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

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.

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.

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.

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 ?

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

Here are two BMW Dealers
 

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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
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1886 W San Carlos St
San Jose, CA 95128
Phone (408) 295-0205
Fax (408) 295-0207

try north county bmw san diego i here they just recieved three new f650gs ask for phil 7605201288

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

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

First post so be nice!:thumbup1:

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.

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!

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

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.

The title or proper registration wasn't a problem with either of the two people who used my address in California. I offered to send them the paperwork but both said it wasn't worth the trouble.

I'm not making any guarantees, but I think border patrols round the world have better things to do then check paperwork. I've been hearing (via slashdot.org) that US customs is now quite fond of going through your laptop and occasionally taking it until they feel they're done with it.

Dave, if by "I think border patrols round the world have better things to do then check paperwork," you mean that there is a single border crossing in Mexico or Central America that is going to let a US-plated or non-Mexican/Central American plated motorcycle pass without inspecting the title, your experiences are diametrically opposed to mine.

Exceptions to the above statement would be a U.S. plated motorcycle re-entering the U.S., and any motorcycle entering Mexico but not going past the commercial zone near the U.S. border.

Yeah, you're right, Mike. Sorry, I was thinking of India, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan. I haven't gone anywhere but Mexico-US border towns.

That's from my experience with India and Nepal, and the stories I've heard from other travelers in Nepal (with bigger cajones than me) about Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The two guys who've used my address to title and register a bike, didn't want the paperwork when it showed. I emailed them both when it arrived and they said they had no problems going south from California.

They just had the rough paperwork the California DMV (Dept of Motor Vehicles) gave them.

Questions
 

Hey all:

Ok, I have read all the relevant threads before asking my questions but I have a few points I would like confirming or clarifying so I hope you can help.

1. Can I buy a used bike in one state and register it in another? For example buy in California and register it in Oregon (no sales tax)? Or do I have to register the bike in the state it is purchased?

2. If I can't take my paperwork away with me on the day I register a bike (such as the service available at Arizona DMV) can I start my tour of the US before the paperwork arrives?

3. Do I need insurance before I can register the bike? (I think I've read that I do...)

My understanding is that California has the most bikes (12% if I remember correctly) so I am more likely to get a deal here and so this is a very good place to start my trip. However, I am flexible where I start because I intend to go all over the US anyway. Therefore the states with no sales tax and those with the 'no waiting for your paperwork' services are also ideal places to start but these will have a smaller selection of used bikes.

4. Anyone know of anywhere that lists these things for each DMV without contacting each one individually? (Those that have 0% sales tax and take-away paperwork on the day)

My understanding is that insurance is also easier and cheaper if organised whist within the states as opposed to at home?

5. Is it possible for somebody else to register the bike and organise insurance in my absence? Such as the seller, if he/she is willing (and for a small fee of course)?

Cheers guys I hope you can help.

Steve
xXx

I only know about California.

California is an oddball state. It has the strictest smog laws in the world. You can buy a vehicle in another state but depending on the miles, you might not be able to register it in California. California also has the highest sales tax in the US. It's around 9% depending on the location of purchase (state taxes and local taxes) but sales tax really just applies if you buy from a dealer. A private person doesn't care and would think you were crazy if you tried to pay them sales tax.

California doesn't want people buying vehicles from other states to save on taxes. Other states don't require the same smog controls so California DMV might check your mileage if you register a new bike bought from another state.

Oregon is a good state to buy a vehicle from to avoid the taxes.

If you register at a CA DMV, they'll give you a printout to have while you wait for the official paperwork to show (2-6 weeks). That's fine to travel with. You can even cross the Mexican border with that.

When you buy a vehicle, you don't have to have insurance. You're supposed to, but they only check when you renew your registration. Insurance computers are tied into the CA DMV and they know when you have insurance.

When I was in California, I let a few HU folks use my address to register and insure their bike at. Having a US address is handy. Sorry, but I'm in Korea now. I'm guessing at this, but I think that if you asked a hotel if you could use their address to get mail, they'd say yes. Don't tell them it's DMV/insurance. You might need a fancy hotel for that. DMV and insurance companies aren't going to know that it's a hotel.

Also in California, most people won't register and insure your bike for you. It just sounds a bit dodgy, plus everyone hates sitting around the DMV. You might get lucky but it's not likely. I haven't bought a bike through a dealer, but I'm sure they'd be more accommodating for doing the paperwork.

