this is so helpful as i was starting to get a little concerned about buying in the US vs here (Oz) after reading some threads on advrider recently. Thanks to all the contributors and i hope that in 12 months when i am ready to come over there things are still the same.

Chris

If I'm still in California in 12 months, I've got an address you can use. Although, I shouldn't be here unless my RTW decides it wants to take 3 rounds.

--Dave

__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
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Buy in Oregon. No sales tax.

Portland is only a $100 flight from L.A. or San Francisco.. Much less than the sales tax, plus its a beautiful city to visit.

600 miles from Portland to San Fran. All freeway. Can be done in a very long day. If you want to get back to CA quick, have the registration and tag sent to the dealer and ask them to forward to you in CA. Otherwise just spend the time waiting for it in Oregon, exploring the Cascades, could even go up to Seattle too.

The Pacific Northwest is one of the best areas in the US, IMHO

Don't forget montana, no sales tax and you get a permanent plate with your bike.....good for as long as you own your bike.

This may sound a bit dumb,but does that mean if i buy a bike in Montana,and sort insurance at the same time,i'll get less hassle from the various authority figures in other states? Does that apply to used bikes as well?

Insurance in the USA applies nationwide.

There are some states that you have to show insurance only if you're in an accident. There are others where you have to show insurance when you register a vehicle. And there are others where you have to show you have insurance if you get pulled over by the police.

So yes, once you buy a bike, get insurance. It will make things much simpler if you get pulled over.

This applies for new and used bikes.

__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw

Insurance on motorcycles is not mantadory in montana...yet. If you go to canada or other states you need insurance. Whichever state, buy a bike and travel.You never regret the things you did do it's the thing you didn't do that you regret.

In California, sales tax is 7.0-7.5%. On a $10,000 bike that (obviously) $700 to $750.

Oregon has 0% sales tax - automatic savings of nearly $1,000. In addition, registration and license is a fraction of the cost in Oregon compared to California.

Fly to Oregon, buy a bike, drive down the coast.

I know several California people who maintain a business (shell company) or home in Oregon. They purchase and register all thier vehicles in Oregons.

The savings is worthwhile

Reviving an old thread a little here (sorry) but I'm planning to start a trip Alaska to Ushuaia in August this year and I still don't have a suitable bike.

One option is to buy in the UK (probably V-Strom or KTM640), the other is to buy a KLR in Montana, as they are cheap and would save shipping. From there I'd head over toward Seattle and then get a ferry north to Alaska to start my trip.

I've been in touch with a dealer there and they'll sell me a bike but they are looking in to the paperwork. Does anyone know if I'll have problems doing this on a standard tourist visa waiver? Should I get a B2 visa?

Any info or advice much appreciated!

Thanks,

Fraser.

Hi Frazer,

I will be in Phoenix within the next ten days to start a similar adventure. I have been in touch with local dealers about purchasing my bike & not one of them has asked about my Visa. I am using my brothers address in Poenix to title my bike. I am travelling on a standard Visa waiver that allows us from the UK 3 months from entry.

If I encounter any problems I will let you know. Happy planning!!

Cheers Mojo.

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If life gives you lemons then make lemonade & find a friend whose life gave then Vodka & have a party. Mojo

I will be in Phoenix the end of May and can use my cousin's address. I'd be interested in how you get on, how soon you get title etc. I'm thinking of hiring a v-strom for 10 days whilst I'm there. But I would consider buying if it wasn't too much trouble. In AZ the sales tax is 7.95% and there is also Stadium tax at 3.25% on top. I wouldn't think that has to be paid on a private sale though.

Hi Doc,

I was informed that the title may take upto 2 weeks to arrive? not sure but will mail the dealers that I am speaking to & post the details here. Yes I am aware of the sales tax in AZ but the stadium tax is a new one to me?? Do we get free tickets to the ball game for that??.

I do not see the point for me in buying in a state where there is no tax as my living in Phoenix is free with my brother. I would spend more than I would save.

Cheers Mojo.

__________________
If life gives you lemons then make lemonade & find a friend whose life gave then Vodka & have a party. Mojo

i didnt read all the posts

but oregon has no sales tax not sure about reg and stuff canada is closer if the s%^T hits fan only need a drivers licence to reg and insure.

The "stadium" tax is, depending on what city you are in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area (keep in mind that there are actually 5 or 6 separate cities--each with their own police and fire departments, local city gov't, etc), and each one seems to have made deals with someone to put in a sports stadium of some sort. The big, new stadium is the American football stadium in that area, but I am not sure which actual city it is in.

Where the taxes come in to play is that in order to sell the idea to various cities to foot the initial bill, sports entities will sweeten the offer to the residents by promising that the sales tax on purchases will not go up. However, usually (I don't know if this is the case in which you are speaking) the sales tax on more "touristy" things like hotels/motels, restaurants, etc. has the extra tax (sounds almost like an oxymoron) tacked on.

So, the logic goes (here in Yuma, they tried to sell us on continuing with our sales tax 2.5% above and beyond the 8.25% at restaurants, hotels, bars) that we can choose not to go there. Hotels normally aren't used by locals, but fast food restaurants, and. heaven forbid, bars, are used, so in a way, it was like adding a "sin" tax.

I don't know if the extra tax will be charged on to a motorcycle purchase anywhere in the greater Phoenix metro area, so the easiest way is to ask the specific dealer about it.

Hi Mojo,

Curious to know how you are getting on?

Did you have any issues with the standard visa waiver?

Cheers,

Fraser.