I am planning on a month long trip to west coast USA in May 2015. Flights have been booked, all I need is a bike.



I think buying and storing will be the best option, so I can make subsequent trips.

I'm thinking a Vstrom 1000 or similar would be ideal as we will be 2 up with luggage etc.

A member here (wheatwhacker) used to offer a buyers agent service where he would help find a bike, inspect and then help with the purchases etc as well as store it after the ride all for a reasonable cost.

He has now relocated to Ireland and from all accounts running a very successful service over there.



Is there anyone else that offers this kind of service?



Any info or ideas would be very much appreciated?

Hmmmm, I'll watch any response with interest Mcguyver
I was planning to ship my bike over, but I'm now thinking along your wavelength also.
Buy one & then store it in between trips over a two year period

Wanna go halves Bucket? Reduce the cost even more.

Not a bad idea & I'll think about it

There is one guy who lives north of L.A. in Ventura County (the county between L.A. and Santa Barbara) who works at a Harley dealership, or did several years ago, nicknamed 'RickMcD. ' I am sure there are decent trade-ins at his dealership, or at least if you found one on Craigslist in the L.A. area, he might be able to check it out for you. I do recall several years ago, Rick was planning to travel to Australia, and an Australian had shipped his bike to the US and needed a place to assemble/store it. Rick 'traded' out information about Australia for that traveler to have his bike shipped to a secure place. See if he is still active here.


I live in Yuma, Arizona, and would be happy to help you guys, but the supply of bikes is very limited here. Plus, I am out of the way of convenient international destination cities such as L.A., San Francisco, or San Diego (not sure how 'international' San Diego is, although it is the closest California city to me). The only good thing about Yuma to travelers is I am within close proximity to 2 border crossings into Mexico, and Arizona issues titles to vehicles along with license plates on the spot when you register a bike (which would be more of a benefit if you were intending to travel south of the US border into Mexico and points south since those countries insist your vehicle is in your name, and California can take a couple weeks to get the title from what I understand).


If there is anything I could do for you being far away from a convenient place, let me know, but surely there are other people here who live in California, such as RickMcD who can help you out. Have fun!

I live in Huntington Beach, 40 miles south of LA. If I can help in any way, let me know. I am heading up to Alaska in late May after the Overland Expo in Arizona.

Henry

I have found that buying a bike from a dealer in Oregon can work well. My understanding is that if they store the bike for you they can use their address for the registration which would be in your name. Sure you will pay more for the bike but time and money saved on arrival and you know the bike is stored safely

Montana issues a permanent license plate when you buy a bike here. It is also in the middle of amazing scenery and riding country. Give a shout if I can help out for anyone that considers a extra plane hop from the crowded coastal citys a possibility.

Thankyou all for your replies and offers of help. I will start looking in earnest in the new year.

Heakle when and whe is the overland Expo? I think I would enjoy that.

OVERLAND EXPO WEST

May 15-17, 2015

Mormon Lake Lodge, Flagstaff

Arizona, USA
Overland Expo

Hmmmm thanks mate. Might make it to that.

Hey Henry. You still going to this? The organisers have offered us a free VIP pass as an international travellers, so we will definetly be there. We Have bought a bike in LA and arrive May 9 so we will make our way over fir the following weekend.

Any idea if there is any accomodation close by as we won't have any camping gear this trip.

Just bumping this up.

Have bought a bike and really looking forward to heading over.

Still looking for any ideas on possible storage options for after the trip.

f anyone has any ideas I would like to hear from you.

Anyone got any garage/shed space and want to earn a couple of bucks?

In which state is the bike registered?

Only I looked at this as I was going to buy a bike and leave it there, it wasn't the registration that stopped me but insurance. I have family in NY state but you must have a NY state license, friends in NH, you must be a NH resident. Last time I insured the bike in Maryland as that looked foreigner friendly.

We put our bikes in a storage locker in Las Vegas. Nice dry climate. The facility is behind the Holiday Inn, 1 mile from the BMW dealer and they have a free courtesy bus to the airport.

Do keep in mind that neither insurance nor registration fees need be paid whilst said machine is OFF public roads and in storage on private property.

In California we have something called "NON Operational status" cost $10.
Once bike is returned to road, no penalties are assessed and fee is prorated based on time of expiration of past registration. Be sure to get this status if storing in a state they offer it. (will save some money over long term storage .. . like over a year)

Insurance companies like to have you "continue" your insurance, even when stored, but it is not legally required in ANY state. But .. generally speaking, a year long policy is cheaper than a short term one. Some states have Summer only policies. (not California) But if you're gone for a year or more ... then CANCEL your insurance ... and tell them why.
Should be no problem re-instating policy once you return to USA.

So, ask about non operational status for the state you are registered in. Or ... if storing bike FAR from it's "home" state ... transfer it to state in which it is stored once you return to USA and wish to put it back on the road. All doable. You will need a local address for them to send you your title/registration.

DMV's don't (can't) ask for proof of insurance at time of registering .... in California you have 10 days to obtain insurance. Insurance company will electronically notify DMV once you buy insurance.

When you re-new your insurance policy each year (or when ever), the company emails DMV stating your insurance is valid. If NO insurance is shown, (in California) they will revoke your registration. (Not Good)

Keep reaching out to HUBB communities for storage options. I have NO ROOM ... so no chance I can offer a spot for your bike. Sorry!