Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
Purchasing a bike in the US Purchasing a bike in the US
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Aug 2008
yoni's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Tel-aviv Israel
Posts: 175
Purchasing a bike in the US
I apologize, Knowing this is not the first time such a Q is asked, but I could not find the thread

I intend to do AK to Ushuaia starting June 2009. I think of flying my 1200adv to AK from Europe, and then back from Argentina, it is quite expensive. My bike here in Israel worth around $40k (!) we have heavy taxes on bikes.
Thinking again, I want to check purchasing a bike in the US and riding it all my trip (for 6 months)and then sellin it back in the US.
Can I - a forigner - register a bike in the US, take it out and then back?
Waht is needed to do such a move? Do I pay full taxes?

Many thanks

Yoni
__________________
Dare!
My ride from Dead horse to Ushuaia 2009 is at
www.harpatka.com
It's in hebrew but lots of pics and some translation

Yoni
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
There's a lot of information on this site that will give you additional background, but yes it is possible and yes many people do. You will likely need an address in the state you are buying the bike to register and therefore you will be liable for the tax of that state. Most states not much, like you are used to paying, single digit percentages. In six months, you will have a long ride to get back to the US so consider buying a foreigners bike in SA and riding it back.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Alaska
Posts: 4
If you're planning on buying in Alaska, check with the Motorcycle Shop in Anchorage. The Motorcycle Shop - Anchorage, Alaska I'm sure that they would have some information for you.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Aug 2008
DLbiten's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
Yes you can do this. You will probably be paying tax on the bike (Oregon has no tax) but its not that bad anyway. You will need a USA address for insurance and registration ANY address will do even the store you get the bike from. Bike insurance is required in most of the areas you will going threw but you do not need carnet. If you set this up with a dealer before you go your bike can siting there all set up drive up and ride away in hours after you land. it will run you a bit more but if time is going to problim then it may be worth it to you.

Many people have ridden the Americas this way. A few send there bikes back home. Bikes in the states are much cheaper, a KLR will set you back less than $6,000 US or so a new BMW1200GS list for $15,000 US.

USA insurance is good in the USA and Canada (as is Canada insurance) it is sold online if you want many bike shops have insurance at there shop. Not at the border so get it before you start riding.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Aug 2008
Statdawg's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: U.S.A.
Posts: 94
In Pennsylvania there is a 6 % sales tax.

In New Hampshire there is no sales tax so it depends on the state.

You will need a US address, registration, and insurance.

Have you though about shipping the bike from Argentina back to the US or even Europe and store it there for a future trip ?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Aug 2008
yoni's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Tel-aviv Israel
Posts: 175
Thumbs up Thanks guys
Now you've made me really happy. That's what is going to be done. I'me going to contact a dealer in the west coast and start the process.

BTW. any recomended dealer in Cal. (SF. LA)?

Wow. THANKS again

Yoni
__________________
Dare!
My ride from Dead horse to Ushuaia 2009 is at
www.harpatka.com
It's in hebrew but lots of pics and some translation

Yoni
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Aug 2008
Statdawg's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: U.S.A.
Posts: 94
Here are two BMW Dealers
A&S BMW Motorcycles: BMW Motorcycle Accessories, Parts and Resources, Microfiche,Dealer,New and Used Motorcycles,Vintage Info,Apparel and Clothing,BMW Catalog,Service
A&S BMW Motorcycles
1125 Orlando Ave Roseville, CA 95661 1-800-689-9893


San Jose BMW - The Largest BMW Motorcycle Dealer in The Bay Area.
San Jose BMW

1886 W San Carlos St
San Jose, CA 95128
Phone (408) 295-0205
Fax (408) 295-0207
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: wildomar ca
Posts: 3
try north county bmw san diego i here they just recieved three new f650gs ask for phil 7605201288
__________________
if you cant see me in my mirror i cant see you
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Sep 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: budapest
Posts: 5
Hi Yoni: seriously look at my thread regarding foreigners buying in the USA-this is the most up to date truth as I am still stuck in NYC trying to get six points of ID together-check out DMV.com: Why Wait In a Line, When You Can Do It Online! for full info on registering a motorbike in the US. It applies to nationals and us non nationals alike. good riding, G
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Sep 2008
DaveSmith's Avatar
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
I'm open about letting people use my address in Sacramento to register bikes. I'm not there so I can't forward you any paperwork (title, registration) when it shows up but you're welcome to use the address if you'd like.

-Dave
__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 18 Sep 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 14
First post so be nice!

Reading this thread and as always top info available, interested in a coast to coast in May/June and would also like to purchase a bike in the States, could anyone recommend a couple of bike dealers around the San Fran area?
Cheers
Steve
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 18 Sep 2008
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveH View Post
First post so be nice!

Reading this thread and as always top info available, interested in a coast to coast in May/June and would also like to purchase a bike in the States, could anyone recommend a couple of bike dealers around the San Fran area?
Cheers
Steve
Hey mate, what sort of bike are you after? There's many cheap bikes for sale on craigslist if you don't mind second hand.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 19 Sep 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 14
Quote:
Originally Posted by PocketHead View Post
Hey mate, what sort of bike are you after? There's many cheap bikes for sale on craigslist if you don't mind second hand.
Sound's like the kind of thing I'm after have you anymore infomation on craigslist? I would like a touring bike, capable of carring lugage and a pillion, plan on sticking to the tarmac!
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 19 Sep 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: montana usa
Posts: 547
Used bikes in USA
Craigslist is a nationwide want add for all sorts of things. Motorcycles, cars, housing, lonely hearts etc etc etc. Here is a link to montana craigslist and you can explore the lists in city's and states. I have bought and sold on craigslist with some success. As with any public forum buyer beware. Lot's of scams out there. montana motorcycles/scooters classifieds - craigslist
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 20 Sep 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Danbury CT USA
Posts: 105
Keep in mind that at each border crossing, beginning at the U.S./Mexican border, you are going to need the motorcycle title to clear customs. When you register a new or used motorcycle in the U.S., it takes typically between three and six weeks to receive the title from the state motor vehicle titling department. So you are going to want to have the bike registered in your name well in advance of your date of departure to ensure that you have received the title.

If you have a friendly dealer, they may be willing to let you use their mailing address for the registration/title to ensure that the paperwork arrives safely.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
purchasing bike in Thailand alen West and South Asia 3 12 Jan 2011 12:55
purchasing bike in India Stefan007 Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 9 12 Jul 2007 10:51
purchasing a bike in beijing moondog West and South Asia 6 5 Nov 2006 03:13
purchasing bike inThailand alen Which Bike? 10 18 Jun 2005 18:33
purchasing bike in Europe/ US citizen Asa Trip Paperwork 15 7 Jun 2002 01:47

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:50.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top