shipping or selling from CA
 

I am currently traveling through Guatemala on my way to Costa Rica and Panama. My original plans of riding home to Montreal, Canada have changed, and I am now looking at shipping or selling my KLR when my trip ends sometime in June04 in one of those two countries. I have used the links to shipping companies, but very few ship from CA to Canada and I face the real possibility of having to sell the bike. Can anybody give me info on selling a motorcycle, what taxes I may have to pay, the legalities and such in eithor Costa Rica or Panama. I know it has been done, but how difficult is it to do?

I just shipped my H-D Sportster to Miami from San Jose, Costa Rica March 31, 2004. I used Tical shipping near the airport. Norman Nunez was the agent and spoke English. (norman_nunez@tical.com). Very nice man but unfortunately had probably never shipped a bike before and fumbled through it. The upside is that he learned alot from our experience and could probably now do a better job. I understand Rex International in SJ has more experience-contact Jesus Meza,also knows English. Martinair in SJ promised 4 times to airfreight the bike then backed out. Went with Florida West International Airways/Masair. WARNIING: Shippers want $250-$350 for a crate. If at all possible, build your own. We stayed in Alajuela for almost 2 weeks arranging things but it is a nice town where everything is within walking distance(including lumber yards). Only 5 minutes from the airport(closer and safer than SJ). We did not sell because duties are 53% to 82% of the value, making our bike too expensive for most people. I recommend shipping and then enjoying the ride from Miami to home. You could even go to the HU meet in NC. Also, Martinair flies people from SJ to Miami, about $214 USD and can get tickets the day of the flight. Know nothing of Panama.

Martin,
Thanks for all the great info, it will help me save some time and costs. I know your experience was for shipping to the USA, I only hope they can ship to Canada as well. I don´t know about shipping into the USA and then riding home to Canada. I had enough trouble getting into the USA to start my trip, when I and the bike rode by truck to California. It´s a long story, but all to say that things are not as easy as they used to be at US customs post 9-11. Maurice