U-Haul and Trailering a New Bike

[Perazzimx14]

I take issue with the term fear mongering since I've directly seen and dealt with corrosion.

That said, it's a debatable matter of amount of exposure or wish this one trip might mean and I agree there's no certain death lol. But equally I see no one screaming the sky is falling either.

I just see a discussion of the potential for problems.

Potential problems are all around. There is potential that moisture will get inside the electrical connector and corrode the them. There is potential the OP will slide the bike down the tarmac causing lots of damage. There is potential the OP will operate the bike for 200,000 miles with no issue. The potential for anything is omnipresent. Life is to short to worry about a 600 mile trip in an encloses or open trailer.   

[jas67]

Potential problems are all around. There is potential that moisture will get inside the electrical connector and corrode the them. There is potential the OP will slide the bike down the tarmac causing lots of damage. There is potential the OP will operate the bike for 200,000 miles with no issue. The potential for anything is omnipresent. Life is to short to worry about a 600 mile trip in an encloses or open trailer.

OK, so, we've established that some people are willing to risk they're bikes to the corrosive cocktail, and some aren't.

Sure, you can wash it off visible surfaces, and it won't look any worse for the wear of one 600 mile trip, it will get into places you can't get it out of.   

After reading the comment about just paying for bike transport, I don't know why I didn't think of it, because, in recent years, I've done just that for any that are over a few hundred miles away.

PM me for contact info of the guy that I've used several times.   He is reliable and trustworthy.

You should be able to get it transported for $300-$400 if you can time it with some other deliveries he is making along the same routes.

[swordds]

Does he transport in a covered or open trailer or pickup truck or minivan?

[Perazzimx14]

Does he transport in a covered or open trailer or pickup truck or minivan?

Now you've done it.

[TodkaVonic]

Two questions.

My gut feeling is that I should rent a covered trailer, just to protect the bike's finish, but what do I have to do to secure the bike in the trailer?

Second question. Am I over-reacting and just as well off renting one of U-Haul's motorcycle trailers?

1) nylon tie down straps front and rear to the d-rings at the four corners inside the trailer.
2) yes you are but that's ok. A motorcycle trailer is fine too.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

 
After reading the comment about just paying for bike transport, I don't know why I didn't think of it, because, in recent years, I've done just that for any that are over a few hundred miles away.

PM me for contact info of the guy that I've used several times.   He is reliable and trustworthy.

You should be able to get it transported for $300-$400 if you can time it with some other deliveries he is making along the same routes.

I had several bikes hauled last year, an Eldo from IL cost me $260, an Ambo basketcase from coastal NC for $220 and the Morini from NYC to here for $200. At those prices, it just didn't make any sense to even think about going to get them myself.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Yeah, FGO had the Strada shipped from Indiana to SoCal for less than $500, IIRC. I couldn't hitchhike to SoCal and back for that kind of money. 

[Dilliw]

All true enough.  Bike Haul is still promoting their $450 anywhere to anywhere.  As long as you don't have unbolted accessories that's a deal:

http://haulbikes.com/equipment/

[Wayne Orwig]

Some of them have a hidden fuel surcharge that can add up.

[John Ulrich]

I passed two Bikehaul trucks last week.  One gave me the thumbs up as I passed him with my bike in tow.

[canuguzzi]

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=80249.60

Scroll down.

The end.

[George_S]

I've had a few bikes shipped with shipping companies and I always insisted on enclosed trailers. That is only because many times they take a very circuitous route, picking up and dropping off along the way, and a two day direct trip can easily take 10 days to arrive.

That said, I also built my own 4' x 8' completely open trailer and have traveled the entire eastern seaboard when I was selling or buying. Every bike didn't suffer at all from being in the open. Don't forget, the floor of the trailer will keep most road salt and spray from reaching the bike. All you'll have is wind stream and maybe rain. In my half dozen trips, I never was rained on. And if you're worrying about dirt or wind on the bike during the 600 mile trip, isn't the bike going to be out in the open air when you ride it?

Like previously said, an open trailer will allow you to always see the bike and the tie downs in your rear and side view mirrors the entire trip. If you see the bike is suddenly any way off center, or starts to lean over or rocks side to side, then you still have time to pull over and adjust the straps.

Just yesterday I trailered an old classic bike that I bought only 70 miles from home. I used two front and two rear ratcheting tie down straps. It was easy at the rear sides due to a nice solid grab rail. I was watching in the rear view mirror and the bike never moved a bit but when I arrived home one of the rear straps was completely gone! So sh*t DOES happen no matter how careful or experienced you are.

Sorry, but IMO, shrink wrap and painters tape are indicative of serious psych issues......

[Perazzimx14]

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=80249.60

Scroll down.

The end.

That poor sap just ruined that bike towing it on an open trailer. That wiring harness has impregnated with salt and will soon fall to pieces.

[canuguzzi]

Here is what we've established, this thread is longer than the round trip to go get the bike and that sometimes the committee is best left sleeping.

 :Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu

[George_S]

Here is what we've established, this thread is longer than the round trip to go get the bike and that sometimes the committee is best left sleeping.

 :Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu

Ask your therapist why this bothers you....