Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Transport
Bike prep pre-shipping, what needs draining? Bike prep pre-shipping, what needs draining?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Transport Shipping the vehicle and yourself.
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



Hill Shipping - Motorcycle and car Shipping Experts!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Jun 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Dorset, England
Posts: 14
Bike prep pre-shipping, what needs draining?
When preping a bike for air freight what needs to be drained.
I worked out the fuel has to go but can someone clarify which of the other fluids needs to go, brake fluid, engine oil, battery.

H
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Jun 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
Invariably the battery must be either removed or disconnected. This item counts as "dangerous goods" and requires a certificate in most places, all of its own. Usually there is only one guy who can issue it and he in on holiday.

Often the shipping agents don't know of this requirement, so it is good to tell them, so as to get the paperwork process rolling as early as possible. Many have been held up at the last minute for lack of the certificate.

Fuel should be removed. This is a pain when you pick up the bike. I usually sneak on a litre or two. But it's naughty.

That's it. No need to drain oils.
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Jun 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Dorset, England
Posts: 14
Thanks Simon,
Just what I needed to know, I was told the bike needed to be 'totally dry'. thought it was a bit over the top.

H
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Jun 2005
Fritz's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 224
Interestingly I've just been in discussion re : shipping and a packaging Co told me you don't need to disconnect battery, you need to put alarms to 'travel', no need to drain any fluids and can have up to a quarter of a tank of fuel when crated...all of which surprised me, but it is their business so assume not b*ll*cks ;-)
(PS UK - South America if any diffs)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Jun 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
just flown Chad to Ethiopia.

Had to drain all fuel, oil, battery acid. They were bike literate so no leaving fuel in the tank. Different airports/airlines will no doubt have slightly different rules.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Aug 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Addis Ababa - Ethiopia
Posts: 81
Hi Dougie,
i am now in cambodia, i have been traveling overland from Ethiopia, i am now thinking of going back home (Addis Ababa) so i was planning to fly to Addis from Bangkok, a shipping agent told me that ethiopian Airlines does not accept used bikes since are considered dangerous goods, i was then wondering if u flew your bike with Ethiopian Airlines ...
thanks
mauro

Quote:
Originally posted by DougieB:
just flown Chad to Ethiopia.

Had to drain all fuel, oil, battery acid. They were bike literate so no leaving fuel in the tank. Different airports/airlines will no doubt have slightly different rules.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Aug 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
yeah, Ethiopian Airways. Very helpful they were too. The bike actually went on the same plane as I did, a 767 or something. Saw the bike being loaded as I was boarding.

You have to fill out (and pay for) a dangerous goods form.

[This message has been edited by DougieB (edited 10 August 2005).]
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

 
 

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. 11-14
  • 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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 19:28.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top