pointing fingers at each other.
This is also the most expensive way.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 2,261
From: Ft. Wayne IN
I bought a new XL1200T (Superlow Sportster since traded in for a new, local 2018 Heritage) in March 2017 in Florida. Had not ridden in 39 years or so and wanted to have my experienced Florida brother-in-law help me choose one. I worked out for the dealer (Bert's Black Widow) to ship it to my home in Indiana. Several hassles:
1. Getting the title all worked out was a pain. Had to get an extension on my 30-day tag. Sometimes dealers are not too adept at working with different states. Finally got that done after a few calls.
2. They chose the shipper, not me. They found a "gypsy" who had a large dual-wheel pickup and a big trailer from Georgia. He hauled several bikes and a car on the trailer. It took them a while to find him (and he took his time to get here.
3. He had to remove my bike from the trailer (probably several times) on the way up from Florida as he dropped other vehicles off or added them onto his load. He got the bike all muddy on at least one remove/replace. Would not clean it. Dealer wouldn't either. Took me 3-4 hours to detail it.
I'll never buy another bike further than a day's ride from home again. There are just too many dealers within a couple of hundred miles. I realize that circumstances vary, however, and I would recommend getting a more reputable shipper involved. I also now have my own trailer that I used to haul my Heritage to Florida last winter so I can now DIY.
1. Getting the title all worked out was a pain. Had to get an extension on my 30-day tag. Sometimes dealers are not too adept at working with different states. Finally got that done after a few calls.
2. They chose the shipper, not me. They found a "gypsy" who had a large dual-wheel pickup and a big trailer from Georgia. He hauled several bikes and a car on the trailer. It took them a while to find him (and he took his time to get here.
3. He had to remove my bike from the trailer (probably several times) on the way up from Florida as he dropped other vehicles off or added them onto his load. He got the bike all muddy on at least one remove/replace. Would not clean it. Dealer wouldn't either. Took me 3-4 hours to detail it.
I'll never buy another bike further than a day's ride from home again. There are just too many dealers within a couple of hundred miles. I realize that circumstances vary, however, and I would recommend getting a more reputable shipper involved. I also now have my own trailer that I used to haul my Heritage to Florida last winter so I can now DIY.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 24,984
Likes: 19,421
From: New York
I did it once and purchase from a Indy dealer/shop in Colorado and ship to New York back in 2002. The seller want a wire transfer to his bank and I paid the shipper on deliver. This Indy shop was recommend by Paughco, a aftermarket parts company that been around since the 1969. Paughco built the bike I purchase. All went well.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 4,912
Likes: 8,987
From: SoCal
Never did it with a bike but did buy a 1960 Porsche in FL and had it shipped to L.A. I Googled motorcycle shippers and there are lots of them coming up. BUT, many of those may be brokers and based on my (and many friends') car shipping experience, if possible I would try to find a well respected shipper and deal directly with them. Also be careful and make sure proper insurance is in place. With a good shipper and proper insurance, the whole thing ought to work out smoothly.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 272
From: Ohio
Has anyone used a shipper they would recommend? I am very close to closing on the purchase of the bike just wanna make sure I am using a reputable service.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,032
Likes: 5,306
I've heard good and bad things about haulbikes and uship. Federal Motorcycle Transport has gotten pretty good reviews.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 913
Likes: 322
From: St. Louis
Does Reliable Carriers ship bikes. I would prob. trust them if they do, that's who dodge used for their demon and ford for the GT's. Otherwise on question to ask is if they are shipping in an enclosed trailer, will the bike be chalked, how do they tie/strap it down (blown fork seals can easily happen).