I've not heard of many ... if any .. that cheap. Usually closer the $1500 to $2000 when all said and done. Seems to get higher every year.

True, delays in an expensive city can cost you. But there are a few ways round at least some. In Asia, renting makes sense.(done it on 3 different trips)

In Chile .. not ideal. Too expensive overall. I think Ecuador may be the better deal? A foreigner can buy a bike there too and cheaper if you have to wait around.

Buying a travelers bike may be the best way ... if one can get the paperwork straight. Many have managed this!

100% agree. Takes all kinds. Some feel more secure on a tour. Not for me.. but Kudos anyway, at least they made the trip!

That is really not bad considering you got Jamaica and Cuba in the deal! You also saved the money it would cost to traverse
all of Cent. America ... maybe another $400 to $800? ... plus several nightmare border crossings. A bargain I'd say!

I've heard some "interesting" stories about various random boats taking motos. Not all good. Most have heard the same. The Stalhratte seems to have the market tied up, offering good, reliable service and a fun time. Probably worth the extra couple hundred the Stalhratte costs?

Peter,
If you hear of any good shipping (or air freight) deals out of Miami (or where ever) to Colombia or Venezuela, let me know. I've not yet found anything great. It's such a short hop ... yet still very pricey. Any ideas or recommendations?

Hi Mollydog,

I missed your post 6 days ago, only noticing it this morning... Sorry, I don't know of any deals from Miami to Colombia or Venezuela. I have a long term plan to return to South America to ride the sections I missed last time. Next time the budget maybe better managed in an overall sense, so container shipping on one or both legs will be carefully considered.

From looking at the samples in the shipping database, I noticed a few reports that mentioned paying for "white gloves service." The traveler dropped off the bike and the shipper crated it. Getting a bike crated in Miami is going to cost something. Why not design and build it in you garage or backyard, put the pieces in a pick-up truck, then assemble the crate at the warehouse. I see others mention RoRo (roll on, roll off) transportation. I suspect this would be more expensive compared to shipping as loose cargo. There are shippers that consolidate cargo from multiple customers to fill a container. If you go with a group, look into a 20' container. Much easier to fill that a 40'.

When are you planning trip? It never hurts to start research early. I would begin by estimating the size and weight of the crate. I wouldn't be surprised if I had 50 pounds of gear. Add that to the weight of your motorcycle and you have enough to make a few phone calls to get quotes. Vehicles fall into the category of "hazardous cargo" which no doubt adds to the cost of shipping.

__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride