Need Advice for Shipping Commando in California

Kim Z. · May 20, 2015

Hi Guys, I just purchased a 1974 850 Commando on EBay. It is in Northern California and I'm in Southern California. I've never done this before. Any advice would be appreciated.

Kim Z.

Snorton74 · May 20, 2015

Although it's far away, I'd go get it. Make it a mission. A little work in getting it will prepare you for ownership. Congrats and enjoy your new bike.

elefantrider · May 21, 2015

Enterprise Rental in So.Cal will rent you an almost brand new Dodge Hemi crew cab pickup for as little as $50 a day. Unlimited mileage.
About 400 hp and just amazing to drive on the interstate. It has a 8 or 9 speed automatic and I got about 22mpg on the 5 freeway.

I did this last year and had a blast. Made it to Sacramento quick! Leave before 6AM you'll be there before noon.

Here's a new $40-50K, 400hp truck for about $50 a day if booked online. Count about two fill ups of about $60-70 each, one each way.

Need Advice for Shipping Commando in California

john robert bould · May 21, 2015

U ship? These people will transport your bike for a song.

dave M · May 21, 2015

I had been trying to get a Sportster engine and frame sent from L.A. To Carmel for nearly two years. I had lots of promises from the classic car guys who transport cars between both places frequently to do it on one of their regular trips for one or two hundred bucks. Trucking companies quoted me much more. In the end I borrowed a pickup truck and drove down myself to get it. It cost me about $120 in fuel. I left at 4 A.M. Got there by just after 9 and was back at the ranch before 4P.M. I didn't much like driving on unlit highways in the rain, but by sun up visibility was much clearer and it was fine from then on.

grandpaul · May 21, 2015

Renting a truck for the weekend is a great solution.

For frames and engines, grayhound bus may be the cheapest. Engines go in a large rubbermaid tub with a chunk of 1/4" plywood in the bottom; drill and zip-tie the lid in place.

Mark F · May 21, 2015

Hire a trailer and go pick it up yourself. Lot easier to load into a trailer than a pickup. Or what about a van if the weathers shitty.

Johnnymac · May 21, 2015

I tried Uship for my last couple of bikes. It was a giant pain in the ass. I had 3 different shippers fail to pick up.

Fastlanes23 shipped my bikes for me and they were very reasonable and did a good job. Give them a call.

605-595-5535

ProblemChild · May 22, 2015

I live in the SF Bay area. Where in northern California are we talking?

Kim Z. · May 22, 2015

Thanks guys, I found a shipper to take care of me at a reasonable price.

dave M · May 23, 2015

Kim what sort of money are they charging and for what distance? This information could be useful for a number of us.

Need Advice for Shipping Commando in California

Similar threads