thanks for your replies guys, keep them coming!

I contacted several brokers today and got my first quote from Fast Freight Forwarding:

1) $2800 + airport fees by air
2) $1800 + seaport fees by sea via Rotterdam

Kinda pricey if you ask me. I'll contact air carriers directly tomorrow

Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo: Schedule & Routings, offers airfreight service Toronto-Moscow (via Frankfurt or Dusseldorf). Lufthansa Cargo is known for "expertise"/ experience in airfreighting bikes.

Not all carriers allow customers to book directly; some require booking
through brokers, depending on local gateway rules & market conditions.

Above broker dollar quote is not out of line at all; although it's understandably
"pricey" if you haven't done a lot of overseas shipping.

As important as pricing that fits your budget, you MUST learn in advance Russian Customs rules, procedures, + costs for vehicle entry/ clearance into the country via air or seaport (vs. crossing land borders). There's very little experience reported here--on HUBB--of non-RU vehicle owners air or seafreighting vehicles into Russia; and RU has a general reputation for arcane/ byzantine procedures. You could be horribly surprised--or not--on arrival.

If you do this scenario, get as much info as possible in advance about the
"official" RU rules, and the actual practice on the ground for importing non-RU vehicles thru sea or airport. For example, do not rely on local Toronto broker info; get in contact--by tel, in addition to email--with local Moscow office of
whichever carrier or agent you might use.

Assuming you intend to ride this bike yourself in Russia, your personal visa
status and timing must also "fit" with whatever RU Customs vehicle import permits allow/ require.

good luck

This is excellent advice and could prevent some real problems.