Shipping bike from UK to South America

[pclarky]

Hi - 1st Post.... F650GS '06
- I am going to ship my bike from UK to South America in a few months (mid to late May '10), for approx. 6 to 10 months.

I am looking for any current advice as to best/easiest option. I do have time on my side, and the less I spend on shipment, the longer I can stay on the road. I am finding it difficult to get the total cost - ie shipping the bike plus getting it through port/customs. I do plan to use an agent to help as I have no/little Spanish (as yet).

- I have been quoted £600 to ship from Southampton to BA. Then I need to add port and agent fees....anything else? What will the extra fees likely be?
- I have been quoted £1200 to fly the bike from Heathrow to BA. Then add airport and agent fees again....What would these likely be?

I have emailed Dakarmotos twice to get them onboard as my agent, but no reply..? Do they still offer their agent service in BA?
Would be able to enter the continent anywhere that is best. (Hope the Falklands oil issue has not impacted travelers in Argentina??

Was thinking the sea shipment to BA to be best option, but seen many quotes of high port fees... Will this come out more expensive than airfreight including fees?
[At the end of tour need to get the bike back to UK ..hopefully I will be a little wiser then].

- Really appreciate any current advice or contacts. If anyone has similar plans and wants to share shipping costs to South America, please get in touch.
Cheers, Paul.