Want to swap bike in USA for Europe summer 2013

[olegeezer]

I iive in Beckley, West Virginia USA. I am seeking a bike swap to tour Europe. If you (or someone you know) would be interested in touring the US on one of my bikes in exchange for my use of a bike in Europe, please let me know. I have done this once before in Europe and once in New Zealand.
I have an ST1300 (2003 model) and a 2008 Kawasaki Versys. Both bikes are well maintained and have all the luggage one needs for long range touring. Any swap would be well planned and agreeable with both parties and properly insured. Most any bike that's capable of touring long distance would be acceptable for me.
Thanks for any help or referrals you can provide in my search for another Euro tour.

[THEHAPPYWANDERER]

I was thinking exactly what you are asking I live in Manchester UK and have a BMW f650 its an old one but is in perfect order and I would set off for Singapore tomorrow on it if I could. When in 2013 are you looking to tour europe? I find the cost of shipping or hiring bikes so prohibitive and would gladly lend an intercontinental traveller my bike for a month or two so they can enjoy the sights of europe, it doesn't have to be a recipricol agreement but I am making a serious offer I will have a bike available for loan during the summer of 2013 PM me for arrangements, dont get me wrong I am planning on touring stateside in winter 2013/14 and would relish the opportunity to borrow a bike from a fellow hubber.
Keep Upright Bill

[olegeezer]

Bill is that f650 a thumper (single cylinder)? Sounds pretty good to me.
I have a friend near Manchester I would like to visit. I tried to send you a PM but have not posted enough messages to date to allow it.
Can you PM me or otherwise let me know the details of your f650? Do you have luggage on it. I normally camp when traveling abroad and would have the bike loaded fully I would assume.
Thanks for getting back.
Ride safe
Joe

[olegeezer]

Bill, I last toured Europe for 5 weeks in June and July. My dates are flexible. Very flexible, as I am retired and have no other bosses.

[ta-rider]

Hi,

I like the idea of swaping a bike as well scince im planing to travel around the united states anyway but somehow im affraid of geting swiss speed tickets wich are quickly more expensive then my transalp and very easy to get. They have to be payed by the bike owner not by the driver and can still come one year later.

Anyway how does bike swap work? With money deposit in case of accedents etc or selling and baying the bike back later on or do you guys just give your registered bikes to a stranger from the internet without any worrys???

I would be willing to help HUBBers in germany to bay any used bike they want, register it for them and sell it once they went home but here also: What about the speed tickets???

Greetings, Tobi

[olegeezer]

Originally Posted by ta-rider

Hi,




Anyway how does bike swap work? With money deposit in case of accedents etc or selling and baying the bike back later on or do you guys just give your registered bikes to a stranger from the internet without any worrys???

I would be willing to help HUBBers in germany to bay any used bike they want, register it for them and sell it once they went home but here also: What about the speed tickets???

Greetings, Tobi

Speeding tickets?? Any "Olegeezer" does not travel fast enough to evah get a ticket
I always work out insurance details ahead of time. And have not had a claim yet but thats what insurance is for. Strangers?, given enough time in advance you can get to know someone pretty well before the actual swap. My swaps are not quick events and it usually takes months to get it all done. But it does require some trust from each party. Thats why I start early.
Buying and reselling requires a lot of paperwork. My swaps have been clean and paperless except for the insurance.
Ride safe,
OG

[MyOwnWay]

Have you or somebody else done any swap in the UK? How does it work? Do you just get insurance for any bike and travel only with insurance policy in your hands? In some countries, when dealing with police checks, they want to see some vehicle paperwork, like the log book or V5 in the UK. Is it ok for someone to show the motorcycle paperwork on somebody else's name (registered keeper)? Also It's not clear to me whether or not you can have two policies for the same bike, I mean I, as the owner, would keep my insurance and you, the borrower, get a new policy for you to ride my bike, so you cancel it when you finish you trip and I still keep mine. OR...is it better/worse to see if my insurer would be able to add a name to my policy? Which I suppose would change the price I pay and maybe cancel my previous policy and start a fresh one with both names (and lose my bonus for the current year). Anyone with previous experience and clarification on this???? Thanks.

[olegeezer]

When I swapped in Euroope, summer 2010, my swap mate just added me to his policy. He lived in the Netherlands. His bike still had US tags on it. I sent his insurance company money to cover the extra charge for adding myself to the policy as I recall. I did not get an international drivers license but I understand they are easy to get for around $25US?
It's very easy in the US. When a Kiwi guy came here (US) last summer to use my bike, I simply added collision insurance to my policy and he was covered.
I put new tires on it and he was ready to go. I provided pick up service from the airport and B&B services until he got underway. What rental company will do that for ya???

[John933]

What is the name of the air port that is near you? And how far away is it?
John933

[Westbarn1]

I'd be quite happy to do a bike swap, makes good economic sense, have done several house swaps, so I don't see as any different, with both there is an element of trust involved.

[olegeezer]

Originally Posted by John933

What is the name of the air port that is near you? And how far away is it?
John933

My closest airport is in my home town of Beckley, WV. Code BKW. 5 miles from house.
The next closest one is Charleston, WV code CRW.
I have used the largest/closest one in Charlotte, NC code CLT

[olegeezer]

So, are you interested in coming to the US? and, if so, what kind of bike would you be willing to swap?? Anytime I swap a bike, I would also be willing to let someone use my house as a starting and ending point.

Originally Posted by Westbarn1

I'd be quite happy to do a bike swap, makes good economic sense, have done several house swaps, so I don't see as any different, with both there is an element of trust involved.

[Jsbraga]

My bike is currently in Utah, but could be anywhere, since we travel from place to place and leave the bike where we wind up. Our interest is to swap anywhere in the world for a similar bike. Whoever wants to ride in North America should contact me.

[Dr. Benny]

Hey guys,

I've seen the topic of bike borrowing pop up on HU and ADVrider several times. I think it's a great idea but very challenging to accomplish on the forums. I'm looking into building a site dedicated to bike borrowing - would you be interested?

I put together a simple landing page to judge interest. If you think it might be something you're interested in, please submit your email address. If not, that's fine too.

RiderMix - Borrow A Bike Anywhere In The World

Obviously there are more than a few logistics issues to be solved. Questions? Comments? Send me a note (I don't want to hijack this thread).

Thanks!

-Ben