Bike Swap Edmonton Canada, Western Europe
 

Hi! ive been looking to ship my bike to europe but the costs keep adding up therefore looking at maybe swapping/buyback/ or purchasing one in Europe for this summer, planning on traveling throughout western possibly central europe. I have a 2003 VT750 Honda Shadow ACE with luggage rack and rear backrest, and large windshield, only 11000 Kms. Im located in Edmonton just 350 kms from Banff and Jasper national parks. Ive ridden this bike throughout mexico and the United states and am looking for a similiar cruiser prefereblly but am not too picky, more worried about reliability any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. thanks
Steve
2000 USD is just too much to ship my bike

Alo Steve I just located the website(great init) and came across your posting, currently have plenty of spare time to surf, busted leg thanks to KTM 450.Anyway the bit you may be interested in,I currently have a Honda Transalp aswell as the above (600 99 model), great bike had it 5years now, had R1 etc at the same time but they come and go but the Alp is still here.I've been round a bit of Europe,Ireland, and Morocco on it myself, its not a cruiser but a great solo travelling bike none the less.It is sort of for sale I'm thinking of getting a BMW Gs or Cagiva Navigator, but I'd consider selling, buying back,hireing,loaning or exchanging depending on the details.
I live in S Wales ideally placed for a trip to Ireland but about 5 hours ride to the ferries for Europe, 3-4 for London(airports).If the above intrests you, or if I can help you in any other way, please feel free to try me.
You may be wondering what my motives are,-I'd like to do a trip myself Canada-Mexico sometime in the next the couple of years,I'd be looking for similar help perhaps?
This year it may be a trip down to the Adriatic and Slovenia. So there you go, if I dont here from you,good luck and Bon Voyage.
Paul.

Paul, Im totaklly interested, like I said before it makes no sense to ship a bike foor over 2000USD worth 5000USD. I was in Europe last year on buses/trains and am looking forward to doing it on a bike. My family is also fro Scotland/ Ireland and Wales. I dont really care what kind of bike it's on however i have a soft spot for Honda's. I was just in Mexico on my shadow 2 months ago on my 2nd trip and loved it, a trip all bikers have to make,also I live onlky 350 km from the best bike ride in Canda,(rockies). Anyway im looking for a swap or to rent, I really dont want to buy get insurance regitrer and sell. Hopefully we can make an agreement if not happy travels.
Steve

Ok couple of things you should know.The bike is a 99 model with 33,000 miles on it,it is definitly NOT mint condition lots of salt corrosion and some minor scratches knocked over whilst parked.Mechanically it is sound new chain+sprockets this week actually,It has a largish topbox fitted and I have all the soft luggage you could want.The only thing is it is my main means of transport currently, well will be when my leg is fixed.I am hopeing for a new(er) bike sometime soon,but I will probably need a bike for my own holiday (end July/Aug).So if you could give me some kind of idea when you would like the bike,if you still do and the mileage you would expect to do, it would be helpfull.
Unfortunatly for me cruisers are not my thing,I had to look at magazines to see what a shadow was.Do you have access to any other types of bikes?For a similar kind of deal.Ideally I would like to do A one way trip.Would it be practical,any ideas,a pre-arranged buy/sell agreement somehow would be great.
Paul


[This message has been edited by bikenav (edited 22 March 2006).]

Unfortunately Im in the preliminary stages of planning a trip, However Im looking at going July 1 to approx 7 Aug, To tell you the truth im unsure of even where im going, I have exhausted all the fun trips In Western Hemisphere with the exception of South America, that Is just to bloody far for my time span. I would prefer some sort of buyback agreement, seeing as I imagine I would be crossing multiple borders and would probably need the bike registered in my name. As for me having access to any other bikes sorry. Also In Canada/US you will find one way rather aggrevating and expensive. However their are many circle trips one could do especially in Western Canada/US which you would probably enjoy more. For Instance you could leave from Edmonton go west to jasper south to banff to Calgary then to Las Vegas then back up the pacific coast through Oregon and Washington up to Vancouver Then through the rockies back, Absolutely spectacular ride, although only one of many circle trips to choose from.
Happy Travels
Steve