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Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 7 Sep 2014
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Getting bikes accross the USA
Mrs Fox has injured herself in and we are Stuck in Red Lodge montana. We want to be in California by Friday. Doctor tells us no Bike for between 2 to 4 weeks for her, depending on how she feels. We would rather no push the window as she is unable to bear her own weight at the moment and she is not the strongest of people due to her carrying DMD.

Now we have looked into a Uhaul, as this could be the cheapest option but being as I only have a Motorcycle license she would have to drive it, If it's automatic then that is do able.

Are there any alternatives options here for us however budget is limited??
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  #2  
Old 7 Sep 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fantastic Mister Fox View Post
Now we have looked into a Uhaul, as this could be the cheapest option but being as I only have a Motorcycle license she would have to drive it, If it's automatic then that is do able.

Are there any alternatives options here for us however budget is limited??
Uhaul are automatic, you can always have your lady rent it and you can drive it. Even if you get pulled over I don't think the police will care for your class of license as long as you have one.

Where in CA are you going?
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  #3  
Old 7 Sep 2014
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Sorry I don't normally flame other posters but please don't suggest to someone who doesn't have a driving license to drive a vehicle

Not only is it illegal and likely to get you thrown into jail, but think about all the other road users. There are enough idiot drivers in the US (ridden across it twice) without you adding to it

What happens if you have an accident or injure or even kill someone THINK!!!!
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  #4  
Old 7 Sep 2014
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Originally Posted by lmhobbs View Post
Sorry I don't normally flame other posters but please don't suggest to someone who doesn't have a driving license to drive a vehicle

Not only is it illegal and likely to get you thrown into jail, but think about all the other road users. There are enough idiot drivers in the US (ridden across it twice) without you adding to it

What happens if you have an accident or injure or even kill someone THINK!!!!
Let not get into semantics of how safe someone is a driver just because DMV decided to issue a piece of plastic to them. I know of plenty people who rented a uhaul while in possession of a Class C license (proper class to rent a haul) and had no clue how to operate the vehicle. It is a personal JUDGEMENT call oh whether or not one is comfortable operating such vehicle on the freeways of the US.

Now when you state that it is illegal and someone could go to jail feel free to read:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d06/vc12502.htm

Quote:
Originally Posted by CA DMV
12502. (a) The following persons may operate a motor vehicle in this state without obtaining a driver’s license under this code:

(1) A nonresident over the age of 18 years having in his or her immediate possession a valid driver’s license issued by a foreign jurisdiction of which he or she is a resident
The original poster state he has a motorcycle license which is a VALID drivers license. (Feel free to read into how class endorsements work in the USA)

Fantastic Mister Fox if you are out of options feel free to call me, I have no problem flying into Billing and riding the bike to CA with you while you 2 up.
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  #5  
Old 9 Sep 2014
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Originally Posted by moto_dmitriy View Post
I know of plenty people who rented a uhaul while in possession of a Class C license (proper class to rent a haul) and had no clue how to operate the vehicle. It is a personal JUDGEMENT call oh whether or not one is comfortable operating such vehicle on the freeways of the US.
I think that the issue is driving the truck with a MOTORCYCLE-ONLY license.
Unless things have changed since I lived in the USA, if you only have a motorcycle license, you can only drive a motorcycle.
A more pressing issue than the police, though, is that driving without the proper class of license will most likely invalidate insurance.
Accidents happen regardless of how competent a driver one may be, and without valid insurance in the USA, an accident can easily bankrupt you.
Since opinions here seem to vary, maybe the best option is to check with U-Haul and see if their insurance will cover a driver who only has a motorcycle license.
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Last edited by Chris of Japan; 9 Sep 2014 at 12:22.
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  #6  
Old 9 Sep 2014
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A household goods moving company (what in the UK is called a 'remover', but in the USA is called a 'moving company') might be able to take your motorcycles to where you want them moved.

Because two motorcycles would be a 'LTL' (less than truckload) consignment, it might take 7 to 14 days for the shipment to arrive, this because the moving companies consolidate shipments together until they have a full truckload.

Another possibility is a trucking company (what in the USA is called a 'Common Carrier') that operates between the two cities involved. By their nature, common carriers will accept LTL shipments from anyone. They typically have more frequent service (i.e. daily) than moving companies.

In either of the above cases, you could not accompany the truck, but there is pretty good bus service (Greyhound, etc.) in the USA.

Michael
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  #7  
Old 11 Sep 2014
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You might contact some small independent movers via Craigslist and see if they would take you and bikes to CA.

If you're not licensed and authorized to drive a rental vehicle and have an accident with damage to vehicles or persons, you'd be seriously screwed. Up to you to risk that but I wouldn't, but I'm not you.
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  #8  
Old 12 Sep 2014
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there are specialist MC movers who will give estimates first. See any listing on ebay. Probably under $500 usd
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  #9  
Old 14 Sep 2014
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Advertise on Craigslist to see if someone (independent shipper)is going your way to share a ride. Maybe, someone licensed is going your way but has no vehicle and is looking to share a ride with someone--that someone can be you! They drive, and your motorcycles get shipped.

Seeing as this post was 6 days ago , I hope you already sorted this out!
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  #10  
Old 14 Sep 2014
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I've had luck with MC shippers. Reasonably priced and dependable.

Google will point you in the right direction.

The poster who estimated $500 is close; I shipped my BMW from coast to coast for $450.

Good luck.
Last edited by Danny Diego; 16 Sep 2014 at 03:49.
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