Shipping my S10 to the U.K. from the US

[DarkLeftArm]

Good morning. My name is Bert, and I live in Arizona.

I have been starting to plan a trip to the United Kingdom next spring, to go to the Isle Of Man for the Tourist Trophy races. I also have a friend who lives up on Shetland island who has invited me to come to their big motorcycle rally called Simmer Dim. I looked into renting a bike for a month, and holy catfish, that was enough to make me start looking at shipping my own bike over there. I have been real surprised how inexpensive it is to ship from L. A.
The shippers I have contacted talk like there are possibly fees and taxes I'll have to pay. I attempted to contact the British consulate, but had no luck with that, yet.

Just figured I'd float this here.
I know this forum has a lot of experience with a LOT of different topics.
Thanks
Bert

 

[MoFarkle]

Hi Bert,

James Cargo are one of the best in the UK and very helpful. http://www.jamescargo.com/motorcycle_transportation/

Not used them myself but lots of good reviews and gave me lots of advise when I was considering shipping to NY for a trip.

 

[DarkLeftArm]

Thank you.
I have made an inquiry and am waiting for a response!
Very nice website.

 

[thfraser]

You might want to see if you can get ahold of "Old Git Ray". He is from the other side of the pond touring the states right now on an S10. I'm assuming that he will eventually go back across the pond, he may also have some suggestions.

 

[Rasher]

James Cargo are well known and respected in this area so a good place to start, not had any dealings myself, but have read trip reports online and in magazines from people who have used them.

If it looks too expensive you could consider buying a bike and then selling it after your trip, I expect you would need a UK address (maybe you could use your mates) but this may work out cheaper, a good S10 can be had for under £8k, selling 3 months later for a quick sale is unlikely to lose you more than £1k.

 

[Doug C]

The TT and rental bikes may be a problem as well.

 

[nondairycreamer]

It's been a long time since I flew into the UK with my bike but I do not recall any taxes or fees. Also, no one checked me for the insurance green card until I crossed from Greece back into Italy. I suggest you look into air freight with whichever carrier you fly with. And others, shop around. It will simplify your travel. There were a few airlines that once offered deals to fly with a bike and the loading and unloading was super easy. Disconnect the battery, drain most of the gas and roll onto an aluminum flat. Then go grab a seat.