bike importers to USA

**tomrsewell** · #1 21 Jan 2002

surely you folks can shed some lite on the problem that many cool bikes arent imported into north america. i've heard conflicting reports. as the proud owner of a '92 africa twin in usa i find myself, ever the toyaholic, wanting a new one. 2 guys i no of here have brought new ones in but i cant get thru to them (sparky,petri). surely theres a way to contact an importer either here or over in euro, have them buy a bike from a dealer, then do the paperwork and ship in over? i would think theres enuf interest in unusual bikes that someone could make a little profit doing this. whats the deal that guys in the military can do this easier than others?

**Grant Johnson** · #2 27 Jan 2002

The reason you don't see many is because it's a huge hassle. There is a lot of paperwork, the bikes have to fully comply with USA specs (known to be among the toughest in the world) etc. There are also plenty of fees along the way.

I don't know how the ones that do get in manage, but suspect they aren't done completely legally, unless as you suspect, there is a military advantage.

Bikes over 25 years old, no sweat - anything can come in, no compliance required, other than usual lights horn mirror etc.

Note that the different states have different regs, and some are more lenient than others. Worth checking with your local motor vehicle office what the local regs are.

There was an article a while ago in a magazine about this - the conclusion was it worked out to be next to impossible, not worth while except for something truly special.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**PanEuropean** · #3 29 Jan 2002

I believe that US citizens are allowed to import one non-compliant vehicle in their life (i.e. one non-compliant vehicle per Social Security number) to the USA, provided that they have owned the vehicle for a minimum length of time while they were legitimately resident outside of the United States.

This may explain how some people have brought Africa Twins back to the USA, following a posting overseas. I don't believe that this privilege is limited to military only.