There's a few sites that search craigslist.org which is a good site for buying vehicles in the US. It's worldwide but in some countries it's rarely used. jaxed.com is one but it's not working for me right now, but my school's internet is overloaded.

site mash : : combined classified and auction listings

I hope that helps.

In Nevada there is no tax on used private sale bikes. You do need insurance to register the bike. You will get the licence plate and registration while you wait. The Title will be mailed to you.

Colorado, walk in DMV with paperwork, license, and insurance and you get a title, registration, and tag on the spot.

1) When you buy a bike in a state with tax you will be taxed on the spot.
When you register you bike in a state you are saying this bike is part of that state, and will follow all its laws. You may even need to pay tax on it. It is like importing the bike to that state because that is what it is. The registration is good for one year.

So if you buy your bike in California you will taxed at that states tax rate. Register it in Oregon you will need to make sure that bike is legal in Oregon. It will be. No new tax but you will paying a fee to have the bike registered. You will need the Title from California on the bike or California registration.

But if say you buy the in Washington state you will pay Washington state tax then register it California you will be paying California tax as well. (unless you keep proof you payed the tax on it. then you can be hit with difference.)+ any fees.

DO NOT try and get of of paying the tax on the bike, the bike will be impounded and you may find your self deported, refused to be allowed back in the USA or find BIG$ and set in jail then deported.

You can Fly to Portland Oregon take a cab to the biggest bike shop you can find buy the bike, get insurance, do all the paper work there and you will be good.

The bike is yours.

You may need to go to the DMV to get a plate and sticker and year long registration title. Or there may be a "title office" where you can get most of this done (it changes state to state.) The bike shop will know and can help. It may help you to think of the USA as the EU with each state being a separate country. Each state has its own laws and will enforce each a bit differently. The way things are ran will differ from state to state and in some places county to county. But the USA has laws each state will follow.

2) When you buy the bike you will get a paper plat for the back a temporary registration and in most bike shops you can get insurance. Depending on the place they may send the paper work in for you. Or send you to the DMV or title office. Once at DMV or title office there you hand in your paperwork and get a steal plate and year long registration. At no time will you be with out paper work Remember to get insurance. for the bike. Cops will have all the info on the bike in a week but will fine you with out insurance.

3) You do not. If you are paying for the bike. If you need to bank lone the bank will need that. (the bike shop will deal with all that)

Are you getting new or used?
If you are going new it will not matter any good bike shop can get any bike in a few days and will more than not have the bike you want on the showroom floor. Used California has more the state is also huge and vary long. 770miles or 1239KM. unless it is at a bike shop there not shipping the bike for you. Oregon has many many shops as well. Google bike shops in the state you are looking to start in.

4) All DMV offices in all 50 states? not me. Must be in the 100,000 gust states with no sales tax Delaware, New Hampshire, Oregon, New Mexico. hell you look it all up Sales taxes in the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

5) Yes and No You will need to sine the forms and pick up the paperwork. A person selling the bike will not do it and if some how get them to be ready to lose all the $ on the bike and insurance. You are giving them $ and asking them to read your mind if the bike is good enof for you. and the insurance is ok. A bike shop can and may do it but if someone has ever given them any problem over this there is no way there going to to it a agen.

Insurance Progressive Auto Insurance - Car Insurance Quotes Plus Boat, RV and Motorcycle Insurance Quotes
You still need a address The BIKE shop can do this for you.

I need to make a USA how to guide so I can stop repeating my self lol.

I've bought about 25 or so used vehicles in California in my life but I've only bought from other people, not from a business. I remember reading on a mailing list or forum about someone who tried to find out how to actually pay the tax on a vehicle bought from a person. He got shuttled around and I think the final answer was that you report it on your CA state tax forms at the end of the year. You're not a CA citizen. I haven't heard of a vehicle being impounded or any troubles caused for not paying taxes. It's not like you'll be buying a new Brough Superior (cheap at only $250,000) and try to register that in CA. I drive/ride mostly stuff from the 1960s so lists and forums I'm on cover old stuff. I have no idea on buying anything newer than the 1990 Honda GB500 that I bought in 1999.

Your registration fees in CA will go up with the reported price you paid for the bike, and for newer vehicles, they check. My reported GB500 value was more expensive than the blue book. If you say you paid $500 for a 2008 MV Agusta, the DMV will charge you from the blue book vehicle price. If you say you paid $500 for a 1996 Kawasaki 650 because it had been wrecked and was sitting around for 10 years, and you were fixing it, they'll often take that as a price. It's the CA DMV and anything there deals with the mood and knowledge of the person helping you. Most smart people get bored of helping people and advance past customer service.

