Bike Swap with West Coast Canadian: Crazy Idea?

[petebcca]

Hello! I have been searching bike rental rates in the UK and the Continent and have found them quite, as you say, dear! So, I say, with trepidation, "why not swap bikes with a like minded S10 owner, eh?" I put this out there reluctantly, as the basic rule that all riders know is never ask another rider if you can ride his bike. But this is different as I see it. Western Canada is a desirable place to ride, with access to Western USA, Rockies (Banff and Jasper), and great dirt riding in British Columbia. (I rode to Alaska a few years ago on a BMW 650 for only 10 days. Went 2up to Newfoundland and back last summer: 17,500 kms, but that one took 30 days.) Also, i am impressed by the community feeling here on this forum and there is a lot of trust and support between forum members. I think this can be extended to swapping bikes.... but maybe I am naive.

My current bike is a 2012 S10, of course, well maintained and currently with, 27,000 kms. She is well equipped with protection, OEM panniers, Corbin seat, etc. I plan to put on new K60's this summer and expect that by 2015 mileage will be no more than 35,000 kms with fresh rubber. Am looking for a similar bike to use in UK or Continent in spring 2015 so am giving myself lots of lead time to make contact and get to know a like minded S10 owner. Am thinking of a 3 to 5 week swap on my end, but i would be flexible on this and my swap mate would not be locked into my schedule or my trip duration. There is no issue in Canada or USA with insurance as long as use is with consent of owner. If this of any interest, let me know. We could save a lot of money and respectively have fantastic holidays with great riding.

Cheers, Pete, Vancouver, BC, Canada

 

[greg the pole]

hi Pete,

you may or may not find someone to swap with. The only real problem maybe insurance, but that is it.
If you do find a willing party, go for it. If anyone in europe wanted to swap bikes with me, I'd be down...they can ride the Tenere, I'll ride my fz day to day need be

alternately, you may want to get a hold of this fellow in ireland. He goes out, for a small fee buys, and registers a bike in your name, provides you with insurance, and you're off and running. Only issue is that if you're going for a short time, it's not worthwhile. Anything 3 weeks and more, makes more sense.


http://motofeirme.com/

keep us posted,

Greg

 

[RED CAT]

When I was in Ireland a couple of years ago, insurance companies would not insure my brother in laws bike if I was riding it. So had to rent one at Celtic Cycle. Only way around it. Not sure about the UK.