Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree4Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 6 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Folkestone, UK
Posts: 22
Hi Martin,
I may be the person who needs your help.
I aiming to ride round the USA from June to December this year. Just starting out on world bike travel, although done lots in UK and Europe, so taking baby steps for now and looking to fly over, buy a Harley bagger and go where the road takes me. I have friends coming over in July to do all round the Grand Canyon and such which i'll be joining them for but other than that I don't have a route or destination set yet.
I had hoped my friends could fix me up with a HOG friend of theirs over there as they have HD through them like a stick of seaside rock, but their friends States side aren't bikers.
I have found a bike trader website over there and am starting to weed through to find a suitable bike but any help you could give would be most appreciated. I'm looking for something like a Streetglide or Tourer with hard panniers but no topbox, with a windshield and preferably a rear rack. Budget is about $7000 max. Not looking for the prettiest bike but want a reliable one (well as reliable as a HD can be). I'd dearly love one of the new Triumph Explorers which will be fresh on the streets by the time i come over but i just can't justify tying up that much cash in a bike for 6 months so i'll wait till next year for that.

Thanks in advance

Dave
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 6 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: LONDON
Posts: 28
Hello,

We have shipped bikes across for people in the UK who have been sold to them by Steve or Brad at Used Harleys Dallas motorcycles for sale bobber Ridley Chopper boss hoss cycle Harley Davidson motorcycles Dallas Fort Worth Arlington custom motorcycles Houston Austin Oklahoma Louisiana Big Dog Mororcycles Harley Davidson choppers Low Riders Dubai in the USA , we can highly recommend them !

Thanks,
Jamie
HILL SHIPPING
HILL SHIPPING WWW.HILLSHIPPING.COM
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 7 Mar 2012
HUBB Advertiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Cork Ireland
Posts: 181
This is the best resource to find a used bike

craigslist: SF bay area classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 9 Mar 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Nelson, New Zealand
Posts: 1
Thumbs up Buying a KLR.

Thanks for the offer Wheatwacker. Name's Joe, from New`Zealand and ride a Yamaha XT660Z Tenere here. I'm coming to USA in early July to ride the TransAm Trail and then go on up to Canada to visit my sister. I am looking for a KLR 650 and have been looking on craigslist. My budget is up to US$4000 for preferably the 2008 onwards facelift model, but no objections to low mileage older model. Hard luggage and suspension upgrade would be ideal but not essential - I could bring soft luggage. Augie from ACE in Concord has one for $4500, 2009 29500m. Is my budget realistic? Can you help me locate a good 'un? Much appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 9 Mar 2012
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Hi,

Im planing a USA trip as well in 2013. Before my africa trip i got a Honda Transalp 1992 50tkm in Germany for US$1000 and in Southamerica i bought a Honda CGL 125 2010 for US$800, so there must be a way to get a bike cheaper then US$4000 in the States as well.

Greetings from Columbia, Tobi
Gringo travels through Chile and Argentina part 1
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 10 Mar 2012
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
I've often thought it would be fun to fly to San Diego, buy a cheap used bike for $2500 or so, take a couple of weeks to ride down the Baja to Cabo and back, and then sell the bike.

The trouble is that when I look on the internet, I don't see too many places that are eager to do a buy/sell deal, and buying privately can be a hassle to get paperwork done.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 17 Mar 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Fort St. John, BC, Canada
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by mudmaps View Post
Perfectly doable!

We did something similar last year.

Have since sold one bike and have an F650GS still for sale south of San Francisco. (San Francisco Motorcycle if you're interested)

Some comments:
  • The paperwork in California is pretty easy
  • Although expect delays in getting 'official' govt papers and numberplates due to the state only having part time workers
  • Crossing the Canadian border without a numberplate wasn't an issue as Customs have a big database including your VIN numbers etc.
  • Insurance is cheap (we used Progressive and highly recommend)
  • There is sales tax if you buy from a dealer
  • There a lot of friendly ex-pats (like Martin) who lend you their addresses and garages (thanks guys)
  • Craigslist is OK but as their filtering system is so complex many bikes never make it onto their lists (can't use normal words, must have local cell phone, need to repeatedly reconfirm via SMS etc. etc. )
  • Ebay is not bad but as its expensive few bikes are there
  • Strangely there is no main bike sales website in the US like there is here in OZ so some searching is required
  • Personally I've been disappointed with the bike sales sites and have tried my hand at self promotion. (Did I mention I have a bike for sale at http://sanfranciscomotorcycle.com )
Have fun!!
There is a motorcycle based selling site online. It is
Motorcycles - Scooters, Dirt Bikes, Choppers, Sport Bikes, and Other Motorcycles for Sale - Cycle Trader.com
When they ask for a zipcode, just put in all zeros.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 18 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: tenerife
Posts: 75
florida, poss bike buying

Interesting, great of you to offer help like that....I am going over to Florida next month for about 3 weeks and was thinking about buying something cheap for running around and doing some camping, then prob leave the bike there...This is fairly easy to do in the UK and I always thought it would be straighforward in the US, but perhaps not.....putting aside the finding of a bike, as a brit, what do I need to do paperworkwise.....?
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 23 Mar 2012
HUBB Advertiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Cork Ireland
Posts: 181
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbyrandall View Post
Interesting, great of you to offer help like that....I am going over to Florida next month for about 3 weeks and was thinking about buying something cheap for running around and doing some camping, then prob leave the bike there...This is fairly easy to do in the UK and I always thought it would be straighforward in the US, but perhaps not.....putting aside the finding of a bike, as a brit, what do I need to do paperworkwise.....?
Easy. Find a bike, go to the DMV, get it in your name, get insurance and go ride.
If your willing to come to California, I can have a bike waiting for you.

