Shipping a bike overseas?

[Turbo Ghost]

Does anyone here have any experience shipping a bike overseas? Most specifically, shipping one from the UK to the US? I'm looking for companies and prices and time to ship. I have a friend visiting in 2014 from the UK and we're going to ride Route 66. While I plan on having a bike for him to ride, I think it would be nice if he could ship his here and ride his own. Thanks for your input!

[Trip]

I would ask ADV, those guys do it all the time.

[derf]

also look up horizons unlimited. There are ways to make shipping cheap or expensive, and there are some times where it is actually cheaper to go by air than by sea.

[Rangerscott]

Air should be a lot faster. I cringe at the thought of boating it.

http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/images/12/2011/10/xlarge_new_zealand_ship_crash.jpg

[Dnyce]

How far are you taking route 66? That's a ride I've always wanted to do

[Rangerscott]

I can meet you at the half way mark.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll23/rangerscott/Trips/Pie%20Run%206-26-2010/PieRun6-26-201014Large.jpg

[Gas Man]

I think it's easiest if you use an importer... They have guys that do just that for you.

[Turbo Ghost]

Thanks for the tips guys! It's going to be in 2014 but, I want to start getting things lined-out as early as possible to avoid problems down the road!

The plan is to leave here (TN) and head to Chicago then the coast from there with some stops along the way like the Grand Canyon and family and friends. Then, haul-ass back by way of I-40 to home. Hopefully, we can iron-butt the trip back!

I'll have a bike for him to ride but, if at all possible, I'm sure it would be better for him to ride his own so, I'm looking at rates to see if it's feasible.

[derf]

You are looking at $600 cheapest each way between the UK and the US, but that is most likely to a major port, like Newark or baltimore or LA

[Rangerscott]

Will his bike have to be registered and emission tested here? I'm sure it'll pass emissions no problem since the UK has higher restrictions.

[derf]

No you can temporary import a vehicle for a set period of time, sort of like a temporary visa

[Rangerscott]

No you can temporary import a vehicle for a set period of time, sort of like a temporary visa

So if he's friend's bike doesn't get married before time is up, it'll be shipped back?

[Turbo Ghost]

So if he's friend's bike doesn't get married before time is up, it'll be shipped back?

Not if it gets pregnant!