Hello, I've been reading the forums for the last few weeks and finally joined today. I'm looking at buying my first Harley, and I found one in Florida that I want. Unfortunately I live in Idaho so my only option is to have the bike shipped.Has anyone had experience doing this, and is there any safe way for both the seller and I to complete the financial transaction? I really hate to send $18K to someone I don't know and hope I get my bike.

 

Would you really cough up that much cash for something that's 3,000 miles away, from someone you've never met, and at that, a bike you've never seen if it even exists?

No way for me, even if the shipping co's were great. I don't hear great things about the shipping co's either, but I don't know a lot about that.

Just my $.02...

 

I bought my VRod outside Philly and had it shipped to Atlanta for about $500. It was mounted to a large pallet, straped down tight. Unstraped it, put it on the tailgate, lowered it down and rolled it off. If you are interested, I can look around for the name of the moving company.

 

If you are concerned about the seller, you can use an escrow company to hold the funds until you receive the bike. The service is described on this link, but there are many. If you bought on eBay, I think they have referrals as well.

http://www.cycletrader.com/research/resources/escrow/

As for shipping, there are many companies out there. Look for the ones that specialize, rather than a shipper that will put your bike in with other freight. I would recommend an enclosed crate instead of a pallet. It costs around $100 more, but your bike is more likely to arrive undamaged. Shippers must be insured, but it's still a hassle to collect for damages.

 

Thanks for the info. I really want to buy a local bike, but I can't find what I want anywhere near me. The bike I am looking at is a 2003 Screamin Eagle Deuce with only 16 Miles so I'm not worried about the condition. I will definately look into an escrow service, hopefully the seller is willing to work with me, otherwise I guess I will keep looking.

 

There has to be something close to you

 

Had mine shipped from CA to VA. It was something like $625. The shipping company specialized in motorcycles, and they had it going on. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Well, if my checking account would allow me to....

 

Don't have it shipped through an LTL carrier. They'll put stuff on top of the bike's crate and it will bust through and damage the bike. LTL means Overnite, ABF, OD. If the freight on top doesn't destroy it, the dockmen will with the forklift. Trust me, I worked on the dock for 7 years. I've seen more than one motorcycle ruined.

 

An 03 with only 16 miles on itand buying it sight unseen from e bay something smells a
little fishy to me[]

 

You asking to get burned