I've dealt with, and heard, and read a lot of stories of having to switch to another person, or ask for their supervisor, or switch to another DMV, because even with a copy of their rule book, they're the boss of the situation. Mostly this is from buying old vehicles and trying to keep the original plates (they change colors about every 10 years).

CA is broke right now, so they raised the registration fees again.

Used vehicles in California come with plates.

Still, buying in Oregon would probably be cheaper.

Your advice is much appreciated
 

Hi all:

Thanks for all your advice. I think I've got it all squared away in my mind and that I understand it all pretty good. But it never hurts to get that little extra clarification, especially as I have heard some real BS in other forums that seem to scare some people and put them off purchasing in the UK. Instead they end up shipping their own bikes at what I think is extra and unnecessary costs, although there are some advantages of course.

By the way I'm more than happy to pay tax, particularly as it's not going to be a lot anyway even if I did buy new. Naturally I'd just rather avoid it if possible. Sorry if I made you repeat yourself DL there are just so many threads on this subject on HU alone (and I think I've read pretty much all of them). If they were all put into one it would be much easier and more efficient. Perhaps HU should have a guide on this very subject too. Anyway I do appreciate all of your input, it does always seem to be a core group of individuals that offer up advice and help out us newbies. I hope that one day I'll be able to reciprocate.

I definitely want to buy a used bike simply because they are better value and probably more reliable provided they are well maintained, which I think most bikes generally are. I only plan on riding in the US, albeit all over, indeed my wall map is a mass of pins that require deciphering into some kind of economical route. It seems easier to just register in the state of purchase. My first choice then is CA given the increased number of used bikes for sale, but I'll also keep my eyes open in OR and other Western States. I could always hire a car and go on a road trip to check out a bike if it is a couple of states away...

Dave, that Jaxed site you suggested is brilliant, I think I've seen you recommend it in another forum too. I had a look and there are some really great used V-Stroms at great prices, it really makes me want to buy one now... if only I could. I plan on using primarily the ADV fleamarket as well as Craigslist & ebay, which Jaxed covers. Are you teaching English in Korea by any chance? Me and a friend were considering doing this for a while. If your back in CA next year July 2010 I'd really appreciate your help mate.

I had a very nice guy PM me to see if I was interested in buying a used KLR 650 who also offered to help with registration and insurance. So there are people that will go the extra mile. That's what I love about the biker/adv/hubb community: the solidarity. By the way if anybody wants any help, anything at all, touring Blighty and Europe I'm here. I'll even put you up for as long as you like and will maintain a good stock of good Ole English Ales, Scottish Single Malts or whatever else takes your fancy. I'm in Peterborough, which is about 30 mins away from Cambridge and and about 90 mins from London.

Cheers again guys.

Steve
xXx

Hi Steve,

Yeah, I'm teaching. I just showed up 3 weeks ago, so I'll still be here in 2010. I might stick around 2 to 4 years. I owe a lot of money from Round 2 of my trip and got lazy and let my finances get out of hand. Not that I didn't enjoy taking almost 2 years off work and traveling a lot.

I'll be learning about Korea, and rules and regulations, so hopefully I can answer questions about this country as well.

-Dave

hi guys 2nd post! :biggrin:

I'm thinking of buying a bike in CA with a salvage title, but the seller says it can't be registered in CA for street use. I've been searching around trying to find out why with no luck. Is there any way to fix this so it can be registered?

For California...
Does the person buying and registering the bike HAVE to appear in front of the DMV, or can an agent do this for the person buying and registering the bike?

If you can't register the bike with a salvage title, it's probably a bike meant for dirt. CA makes it hard to register those for roads. They used to let you put lights on and work around it, but they changed that a couple-three years ago. They went back to a certain date that the bike had to be older than.

I have friends with cars registered with salvage vehicles. You bang up a 1960s car a little and insurance companies want to total them. It's cheaper than finding and rechroming a bumper sometimes.

I think, but am not sure, that you can get an agent in CA, but good luck with that. Trips to the DMV can be a pain in the ass. If you use AAA you can do it through there which is easier. Plus CA has been raising registration rates so you can wait at AAA, which is not the CA DMV, and watch someone lose it when their vehicle registration goes up $100. It's not AAA's fault but messengers are meant to be punished.

