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7 Dec 2006
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vaufi
To achieve the classification as non-hazardous good I was told that draining the bike means you not only have to drain the fuel, but also ALL oils. Engine, gearbox, fork - the whole lot. This of course makes it difficult to pick up the bike at arrival. How are you going to service it at the freight terminal? Usually there's not service station within reasonable distance :-(
Also try DHL. I was told they're not too expensive.
Hans
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Draining all oils is pretty hard, it will be a PITA to refill your rear-shock at the airport...
What about grease, do you have to remove the grease from your wheel-bearings?
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7 Dec 2006
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Golden, CO USA...on the road since Sept 2005
Posts: 343
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In reality: the guys who receive the bike have the final say. I've shipped the bike twice by air and haven't had a problem. I'm on an F-650 Dakar. When shipping from Argentina to South Africa, I was told to disconnect the battery; I explained (lied) I didn't have the wrenches to remove the fairing. The boys soon produced a set of allen wrenches- so sorry boys- I need torx! They were more than happy when I removed the seat and pulled out the fuses- telling them the bike was now dead. Be polite and do what is easy and obvious. Some carriers will ask you deflate your tires to prevent them from bursting should the cargo area become de-pressurized. If they ask if the fork oil has been drained, say "yes." The main concern with shipping DG (dangerous goods) is fuel, just be sure your tank is very low. Good luck with your trip.
Last edited by hook; 7 Dec 2006 at 15:58.
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7 Dec 2006
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Chicago
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Ok. So the Fedex price for today is $12,000. Not kidding. I called twice. Today they don’t pallet anything over 150 pounds. Any bets on tomorrow’s price? DHL +4k. I think that not being completely honest about fluids works in Argentina, but I don’t want to try to full around with it here in the US. I’ve heard Guantanamo is pretty bad. I’m tired of this game. The misses is taking a cruise to SA. I’ll update the shipping page once all is over with.
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7 Dec 2006
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Golden, CO USA...on the road since Sept 2005
Posts: 343
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For the record, the guys in Argentina only cared about fuel and the battery- they didn't care about the rest. Did you check with SAA and Lufthansa? What did UPS say? I assume the $12,000 FedEx quote must be for priority-overnight shipment! By the way, South African even lists motorcycle shipping costs on their website. Don't get frustrated, just keep working the problem. Be steady, H.
Last edited by hook; 7 Dec 2006 at 18:28.
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7 Dec 2006
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 44
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I already called SAA in SA and they referred me to an agent here and they are the ones who quoted $3k. I think that the biggest difference from other air transports is that these are not non stop flights. Ocean is not such a big deal. Thanks for the cheerios.
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8 Dec 2006
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HU CanWest Meeting Organiser
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Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Redwood Meadows, AB, Canada
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Try from Canada?
Chicago isn't too far south. You might try contacting agencies in Toronto to see if the prices are any less. We shipped bikes on Air Canada Cargo and only had to disconnect the battery and have the fuel at a very low level.
Hook: Do you have your shipping information for Argentina to South Africa on the "Shipping" section of this website? We're flying from Buenos Aires to (hopefully) Cape Town after riding to Tierra del Fuego next year and any information would be helpful. (Cost, carrier, shipping agent, special requirements, etc.) Thanks!
__________________
Ekke Kok
'84 R100RT 141,000 km (Dad's!)
'89 R100GS 250,000 km (and ready for another continent)
'07 R1200GS Adventure 100,000 km (just finished Circumnavigating Asia)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
www.ekke-audrey.ca
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8 Dec 2006
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Golden, CO USA...on the road since Sept 2005
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Ekke, I did put the BA-Capetown shipping info on the shipping pages. The bike and I flew (on the same aircraft) on Malaysian Airlines, an airline I would gladly fly with again, just great service. Good luck to you, H.
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