Importing a 2-stroke into Oz (and NZ.)
 

Hi Guys,

I was shocked about a week ago when an expat in Laos told me that since about half a year it's impossible and illegal to import two-stroke machines into Australia.

The shock mainly came from the fact that I'm on the way to Oz on my trusty two-stroke. And yes, I am aware, that there are newer, faster, ecofriendlier and more efficient engines. But mine isn't and I like it that way. period.

I googled and I searched the forum, but I can't really find anything trustworthy. Best thing I found was an aussie saying it'll take another few years till they actually enforce the law. Also the official site didn't help me at all.

Thanks a lot already for everything.


Cheers
Tim

Try and ask on the 2-T site: NSR-world. There are several ozzies there.

it's difficult to import any motorcycle, you need to have owned it for a year I believe

Yup, I'm one of the mods on NSR-WORLD.COM - The one-stop resource for the Honda NSR 250 forum, and we have quite a few ozzie owners. I'm sure one will be able to help.

Haven't heard a problem with Oz, it's mostly the States where they struggle.

As far as I know, there's no problem bringing it into NZ.

Cheers bloke

Nigel in NZ

There's plenty of 2 strokes - new and old lurking around Aus.

As with any vehicle import into Aus you need to do your homework - are you returning to live or are you a tourist? Has a big impact on if you can bring the vehicle into the country.

Yes. If you are importing into Aus temporarily you need a Carnet & I don't think the 2 stroke will be a problem. As Pocket head says, it is difficult to import ANY motorcycle into Aus permanently. NZ is much easier & You won't have any extra problems getting in to NZ temporarily or permanently with a 2 stroke.

Cheers
Clint

In NZ no issues at all for temp import, i.e. as a tourist.

For permanent import it's a different ball game. Having just gone through the rigmarole of registering my wife's KLX250 I am sorry to say that bureaucracy has arrived big time in NZ. 2-stroke or not is not the issue here. The bike has to be compliant with NZ rules. Basically, if it has a compliance plate from a European or N Am. country, Japan or Oz then it will be OK. If not you will have to approach the importer in NZ for a certificate of compliance. Kawasaki proved to be very quick and helpful, but the vehicle testing station told me that some companies charge for this and some car importers don't issue it at all. ("WE import vehicles, YOU don't.")

What bike do you have, where is it registered and do you want to import it to NZ?

Hi Clint! :)

nice
 

Hi Guys,
thanks a lot, all I wanted and neede to hear.

Import's only temporarly on a carnet and a german numberplate, so no big issue on that side.

What do you mean by making my homework? Cleaning it properly, like reeaally properly, that's what I'm aware of, other than that I though all I need is the carnet with the stamps from Mmalaysia, Indonesia and East-timor and I'm good.

Or is there another thing to be aware of?

Owned it for a year? Even for the temporary import? That would be an issue.

Cheers
Tim

Sorry I was not sure if you were an Aussie returning home or a tourist visiting.

For Aussies/permanent residents and some 457 visa holders they can only bring a vehicle into Australia via the vehicle import scheme - which requires the "homework" on making sure the vehicle has been owned for long enough, etc etc.

Tourists can only bring vehicles into Aus using a carnet, and are not subject the import approval scheme since mid 2009.