I do think that buying in California will be the easiest route due to the larger number of bikes and the ease flying into the major cities there. Going into other states simply to save on taxes is probably not worth it, unless you have someone over here who can get you around.

I think that buying new or used from a dealer could be worth it, as a dealer in California could take care of the registration for you. I know that in some states, it is difficult, if not impossible, to purchase vehicles if you are not a resident of that state. California is full of "foreigners" so the process is smoother for non-residents/non-US citizens to purchase legally there.

There are many HUBBers from Calif., too, so I am quite sure once your plans are more solidified, someone in that part of Cali would and could help you out. I live just across the Calif./Arizona border and where these states meet Mexico, and would be willing to help you out, but I don't think that buying in Arizona is as easy as California if you are not a resident here. I do know that a person gets an Arizona title on the spot here, but again, not sure if it would be worth coming this way.

I would just narrow down the time and place, and see who is around in that part of the state you intend to land in to help you out.

You sure you want to buy a salvage bike sight unseen? Kinda risky IMO.

Plus trailer
 

Hi There

I have been scouring all sorts of official sites for this info, should have know to go straight to a forum type thingee. So, just to confirm:
If we buy a new bike in California, then ride across to New York area, ship the bike to UK, we only have to pay one sales tax in California when we register it? I understand about having to pay the difference if we do other permutations, but I don't think we will be able to be bothered with that.

How much is sales tax/registration in general in the US for a new bike? It would be a 2010 Goldwing hopefully.
Can you buy sales tax for various number of months, like 3mths, 6mths or 12?

My other question is that we want to pull a trailer too. So, do we need sales tax, registration etc., for that too?

You can't buy sales tax for limited times. There's a way of getting the tax back since you don't live here, but I'm not sure how that works. The tax is pretty expensive in California (somewhere around 9% of purchase price). For buying a new bike, I'd say get one in Oregon where there's no sales tax. If you buy a new trailer, there's sales tax for that too.

Registration is bought in 1 year blocks in all of the US (I think). It is in California. It's also gone up in California since we went belly up.

There's other states where it's cheaper (lower sales tax, lower registration). Hopefully someone will answer. I'd say for buying a brand new bike that's easy to find, don't buy it in California.

I will agree with Mike Stone.

I made the mistake of registering the bike in my name just prior to entering Mexico. The rego papers were fine for that but the Title is needed especially for Honduras and it cost me money for having a bad copy. The original was sent to Panama, it has stillnot arrived, I now have a better double sided copy which has worked everywhere else.

Be aware, when you enter Bolivia, you MUST have an original registration paperwork or they will not let you in.

I bought my bike in California and had to pay $400 sales tax when I transffered the rego, so be aware :)

Cheers
TravellingStrom

As far as I know all Registration is year long on all things has been on all my bikes, cars, trailers and boat.

Getting your bike in California you will pay the tax and will good to go all over the world. I do think the UK will nick you some more but that is something you can take up with them save the tax slip form the bike you never know.

Well general tax in the US for a new bike from the US government is 0 it is the state that gets you for the tax and registration as far as I know people do not have a USA registration on there cars or bikes it is by the state. (Washington DC is different but we really do not want to get in to that) Gust like your bike in the UK is not a EU bike it is a UK bike.
Think US=EU UK=state like California.

Your trailer will have its tax, registration, plates, paper work and all that as well.

In the U.S. there are only state and local taxes on a motorcycle when purchased new. The tax varies from state to state, and some have no sales tax at all. In some states the tax varies in different parts of the state. In general, sales tax ranges from about 5% to 9% of purchase price. You pay it once and never again, but some areas also have an annual property tax. There will always be some registration fee. In most states you will also have to show proof of state insurance to register the motorcycle, but not in all states. In general, you will need an address within the state to register it. Here's a link to various state sales taxes.

Thanks to all for providing all this information which is extremely useful. Actually, I visit US very often regarding my work and was thinking of purchasing and keeping a bike in Virginia. I am also planning a bike ride in July this year and wanted to ensure that the bike is ready and available when I get there to avoid wasting my vacation.

I understand that I can title and register a bike in my name but that receiving the registration plates take time. Does the DMV provide any temporary plates in the meanwhile that would allow you ride? If not then is it possible for me to ride the bike on the previous owners plates while I apply for my own or do they immediately get cancelled.

Does the insurance go in the person's name? Does this imply that I can apply for insurance without having the bike registered in my name?

Will appreciate your help.

Hi Azkhan - this is an old thread brought back to life!

