I realize I am a little behind on this one, but I thought that I would weigh in anyhow. The newest problem that has been created for us that have S&S couplers or those with break aways, is I get asked several times, "are you carrying sports equipment?" The carrier is only liable for $500 (some slightly more or less) for each piece of luggage or package that you carry. If you answer yes, they will want you to pay for extra insurance $10/$100 of insurance. I don't see a way around this one. That is an insane amount of money! If you don't claim it as sports equipment and they loose it or damage it, you're screwed. I'll buy a used bike for my annual trip to Florida and leave it at my parents house.