I first sent an email to Westco only to find out that they don't have any dealers in Canada, and they don't ship north of the 49th parallel. Wake up Westco...there is a very lucrative market of powersports toys in Canada...especially snow mobiles
I then discovered from the Westco site that they have a dealer in the Buffalo area. I figured it would be worth the drive and the duties / taxes when I crossed back into Canada... When I called the dealer to get driving directions they advised me that their "going out of business" sale was the very next day
Although I had my heart set on the Westco I was gradually coming to the realization that I may not be able to get one unless I take a longer trip south. So, I decided to check other AGM options available to me in Canada:
- Yuasa YTX20L-BS @ 270 cca @ $120.00 (CDN)
- Yuasa YTX20HL-BS @ 310 cca @ dealer wouldn't even special order it in for me
- WestCo 12V22 @ 350 cca @ $102.00 (CDN - after the exchange)
Running out of options now...think...think! Who do you turn to when you need help? Your family and / or friends, that's who! So I called a good friend of mine who lives in the US and who was willing to receive the battery and turn it around for me. Here are the details:
- April 12 - ordered battery from Westco website
- April 14 - battery shipped from Westco warehouse via FedX
- April 15 - battery delivered to friend's house (Westco POD showed a signature of "P. Orch"...really!)
- April 24 - friend forwarded the battery via USPS. Note: USPS referenced "Pub 52" and included a copy affixed to the box. This document states that sealed batteries can be shipped / mailed while those that can spill cannot be shipped in this fashion. Bullet #348.22 (3) states: "A nonspillable wet battery containing liquid electrolyte is permitted to be mailed only if the battery casing is completely sealed to prevent the liquid corrosive from spilling..."
- April 28 - received the battery and installed it in the bike. Man, does it crank
Updated June 21
Out-of-Pocket (USD / CAD):
- Battery & delivery to US destination = $75.00 / $102.00
- Freight forwarding = $54.00 / $74.00
- Customs = $20.00 (CAD)
- Duties = $0.00
- Taxes = $0.00
- Service Fees = $0.00
Summary:
Stay tuned! As of right now it was worth it (for me). Hell, it's a CBX we're talking about here! I'll update the "Out-of-Pocket" section whether additional costs were incurred or not.
Also, since Westco uses FedX to ship the battery from their warehouse to your friend in the US, it may be worthwhile to get the delivery guy to hold on to the battery and simply forward it up to your Canadian address (rather than using USPS). Have the paper-work completed beforehand, new shipping label ready, etc so he doesn't have to wait around too long.
