Transporting a motorbike

[sideymun]

I am just about to purchase a shiny used motorbike but have one small dilemma to sort out before i can make the deal.

Dilemma is as follows, the bike currently resides in fife whereas i now reside in the west midlands. So does anyone have any suggestions on the best way of getting the bike to me.?

I have the following possible solutions:
1) ride the bike down myself (not keen on this as this is my first bike and its a long first ride)
2) find a friend to ride it down for me (equally unfavourable becasue of insurance etc)
3) pay a motorcycle transport company to collect and deliver it (costly but seems the best so far)

Has anyone else out there in AB land had a expereince of these transport companies and have any recommendations/things to avoid etc.

Also any other possible suggestions are most welcome.

Cheers

[Oneeyedvic]

some options:

1) Ask the seller to deliver (for a cost)

2) If you have a car with a towbar, you can rent a specific motorbike trailer. Your local trailer company (look in yellow pages / thomsons) should be able to help.

3) Hire a van / transit. Must make sure that you take a scaffold board with you (to drive it on) and also that you have plenty of webbing / rope to tie it on with.

I have done all 3 of the baove with no problems.

Personally, I would ride it down, but understand your nervousness.

Welcome to the world of bikes.......

good luck and take care - and never forget to make your 'lifesaver' check

[Loosehead]

I suggest getting the owner to deliver it for costs, ie petrol + fair home. If he wants the sale he'll do it. Also he'll be very careful as he wont want to prang it on the way as you probably wouldn't then buy it!

Otherwise Go up yourself and practise riding locally to get your confidence up and then ride it yourself!

What's the bike? I ride an R1 myself, welcome to the wonderful world of biking. 

[sideymun]

Cheers for all the replies guys, i might reconsider riding down myself since it seems the most enjoyable options. I might try and rope some mates into it too :)

The bike im getting is a Suzuki SV 650S which im told is a good first bike. With all this gorgeosu weather i can't wait to get it :)

[Zen]

http://www.renaissancemotorcycletransportation.co.uk/

[kelsueuk]

i purchased a honda zoomer from england and had it shiooed to northern ireland. they did a very good job and was worh every penny. if you like i can get the details for you.