I'm trying to get a BMW 1100GS to New Zealand around the beginning of January,2002.
I've been quoted USD $2000.00 one way from Motorcycle Express. I also have run into the "unknown shipper" problem. It seems that a lot of cargo is transported on passenger flights. This is the problem, if you can find a cargo only flight I think you avoid the problem.

Jay

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Jay

Hi Jay

Unfortunately, even cargo airlines are getting a bit difficult about flying motorcycles if you've not done business with them before.

A few thoughts:

If you can send the bike in advance by sea, you might be interested in these:

1. A company mentioned by Erin & Chris Ratay for shipping from LA to Dunedin. Cost quoted was US$270 per bike, which sounds a lot better than $2,000. We usually don't recommend sea shipments, but NZ isn't in the same category as Africa.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tri...gelesToDunedin

2. Another possibility is Direct Express, a company in Gardena, California which specialises in car-shipment, per Peter Theuwissen. He shipped his bike to Australia for US$450 in March 2000, but they don't have a website so cannot tell whether they ship to NZ. You'll have to call them directly. Contact details are on the Shipping page:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tri...achToAustralia

3. Finally, we have recently learned of California Shipping, a company "specializing in the export/containerizing of autos, trailerized boats, motorcycles, auto-parts and accompanying cargo to the major ports of Europe, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand". http://www.calship.com/

With sea shipments, you need to allow at least 8-10 weeks for the bike to get to NZ, though.

Depending on how long you plan to stay in NZ, you might consider buying a bike there and selling at the end of your trip, rather than pay for shipment in both directions.

Let us know how you make out.

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Good luck and safe travels!

Susan Johnson
Share the Dream at <A HREF="http://www.HorizonsUnlimited.com


" TARGET=_blank>www.HorizonsUnlimited.com


</A>

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Susan Johnson

Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Hi Susan.

Thanks for the shipping info. I live on my bike and 8-10 weeks en route plus crating and delays is something I'm trying to avoid. The price however is something I really like. Time to explore some more. Oh what to do?

Jay

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Jay

I've given up on trying to fly the bike. The new security rules and fees are just too much. The last quote I received was from Chicago to Aukland USD$3,000.00 one way and the bike still needed to be crated. Also I was told "good luck getting it back into the US"

I also called Calship and they do full containers only. I now have a call in to Marina Shipping and will see what they say.

I'll keep everyone posted on my findings.

Jay

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Jay

I shipped my bike from San Francisco by sea
to Singapore. Transit time was in total about
26 days and cost roughly 650 USD. I used a
company called "NovoExpress" ( http://www.novoexpress.com/ ). My contact there was a guy called Mike.

In order to avoid costs for a crate, try asking a motorbike dealer if they can give you a crate in which they receive new bike, they usually just through them away anyway.

Mark

Motorbikes in NZ are cheap. I have just helped an Israeli couple buy a Kawasaki 650 1996 47,000 kms for NZ $4000 (US about $2000). Should be able to get NZ$3000 for it when they sell.