OK everyone, I`ve finally got some costings for shipping and insurance.
Really sorry it`s taken so long but I`m keen to get the best rates and best shipping routes. As I`ve said before, California is a nightmare so it`s taken a while to get things sorted. I`m using Baltimore and Long Beach because I`ve used them before, they are nice and simple and perfect for the routes.
Anyway, here`s the estimated shipping costs. Please bear in mind that they may change but I`m assured it wouldn`t be by much.
Trip 1 West/East
Outbound: The bikes will be put in a 20ft container which will be loaded locally to me with facilities for packing etc. We`ll use the old crates from my local BMW dealer to secure the bikes and equipment. The container will be delivered into San Francisco via Houston where the customs clearance will be done. The container will then be trucked to Marin BMW in San Francisco for unloading. Marin may charge $50 a bike but they will be on hand for any problems. I`m over there in July so will confirm this. Approx delivery time will be 14 days.
Inbound: Bikes will be loaded on top a Ro/Ro ferry from Baltimore to Liverpool. Delivery time approx 8 days.
Total Cost:
£1200.00 per bike which includes all customs charges which can be horrendous. This price may fluctuate between now and then but not by much.
Trip 2 East /West
Outbound: Bikes will be loaded onto a Ro/ Ro ferry from Liverpool to Baltimore. Delivery time approx 8 days.
Inbound: Bikes will be loaded onto a Ro/Ro ferry from Long Beach, California to Southampton. Delivery time 3/4 weeks.
Total Cost:
£1300.00 per bike which includes all customs charges which can be horrendous and again, the price may fluctuate.
Bike Insurance
I`ve been talking directly to an insurance company in the US and a one month policy will cost approx $360.00 (US dollars). This can be booked directly with them. I`ve just used them for my upcoming trip to Alaska.
Personal Insurance
You will need an insurance which covers you for dangerous sports. Please check with your provider that it covers motor bikes over 125cc in the US. I have found that my holiday cover supplied with my LLoyds TSB account actually covers all the above (at last, something back from the bank
). However, I can arrange a fully insurance for around £145 which will cover you.
Flights
These are down to you but I`m trying to put together a special rate through an agent friend of mine so I`ll keep you updated. Currently, you can get a round trip in May/June/July for around £400 if you look hard enough but this could change dramatically.
Subject to all these costs being fairly accurate, you should be able to do the whole thing for maximum of £3500 depending how much grub and booze you like
Sounds like a lot of money when you say it but you`ll be seeing and experiencing some unforgettable things
I`ll get all this on a word document to everyone in the fullness of time.