As a UK citizen who owns and keeps a motorcycle in the USA, I hope I can offer some advice based on your questions above...

The most important thing is to have a US address where the bike can be registered and stored - be that your own property or that of a friend for example.

You are allowed to buy, register and insure a vehicle even if you are a non-resident, but you do need a permanent address for the paperwork.

With regard to receiving registration plates from the DMV, they typically take 2 weeks to arrive (for a new vehicle), although if you buy a secondhand vehicle, then the current licence/number plates stay with the bike (certainly in California at least), so you can continue to ride the machine until the annual registration is due for renewal (this is typically shown on a sticker on the licence plate itself), by which time the new Title and registration documents should have been issued to your new address, and you simply renew them by post.

However, if you buy a machine from outside the State you are going to register it in, you will need to re-register it in the state of your permanent address - ie. California won't send you a registration renewal to New York for example - you'd need to go to a DMV office in New York, and re-register the bike there - complete with a new licence plate, and forfeit the old California registration number.

(note. when you buy a secondhand bike, the seller and new owner send off the respective slips of paper to say the previous owner no longer owns the bike, and the new owner gets the Title (and subsequent registration renewal) reissued in their name and address).

Insurance is always based on the chassis/frame VIN number anyway, regardless of where it's registered - so you can insure a vehicle immediately, and usually over the phone in a few minutes.

With a new bike it's easier still - buy the bike, phone the insurance company with the VIN details, and ride away on a temporary plate (issued by the dealer), and wait a couple of weeks for your official licence plate to arrive from the DMV - the dealer takes care of all that paperwork.

Hope that helps...

Jenny x

ps. If you do have a friend in the US (who's address you are going to use for Title, registration and insurance paperwork), the alternative is always for them to actually buy/Title/register and insure a bike, and you can simply use it on their insurance when you visit.

I get kind've tired of answering this question again and again. The well-intentioned advice in #38 is wrong. That's because some states will allow a non-local person to register a bike, while others won't. California, for example, is famously easy--so's Arizona, so's Florida. My state, Washington, takes pride in making it easy. New York is difficult, and maybe impossible. Other nearby states are similar.

I don't know about Virginia, but best bet is always to find out for yourself--don't trust me or anyone else to do the legwork on your behalf. Google Virginia DMV, or Virginia register motor vehicle and read the fine print regarding the need for proof of local residency.

There is a long thread here on the HUBB about registration in various states, last updated pretty recently. A search will turn it up within seconds. It's worth reading all the way through.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

The advice above is not 'wrong' - but as you point out, may not be applicable to every State in the USA.

As Mark suggests, it is best you contact the DMV in the particular State you wish to register the bike and check if they will allow a non-resident to Title and register a vehicle there.

If it is not possible in Virginia, then perhaps the simplest option would be my suggestion at the end, and effectively have a friend actually own the bike in question [even if you've paid for it], and you simply use it on their insurance when you are visiting.

Good luck with your trip.

Jx

I have been in the used vehicle business on and off for the last 30 years. Much of the advice given in this thread is correct, but a whole lot of it is not. First, where you buy your bike is irrelevant with regards to taxes and registration. You can buy a bike where the market is cheaper (east coast) get a temporary transit tag and ride it to wherever it is free and easy to register. if you are coming from Europe, the east coast is cheaper to fly to and from Australia and Asia, the west coast is. Bikes in colder climates are ridden only during riding season and will have less miles.Many states do not require insurance to register, you can take your chances to save money.

All countries in the Americas will let you enter with a registration. Most titles don't show plate #s so a Reg is better anyway.

I am in NY and can help anyone who needs to buy a bike here and can get temp plates so you can ride out west to register.

You don't pay tax when you by a bike, only when you register it, unless you are buying from a dealer and registering in the same state as the dealer is located in. I bought my V-strom new in NY but since I was registering in TN, i paid no tax to the dealer.

I have been selling cars on Ebay to people all over the US and Canada since the dawn of the internet, I am happy do answer any questions regarding buying inthe U.S.

buying in the US
 

Hi I would PM you but as I just joined I'm not allowed..
Am travelling to the states in august from the UK for two month riding vacation and want to buy a harley. I am flying into washington dc and have contacted a dealers there but having looked on the DMV website it seems I cannot register the bike there as I am not resident, (still waiting for the dealer to reply).
I could fly up to NY and get a bike from a dealer there but how would I go about buying it.. do you know if they would be able to sell to me?
Any help much appreciated