Another Brit, planning on riding the TAT this year.
 

Hi. Been pointed to HUBB from the TAT FB page.

Short version, returning biker (ex Los Angeles MC courier) after 22 years, just took paid redundancy from work and looking to ride the TAT.

Couple of hurdles to overcome. First being getting my UK bike license! CBT completed, theory completed (%%%&ing hazard perceptions videos!) and Module 1 test this Friday, Module 2 TBA.

Then buy a bike. Looking hard at the CB500X as the weapon of choice. Small, light, cheap, and very moddable. Was hoping to buy one in the States, but that seems to have hit a dead end as you have to actually reside in the State you're registering a vehicle in.
So i'll be buying one here and shipping via Air Canada's "Fly your bike" scheme, to Toronto, then ride across the border into the States. Starting in NY, then down the east coast to the beginning of the TAT, via NC, as I have inlaws there to use as a start point.
Follow the TAT, for the most part, across to Moab, then turn left, head down through Vegas, and on to the beginning of the Mojave Trail, where I'll meet a friend from L.A on his Beemer, and ride to the Santa Monica coast with him. Staying with more Inlaws when I get there.

I'll be lurking the board, soaking up the useful information I'm finding here, and asking for advice.

BTW, my user name comes from owning Jeeps (9) for the last 20+ years. Both in the States and here in the UK. Got my first Jeep from insurance payouts after several accidents at the END of my courier career. So also dealing with being a little... nervous about getting back on a bike.

Hi UKJeeper and welcome,
The air Canada fly your bike could not be easier. I used it last year and it works well. The Honda is a good choice, I have met a few people on them all very happy but if you are still interested look into buying there as some states do allow foreigner to register, Arizona is one in certain DMV offices.

Thanks for replying. Another reason to buy here is to give me time to get some byways under my belt, before I ride 5000 miles of byways over there But... buying one there does save money. both in initial purchase and shipping costs, so i'll continue exploring both options.
BTW, you're not related to Mike Manley, head of Jeep corp?! ;-)