Email is the best way to reach me as I don't check in here often.

sfadvmoto@gmail.com
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 10 Apr 2012
HUBB Advertiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Cork Ireland
Posts: 181
Helping people buy bikes in the USA - ADVrider
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 19 Apr 2012
yuma simon's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona, USA
Posts: 548
In Arizona, I recently renewed the registration for my car, at a privately owned Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (AZ MVD) office. Arizona allows private individuals to offer most of the services of the state-run (remember all 50 states have their own motor vehicle division bureacracy!) for a set fee above what the state charges; $10 to $15 USD depending on what it is.

I asked the guy how easy it would be for a foreigner to register their own vehicle in Arizona, and he said there is no problem. Arizona does issue titles and license plates on the spot.

Of course, Arizona is not as direct for most foreigners to come to, and used bikes are, or seem to be, slightly more $ than the usual bargain hubs such as Los Angeles, as evidenced by researching Craigslist for Los Angeles and Phoenix. So the convenience of instant titling, and being located close to easier-to-cross Mexico border crossings (for those traveling that direction) have to be balanced with getting here. I know that opinions are subjective, but I do find the people of California much more genuinely nicer than in Arizona, ie Martin in San Francisco, and more willing to help people out, out of kindness.

Plus, California has some great, out of the way riding places (yes, so do other states), but buying a bike in California, such as with Martin's help, and riding around the state (it is quite long in length) could be a great way to wait for your paperwork to be prepared and mailed to a 'local' address.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 29 Jun 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 2
I need some advice and opinions

this is my first post and I like to get some opinions regarding my plan which is buying a used bike in the US or new and tour all around in 30 days then keeping the bike in a storage by paying a full year in advance ( for storage ) then next year starting from another point for another 30 days and so on , I went across europe but I want to try the stretched roads in the US , Europe is so compressed to me everything is next the other no stretched kind of roads that I like , so can I keep the bike in any local storage for a year , I asked one local storage in new York and they say that they do month to month , it is cheaper than shipping to me , two trips will cost me same as the brand new bike ( bike shipping + tickets + wife + expenses = forget about it) , so the cheaper option is to buy one and keep it there , plus I have future plans for Canada
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 29 Jun 2012
DaveSmith's Avatar
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
If I was in your position, I'd buy one and if I was happy with it, I'd store it. You'd have to prep it for winter and store it. Depending on where you're leaving it, you could probably find someone on HU or ADVRider to keep it.

I'm laughing at myself for saying prep it for winter. Something that I always *mean* to do, and then it bites me in the ass later.
__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 2 Jul 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: LONDON
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fysl View Post
this is my first post and I like to get some opinions regarding my plan which is buying a used bike in the US or new and tour all around in 30 days then keeping the bike in a storage by paying a full year in advance ( for storage ) then next year starting from another point for another 30 days and so on , I went across europe but I want to try the stretched roads in the US , Europe is so compressed to me everything is next the other no stretched kind of roads that I like , so can I keep the bike in any local storage for a year , I asked one local storage in new York and they say that they do month to month , it is cheaper than shipping to me , two trips will cost me same as the brand new bike ( bike shipping + tickets + wife + expenses = forget about it) , so the cheaper option is to buy one and keep it there , plus I have future plans for Canada
Our agent has a Warehouse in NY , they might be able to store for the year if required, what kind of price would you be looking to pay for the year ?

Thanks
Jamie
HILL SHIPPING
jamie@hillshipping.com
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 4 Jul 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: LONDON
Posts: 28
Hello,

I have spoken to our agent and they can arrange storage in their warehouse in NY for £ 850.00 for the year , let me know if that helps.

Regards
Jamie
jamie@hillshipping.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
buying motorcycle usa


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
What's easier/cheaper: buying a bike in the states and shipping, or buying there DKEE Europe 6 13 May 2010 23:12
registering indian motorcycle in foreigners name -Ali- Trip Paperwork 0 18 Mar 2009 13:13
Foreigners buying a indian registered bike? Possible? Carnet? kw_bike Trip Paperwork 2 18 Jul 2008 10:11
Buying a Motorcycle in Texas engmex North America 7 17 Mar 2008 16:49
Buying/selling bike between foreigners on foreign soil Gertmans Trip Paperwork 2 22 Feb 2006 00:19

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:02.