Taking motorcycle gear
 

We are in the preliminary planning phase of a 3-4 month European motorcycle trip in March of 2028.
We are considering shipping our Honda ST1300 from Canada but one thing we can’t quite figure out is how to get our gear over to Europe. I’m operating under the assumption that it’s can’t go with the bike. But I’m happy to be wrong about that.
Assuming it can’t go with the bike how do folks get their gear over there? When we’ve rented in the past the rental place stored the suitcase our gear flew in and we just packed it up when we left.
Love to learn from the more experienced folks.

No reason your gear can't go with the bike. It just gets packed in the crate to fit around the bike.

Reading the Motorcycle Express site a bit closer.
Air Transat only allows helmets on the bikes. (Air Transat doesn't fly from Vancouver so they aren't on our list of carriers)
Air Canada will allow you to "pack you bike as usual so long as there are no prohibited items"
WestJet will allow packed panniers and helmets if secured properly.

So looks like we have options.

When I flew my bike to Canada and back with Air Canada I was told I was not allowed to store any kit in on the bike apart from the tool kit and bought a cheap holdall to use as checked luggage and wore some of my riding gear, jacket, boots onto the flight and helmet as part of my carry on. The bag was stored with friends until my return flight.

My experience has been that you can only ship limited items with the bike. Who knows what will be allowed in 2028. I would consider lightweight duffle bags that can be easily stowed when you get on the bikes.

I must add that I have shipped my bike numerous times and have always been able to pack everything I have wanted to but have found flying the bike far less hassle.

What year was this?

2017 Heathrow to Vancouver.

Several trips to South America from the States; I packed my pants and jacket but wore my boots. A bit of a hassle at security, but it worked. Helmet was packed, but it was filled with things to use up the internal helmet space.

I have a bike in Mexico and I fly there every year and I always carry my gear on me and it never had been an issue. That way I'm sure nothung get lost or stolen.