Hi there,

First up, thanks for all your work to maintain this awesome website

We are in the process of purchasing two new Yamaha XT 250's for a Central American tour starting in Guatemala. The bikes will have Guatemalan plates and legit title documents. In February 2011 we would like to ride them into the States through CA and are wondering if we should anticipate problems at the US border to import Guatemalian rego'd bikes. Naturally, the bikes conform with all US standards.

Can anyone advise us on what the likely fees would be at the border or even if its not going to be possible?? I have limited experience on US roads but have not seen any foreign rego'd bikes on the roads in California.

Im also wondering if its better to rego the bikes with Mexican plates on the way north and then attempt a border crossing to the States.

By the way, neither of us are US citizens - we are Australian and Canadian should that make a difference?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Wishing you all safe journeys,

Sharna and Scott

You're welcome, glad you like it!

To answer your question, first is to clear up a misconception - you are NOT IMPORTING the bikes into the USA. You are TEMPORARILY IMPORTING the bikes - huge difference and critical at the border.

I would NOT even use the word import at all. You are TRANSITING or VISITING the US en route to Canada. (At least I assume you are)

Then as long as you have proof of ownership documents, and motorcycle drivers licences from your home countries, there should be no problem. Even if the bikes aren't completely legal on US roads, that's not customs problem in this case.

Of course there's nothing to prevent a US police officer stopping you and deciding the bike isn't legal/safe to ride. e.g. no mirror, no brake light etc is illegal. Whether the headlight or emissions is exactly USA standard is not a concern - just the obvious and safety stuff.

There should be NO FEES at the border for foreigners transiting.

If you were US citizens it would be harder - obviously you're coming home with a foreign bike, so you aren't transiting - you're then importing the bikes, and that's a whole different and nasty kettle of smelly fish.

So - if you're planning on selling the bikes in the USA - forget it. IMPORTING them into Canada - same thing - very very difficult. Sell them to someone heading south to Guatemala!

hope that helps!

And don't forget to give us a Ride Tales report as you go - sounds like a fun trip!

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Grant Johnson
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
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