MOPED ARMY

Why the shocks? Are they assuming they are gas shocks, because standard moped shocks have no gas, and I would assume you could also "purge" the front forks of their fork oil.

Will you be able to legal ride that in Costa Rica? Do they require registration?

Why fly it at all? if you know where you are going ship it before you leave and you will be there to recieve it. Probably expensive/slow but way easier.

I also agree that it isn’t worth the trouble and you should just get a 2 wheeler there

There are some cool bikes in central America that we never got here. Why not just buy one there?

I’m not sure about Costa Rica but a friend of mine moved back to a state in Columbia that doesn’t allow two-stroke powered vehicles for street use anymore so the small cc bikes he had there he cannot register them or use them legally.

The government regulations are getting tighter on all these smaller vintage vehicles. They don’t seem to care as much about the Chinese disposable scooters though.

Probably some airlines are more lenient than others.

My experience is that the cheaper airlines are stricter; but that - of course - is extremely variable. Another thing, if I were you, I'd pack it more like a bicycle, I'd make a crate for it, completely enclosed, with a wooden frame inside a cardboard casing. Leaving nothing visible.

You should ask the loading/baggage handlers of potential airlines specifically - don't go through the normal customer service. I'm guessing the best way to get them on the telephone is to call the 'lost baggage' department, who are branched off from the baggage handlers. Ask them questions about how they handle this, and if they scrutinize a sealed cardboard box carefully.

Also, with TSA - they'll open anything. So, if your box gets targeted by them, it's going to be opened and inspected. Luck of the draw. Customs are possibly going to inspect anything international, when you arrive with your 'box' of moped. They have the ability to charge you a duty on whatever you're bringing into the country as well.

If you take the frame only with the fuel tank and carburettor removed, the engine is still going to have a fuel smell to it; you'll be obligated to remove the engine and completely wash it clean, then put it back, anyway. I don't see how your rear dampers are going to be an issue, but if as you are saying, they are an issue - replacements can easily be ordered online.

Just some thoughts. I investigated putting a moped on a train and on a bus, and they have pretty similar restrictions. It seemed like it's possible they could overlook it, that I could 'sneak' a moped into the cargo hold or passenger compartment of a bus or train, but I didn't try it. People do it with bicycles all the time - there's no issue with that, but the issue with the fuel associated with a moped brings it into another category.

Hope this brings a little more perspective into the discussion. Call every airline that flies into Costa Rica and connect with the 'Lost Baggage' department, first of all. They're going to be your best contact, in my opinion.

Good luck with it.

בס'ד

Ride it to costa Rica? Would be a pretty epic trip

Right. Buy one there that’s not available I’m the US and ship it here

Why cant you ship the motor and tank via fed ex or ups?

Could someone like DOS cycles ship the bike for you? I know they are getting some sort of decent rates since they ship bikes so often.

Crazy idea but in gonna throw it out there. Can you ship the bike close to the border in another country?

On a catty on? From where to where ANF what airline p!ease.Thanks