what would you pay?: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

Subscribe get a full year for only $23.95 Sample Free Test Drive—no strings attached

Jan. 27, 2010 10:16 p.m. alex Dork

What would you pay to have a motorcycle transported 2000 miles (round trip) by a private company with kid-gloves treatment?

I just had a wacky idea to load up my car hauler with some people's bikes and haul them between St. Louis and Daytona Beach for Bike Week. I can comfortably fit four bikes, six if I squeeze. The downside is that the round trip will cost around $600 in fuel, thanks to the thirsty 454 in my hauler (that's 1000 mi @ 10mpg @ $2.75/gal, all rounded pessimistically).

I could sleep in the truck en route, and I may have a place to crash once I'm in Daytona.

Think this is something I could make a buck doing?
Jan. 27, 2010 10:21 p.m. alex Dork

Of course, this probably could have gone in Sprockets... Don't mind me, folks.
Jan. 27, 2010 10:34 p.m. neon4891 SuperDork
1. No idea.
2. Best wishes with making money off of those posers that won't actually ride down.
Jan. 27, 2010 10:36 p.m. Luke SuperDork

I paid $1000 (cheapest quote) to have my car transported 2000 miles across country. Different country, of course, but still.

I reckon you could definitely make a buck hauling bikes. What do you do about insurance, though? Or is it all just covered by the owners' respective policies?
Jan. 27, 2010 10:37 p.m. pinchvalve SuperDork

Are you insured should you crash and total 6 very expensive Harley's?
Jan. 27, 2010 10:38 p.m. CagleRacing New Reader

You'll make whatever the customer is willing to pay. To save some costs, consider renting a tow vehicle that gets better mileage. Do the math, but over 2000 miles better fuel economy will likely pay for itself - plus no extra wear and tear on your hauler.
Jan. 27, 2010 10:42 p.m. alex Dork

pinchvalve wrote:

Are you insured should you crash and total 6 very expensive Harley's?

Shh! My insurance agent will hear you...

Obviously, that's something I'd have to look into. I'd hope the motorcycle policies would cover that, but I dunno. I am related to lawyers - maybe I can get a nice tight waiver written up.
Jan. 27, 2010 10:43 p.m. alex Dork
neon4891 wrote:
1. Best wishes with making money off of those posers that won't actually ride down.
My thoughts exactly.
Jan. 28, 2010 11:50 a.m. alex Dork

According to the only non-riding Harley owner I know, rates around Bike Week are typically around $500 one way for a trip of this distance from a commercial hauler. So, this just got interesting.
Jan. 28, 2010 11:57 a.m. BoxheadTim HalfDork

I would also think that this might be a nice little earner, but obviously depends if you need accommodation at the other end as well. That might get a little expensive during Bike Week...

+1 on the insurance, you really want that cleared up before taking this any further.

Oh, and as you mentioned the words "commercial hauler" already, maybe time check if there are any licensing requirement for this sort of endeavour?
Jan. 28, 2010 2:09 p.m. alex Dork

Yeah, I have a feeling this could get mired in complicated paperwork pretty quickly. Maybe I'll stick to friends of friends and keep it on the DL.
Jan. 28, 2010 3:01 p.m. Strizzo SuperDork

technically i think in order to legally carry stuff across the country for pay, you have to have a CDL and/or a DOT certification. not sure how much real risk there is running afoul of the law though.
Jan. 28, 2010 3:32 p.m. RX Reven' Reader

alex wrote:

I can comfortably fit four bikes, six if I squeeze.

Oh come on...where's your sporting nature...simply explain to this guy that the over packing induced foot peg & handle bar gouges to his bike's custom paint job actually add character.
Jan. 28, 2010 3:34 p.m. alex Dork

True. I could probably fit 8-10 if I just leaned 'em against each other. Think of the tens of dollars I'd save on tie-downs!
Jan. 28, 2010 3:38 p.m. RX Reven' Reader

Now you're thinkn'...and why stop there, just ditch the trailer at the show with a big sign that reads "total poser pick-up site here"

Bhahaha