What's the cheapest way to ship a bike from the mainland (Washington State, or California) to Hawaii? Everything I've found so far says it's going to cost atleast 1300 dollars, and my KLR's probobly only worth double that ammount. Thanks for your time everyone.

Wade Sandstrom

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wade

Aloha,
Yea, $1300 sounds about right. Welcome to Hawaii, classic example of “the cost of paradise”. Really, it’s quite a scam. There are only 2 shippers for Hawaii/Mainland traffic (Matson, and Land/Sea). They have been pretty good at screwing over the citizens of Hawaii. It’s a real monopoly, boarding on organized crime. Long story short, any merchant operating between US ports, must be a US flag (Harris Shipping act). Of course they own all the dock space in Oahu, and will not let in any competition. It getting so bad now, that it’s almost the same price to ship a car by air as it is to ship one by Matson (last I heard, $850. This is less that a motorcycle, go figure?).

If you do bring the KLR here, you could sell it here for a premium. Unbelievable what people ask for them here. (Common to see a 8 yr old KLR going for $4,000)

This shot my plans for taking my bike to Alaska this summer. (Did buy a V-Strom in Ca and keep it at my Mothers in San Diego).

Just a couple of idea,
Check with a shipper in Vancouver. World wide shipping is cut-rate. I’m sure you will get a better rate.
Some of the dirt biker here will disassemble the bike, and mail it on DHL. They allow up to 150 Pd packages. This take the Tire’s and rim with you on the flight. A technique for the engine is to wrap it up in a garbage bag, and place it on a foam bad in a big TV box. Add tow part foam, trim the excess, and tape up.

Just some ideas,
Keep me posted

Maui Joemama

BTW, there is some great riding here, but unfortunally Maui is pretty limited. Not worth the effort.

Aloha Wade. Check with Honolulu Freight. I just shipped a 650gs for $262.18!!!! from LA to the big island. I have also used yellow freight- $350 If you crate it yourself you save a shitload.(and you can generally get the frames free from moto shops).Good luck.