I have to option of moving to Hawaii for work and wondering if anyone has any idea how much it would cost to ship my vfr to Honolulu.
No idea... many years ago, I shipped a car from NJ to WA, cross-country, and it cost $500.00. I'm guessing because you will go across land AND water, it will be quite a bit more. Plus, you will want to go with a reputable motorcycle shipping company who will crate it properly and take responsibility for any damages. There may even be special inspection requirements once you get to Hawaii that could cost more... Best bet is research the motorcycle shipping companies, call them and talk to them. Call each one multiple times if you have to, as you find out different info. from different ones as you go.
Yeah I've been looking online and found $525 from San diego to honolulu. If I do move to honolulu looks like it will start with a 2000 mile roadtrip. :thumbsup:
i hope you know what your getting in to. my brother lived on the big island for about 6 months, and had to move back here, he went broke. unless you already have a job lined up, you better be willing to work fast food. keep in mind that EVERYTHING is at least twice the cost as it is on the mainland (except for pepsi for some reason, which is really cheap). and its like you not in the US anymore. its a completely different culture, and not always in a good way.
If your gonna go and don't mind getting caught in a freak 1 hour rain storm then you will have a year round riding season. That being said know matter what the cost providing it's reasonable will be money well spent. If you have any specific ?'s about Hawaii and living there PM me. Wife was born there, have family there and have spent more time then I would like there.
Give me call I work in San Diego, but a Franchisor for Shipping/ Freight Companies. Call me or Pm me details and I can hook you up with one of our locations. (The freighting franchise is not a small box UPS, its a large shipment (Crating). Your bike would be on a crate. my cell is 858-692-1314 Jose
Hey thanks for the replys. Nothing's set in stone yet but here's the story. I'm an airline pilot and my airlines opened a base in Honolulu...I might have a chance to swap bases with somebody already there. My buddy chris lives there and has offered me a furnished room to rent for $500 a month. I figured I could sell my car and truck and just ship the VFR out there and that would be cheaper than buy an vehicle when I arrive(if I arrive). Then I would just ride the bike everywhere. :biggrin:
Sound great......... I would go in a flash, $500 rent. Count me in :biggrin::wink: Good luck with your plan, I am sure if other can live there so can you:thumbsup:
IMO I'd rather have a scooter if I was gonna be in Honolulu. The speed limits are ridiculous in most places, there's no helmet law so once you start riding with no helmet which you most likely would at least you would be going slower and closer to the ground. If I was there, I'd have a Honda Ruckus or Yamaha Zumo (or whatever their little trail scooter is) I just don't think the VFR would be happy if you can't open her up every once in a while. that's true. If you are moving from Cali, the prices are not too much difference, but the culture is definitely different. I have a friend who just moved back. He hated it. He said the locals hated him because he was not from there. He is an RN also and he said it was not uncommon to have patients who were beaten in a local pub for being from out of town. I think I would like it for a little while, but I fit in pretty easy plus I don't mind eating SPAM. :biggrin: for real... guess those islanders are snobs...
heh, heh... mmmm spam...... being formerly in the military Ii can tell you that not being able to choose who ships your car/motorcycle is really nerve racking..they are usually fully covered but damage does happen. a few things to make sure you do before you ship: 1) get the best insurance you can before you ship 2) make sure you have every piece of paper that says you own the bike 3) have a quarter tank of gas, and that your bike DOES NOT leak any fluid of any kind. 4) take FILM pictures of your bike from every angle, and lighting conditon that shows the quality of your machine... I say film because if you have to make a claim. the claim that its a "digital picture and digital pictures can be manipulated" is thrown right out the window. 5) get pirate insurance Just kidding there is a whole bunch of other things as well to do but thats the basic BTW the bike Should be crated, but if not they do tie downs in a cargo container...if they offer no crate only...find someone else.... Good luck CR good luck
Having been to Hawaii over 30 times, I feel I can offer a small amount of insight. 1) The "Hey I'm Living On A Tropical Island" euphoria WILL wear off in about 6 months. 2) It is as expensive as you've heard, possibly even more expensive than you've heard. 3) It's an island. You will eventually get island fever. 4) Inter-Island flights are relatively cheap (like $50) so seeing the other islands is very easy. 5) The rumors the locals don't like the main-landers is partially true. In Wakiki & the other tourist cities, they love you & more importantly, your money. Off the beaten tourist path, the locals don't like outsiders. 6) It is the USofA so anything you are used to will probably be available there in HI as well. 7) It's a minimum 5 hour flight to get to the mainland. There are multiple flights from multiple airlines at all hours of the day. 8) The riding isn't so good. 9) There is lots to do, how much money you got to do it? 10) Traffic around Honolulu is infuriating. Give a shout if you have any specific questions. I just got from my latest trip to Hickam AFB last night. KC-10 FE out... lane: :usa2:
Hey KC thanks for the advice:biggrin: As far as the euphoria wearing off I can transfer back to the mainland and I know it's expensive out there but I essentially have 0 debt and being broke as hell has never stopped me from having a good time.:drinkers: Getting island fever or seeing the other islands wouldn't be a problem because I fly where ever I want for free. The islanders not liking me. Big deal nobody really likes me(they say I'm an asshole):bootyshake:. and I'm really not bringing my bike for the riding...I figure paying $1000 or so to ship my bike would be cheaper then buying a vehicle when I get there. Besides I love my Bike:hail: and just don't want to sell it.out: Thanks all for your input and I'll let y'all know if my transfer goes thru:cheersaf:
