Federal claims to have devised a safe, solid method of securing bikes and ATVs onto specially designed pallets. The strap-down system is said to provide better total protection for your pride and joy without encasing it in a dodgy crate-thereby saving you a buck or two in the process as well.
Here's how it works: Call the company or visit them online at www.funtransport.com. Federal will get back to you with shipping costs, insurance and transit-times information; storage is also available. The quote you'll receive will be based on the size of your bike, your originating zip code and your destination zip code. Inventory forms are then drawn up with the shipping request, and customers receive complete documentation.
Once you've scheduled a pickup time, drain your bike of all fluids (gas, oil) and empty your saddlebags and luggage. Federal asks that you get the levels as low as possible (using any type of siphoning device) in order to lighten the bike for shipping. Unlock your forks and make sure the bike's in neutral. Then it's time to load 'er up.
Loading ramps can be a risky way of transferring a bulky cruiser, so Federal uses lift gates that allow the cargo to stay completely still when moving from the ground to the truck. Once your bike is inside, it's loaded onto a specially designed pallet and strapped down solidly to several attachment points. What's more, your precious cargo is stowed in so-called "air ride trailers" that have extra suspension to absorb road vibration.
Federal Companies, along with Allied Worldwide Special Products Division, has developed this innovative and comprehensive uncrated transportation service especially for motorcycles and ATVs, and it's delivered more than 60,000 bikes in the last dozen years to points all over the country with it. Hmm. Might be just the thing next time we go to Alaska. Call (800) 747-4100 x217 or go to www.funtransport.com for more information.
Cobra Calendar
March
Daytona Beach Bike Week
February 27-March 7, 2004
Daytona Beach, FL
Yep, it's that time of the year again, when all things two-wheeled descend on a sleepy little beach town in Florida for 10 days of rolling thunder-in every form. The race schedule's changed a bit for 2004, so log on to www.bikeweek.com for all the updates.
International Motorcycle Show
March 2-6, 2004
Daytona Beach, FL
This traveling roundup of the latest motorcycle products on the market runs in conjunction with Bike Week every year, so be sure to stop by for a quick look in between poker runs. More information and schedules can be had at www.motorcycleshows.com
Arizona Bike Week
March 26-April 4, 2004
Scottsdale, AZ
Daytona's smaller West Coast cousin is guaranteed to please any hard-core rally rat. Bask in the dragraces, bike shows and nonstop parties going down under a warm desert sun. View a week's worth of details at www.azbikeweek.com
Donnie Smith Invitational Bike Show
March 27-28, 2004
St. Paul, MN
A bike bonanza featuring more than 40 classes of custom, high performance and special interest motorcycles. You'll also find door prizes and a huge vendor's row full of major manufacturers, parts and accessories. For details, vendor and display information contact American Thunder Promotions at (952) 226-1180.
April
Wyoming Motorcycle Show & Swap
April 3, 2004
Casper, WY
This regional antique and custom bike show and swap meet is also known as Chrome on the Range because it features vintage show bikes and vendors from across the Rockies and Great Plains. Surf over to www.chromeontherange.com for more details.
Laughlin River Run
April 21-25, 2004
Laughlin, NV
We're always surprised at the desert heat, even in April, but don't let that stop you from taking in one of the West's biggest bike bashes. See www.laughlinriverrun.com for the inside scoop on the many scheduled events, or just call (800) 357-8223.
May
Myrtle Beach Spring Bike Week
May 7-16, 2004
Myrtle Beach, FL
Although this event has invited some controversy in past years, it's still one of the biggest biker events in the country. Visit www.myrtlebeachharley.com or call (843)369-5555 for more info.