Importing bike US-NZ, Registering then RTW. Problems?
 

Hi all
posted in aus/nz but maybe this is a better place


At the moment i have a Californian registered DR650 which i have ridden across the states and am now in mexico. I am thinking of shipping it home (NZ) and registering it there and preparing for a big trip NZ-EURO and who knows where over 1-2 years.

Anyone know if it is possible to renew a NZ registration while out of the country? my understanding is that you need a WOF to get a rego? which would not be possible if you are not there.

maybe i can keep it registered in the US and use the CA plates outside of NZ?

any ideas or help appreciated

thanks

gareth

reply from AA New Zealand
 

Heres some information i recieved back From the AA





The Registration in the Home Country must remain Valid at ALL Times while you are away. We advise the Transport Registry Centre in NZ that your Motorcycle is o’seas and they Tag the Computer so that when your NZ Person applies to Re-License the Bike, a NZ WOF is not required and renewing can take place, the Windscreen card is then Couriered to you by your NZ Person.

The Issue over you Californian Rego is up to you, If you can keep it Registered there O.K But you would stick with the NZ Plates while travelling on the Carnet supplied by us, you just would not use the Carnet if not required. You must not swap plates until you returned to California and the NZ Carnet is Discharged

I don't think it matters whether you have a current rego or not. Outside of NZ nobody knows or cares, as long as you have an official rego/ownership paper. Why pay road tax and ACC when you are not in NZ and whence not covered. This is what I did in 88/89 and there has never been an issue.

Land Transport aren't going to notify the AA that your rego has expired and even if they did there is nothing the AA can do about it. It's all just useless bureaucracy.

Cheers,
Peter.