Bulgaria Bike shipping.... possible new business - loaded bike dimensions and ideas - tips -

[nethen1]

Hello
We are looking into the viability of setting up business shipping bikes to Bulgaria or returning them.
they'd be metal frame crated and insured and delivered to our 24 hour manned lock up near Sophia.

I have great connections out there with an adventure sports company and curriors

Possible M25 and lancashire pick ups.

7 day delivery
One way available / either way
discounts for groups

Extra packages possibly available, definately have guides, mechanics, hotel package deals.
Or just go one way, or come back.


I would like to ask if anyone has any experience of, or prices of company's they've used.
Any recommendations of service / prices you would expect.

Also i need some info on the Sizes of bikes fully loaded up, height doesn't matter but width does, fully kitted out. Please if you have a loaded and ready to go bike, could you list the bike and dimensions.

n owt else you knowledgeable lot could possibly add to the mix... (thumbs)

I wanna make the prices as easy and as fair as possible for me and the possible customer

cheers in advance

[SteveW]

Easy jet fly daily from Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester to Sofia.
Bulgaria is a fantastic country to explore especially with a lighter, rough road capable motorcycle.
You've also got easy access to Romania, Turkey, Greece and the Balkans.
Well known companies ship to Italy, but you've still got a long ride and possibly still a ferry across the Adriatic Sea if you want to experience Bulgaria and its neighbours.
Good luck with the venture, I'll be very interested in the service.
Edit....I've just ridden back from Bulgaria last week, fantastic when you get out there, but the ride there and back through the motorways and autobahns of North West Europe is a grueller.

[Mike54]

I'd be interested in this too, but I would want to see the insurance policy or know who the courier is, and also the insurance arrangements for the warehouse. I could potentially use this service for 6 bikes end of aug return.

[SteveW]

Bulgarians and people of the region generally are very interested in motorcycles. There is massive lack of second hand modern bikes out there. Likewise there are loads of quirky Soviet oddities knocking about all the place that people over here would be interested in. I often think there's a business in there somewhere.....shipping 10 year old CBR600's to sell out there and returning with Urals, MZ's and Jawa's back this way.

[bikenav]

I would certainly like to explore more around the Balkans, was there last year for the ABR Bulgaria Rally, or perhaps this could be an ideal kick off point for a Turkey trip, certainly has promise.
For me value for money important, how about a central pickup/drop point Birminghamish? even at a set time window I live in SW Wales, guides etc unnecessary,
Went there last year so would not be likely to go this or next But Eastern Europe as a trip will be on the cards again one day.
Paul

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[Wapping]

Hello
We are looking into the viability of setting up business shipping bikes to Bulgaria

Great, mate.

Also i need some info on the Sizes of bikes fully loaded up, height doesn't matter but width does, fully kitted out. Please if you have a loaded and ready to go bike, could you list the bike and dimensions.

Take yourself down to your local motorcycle dealerships with a tape measure, a camera, a pencil and paper and a bit of imagination. You'll maybe need the weight, too.

I have great connections out there with an adventure sports company and curriors

Any recommendations of service / prices you would expect.

As you are setting up your own busines, why not spend an hour or so of your time looking at what the competion is offering to ship bikes or other vehicles around Europe. A simple Google search will turn lots of links up. Don't forget to ask your local connections, too.

I wanna make the prices as easy and as fair as possible for me and the possible customer

You'll go bust in a week.

n owt else you knowledgeable lot could possibly add to the mix

See all above. One more thing, when preparing your advertising (how else are you going to get business) don't say 'wanna' and 'n owt else'. It makes you look like a juvenile, not someone to whom a biker will entrust their awsome steed. There again.... you seem to have got some eager takers (and some pictures) already. Feck all advice though.

[herman]

Advertising will be the single most important element and the most expensive I should of thought unless you are happy for it to be a slow build up?

[SteveW]

Hello
We are looking into the viability of setting up business shipping bikes to Bulgaria

Great, mate.

Also i need some info on the Sizes of bikes fully loaded up, height doesn't matter but width does, fully kitted out. Please if you have a loaded and ready to go bike, could you list the bike and dimensions.

Take yourself down to your local motorcycle dealerships with a tape measure, a camera, a pencil and paper and a bit of imagination. You'll maybe need the weight, too.

I have great connections out there with an adventure sports company and curriors

Any recommendations of service / prices you would expect.

As you are setting up your own busines, why not spend an hour or so of your time looking at what the competion is offering to ship bikes or other vehicles around Europe. A simple Google search will turn lots of links up. Don't forget to ask your local connections, too.

I wanna make the prices as easy and as fair as possible for me and the possible customer

You'll go bust in a week.

n owt else you knowledgeable lot could possibly add to the mix

See all above. One more thing, when preparing your advertising (how else are you going to get business) don't say 'wanna' and 'n owt else'. It makes you look like a juvenile, not someone to whom a biker will entrust their awsome steed. There again.... you seem to have got some eager takers (and some pictures) already. Feck all advice though.

I read Nathan's post as succinct and businesslike.
With a chummy finish.
The first bit was here's my plan, what do you lot think?
With a personable friendly ending.
Hardly the finished draught for any future advertising I am sure.
If I had a bike dealership, I'd be very suspicious of a dude with a tape measure weighing up my stock!

[nethen1]

Slow build up Is fine. No rush for business or big bucks.


It won't not be my main business by any stretch. But something I'd like to Have a go at.

All bases will be covered.
My northern speak is fine on a forum question.
I treat this place as me biker pub. Good crack, good info ish..


I obviously can get dimensions of bikes. Just asking (thumbs)

It's just the embryo of an idea, but it's certainly doable n the costings up till now have not kyboshed the idea..

braaaappp

[SteveW]

Ok buddy, just been in the garage with a tape measure (ooooh Matron!)

X challenge with 15ltr Kreiga soft panniers 850mm wide
F800GS with 15ltr Kreiga soft panniers 950mm wide
1200GSA with BMW Ali panniers 1050mm wide
Drz400e Naked as nature intended 350mm but with my Fat Bars 850mm across the bars.