Response: I'm not in Chicago right now. I'll be back there on May 24th. Basically anytime between May 25th and June 5th is fine. There's no urgency as far as arrival time goes either. (5/6/2008)

Response: That would be fine. I don't have a skid or long pallet or crate base myself, though. (5/27/2008)

Response: ... a long pallet or shipping skid if made up, must be sufficiently large / long enough so as to accommodate the bike as placed & secured with no overhang ... often (2)standard 4-way pallets “strong backed” together as one will work with (4)ratchet tie down straps cross fastened to bike being anchored to pallet stringers ... fuel to be drained down / gas free & battery (if applicable) disconnected ... any additional parts or accessories to be boxed up & also secured to pallet ... local bike dealers will often have used / salvaged crate bases which may be acquired or even they will “palletize” the bike for shipment albeit for a fee which may offset some common carrier accessorial charges as bike would then be coming from (or going to) a business type location ... drop shipping to another dealer is good too as they can “de-crate” the bike & may even give you some credit for the crate base? ... just an idea ... let me know if this might be a doable option & can then bid to suit ... THX (5/27/2008)