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Import new KLR650 from US or RSA to UK? Import new KLR650 from US or RSA to UK?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  #1  
Old 4 Sep 2014
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Import new KLR650 from US or RSA to UK?
I am exploring bike options for a UK to Cape Town trip in 2016. I like the look of the KLR650. Given the strength of the pound I could buy one new in the US or RSA under £4k.

I don't know if I you can buy them for export cheaper (since no sales tax)? I'd then have shipping costs and 26% import duty and VAT (UK sales tax).

Is this a mad or flawed idea? Would appreciate any thoughts.

The alternative would be to buy in RSA (my brother is a resident there) and avoid the shipping and do the trip South to North - views on this option would be welcome too.
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  #2  
Old 4 Sep 2014
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If you were to buy it in South Africa and keep it there for six months or spend at least that long riding it home you might be able to bring it in as a second hand personal import at a reduced or zero tax rate. Doing this you will have to keep it for 12 months after which you might be planning to do anyway.
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  #3  
Old 4 Sep 2014
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I was thinking the same but from US, seen there new KLR650 for around 6k $ which is not bad even if I add duty and taxes. The minus is lost of warranty.
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  #4  
Old 5 Sep 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robson View Post
I was thinking the same but from US, seen there new KLR650 for around 6k $ which is not bad even if I add duty and taxes. The minus is lost of warranty.
Kawasaki warranty is worldwide. Not country specific.
You're lucky if UK allows a US spec bike in the country. You can't bring in any
out of USA bike that did not originate with a US VIN number into USA permanently without major hassle and money.

Hopefully UK accepts none UK VIN numbers from either USA or S. Africa. dunno?

I like the Africa option best, as you've saved shipping the bike, a major PITA.
Not sure they sell KLR's in S. Africa now? I'd buy a used one that's got the good extras. Guys spend thousands making them travel worthy. Here's a good example of a tricked up
KLR for sale in Sacramento, CA:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...e-2007-a-77898
Bike is just broken in, lots of good extras and luggage! A DEAL at $4500 usd !!!

Not sure what you'll find in S. Africa ... but I'd buy something there, even if it's not a KLR. Lots of other good bikes. (KTM, BMW, Yamaha Tenere, DR650, XR650L Honda, more)
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  #5  
Old 5 Sep 2014
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Thanks - v helpful. Kawasaki are listing the 2013 KLR at R65995 - about £3,800. That might be the option for me.

Robson - if you are in the UK look on MCN - there is a new 2014 US model with 2 miles up for £5495. Am guessing after tax and shipping you'd not save much off that unless you do second hand as Mollydog suggests.


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Old 5 Sep 2014
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3800 UKP ($5700 USD) seems like a fair price for a new KLR. That's about what they go for here in USA. Draw back is a stock KLR needs (IMO) lots to be travel ready, but you could go minimum and probably be OK.
Good luck!
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  #7  
Old 13 Dec 2014
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I have this week bought myself a new KLR650 in Cape Town. Cost me £3,728 after currency change costs before sorting springs etc.

My brother is going to use it for a year to run it in and flush out any teething issues so it's ready for my 2016 trip. I decided to buy now since RSA are adopting Euro regulations on emissions so this is the end of the line for the KLR in RSA as it was in Europe a decade back.

Ideally I'd like to import it to the UK at the end of the trip but I am not sure yet whether this will be practical. I am going to post separately on that now. If not I'll either sell in Egypt or ship back to RSA.

The big trip, whilst still a long way off, feels a bit more real now! :-)
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