I'm afraid I might already know the answer to this but I've been surprised many times before so here it goes:

My wife and I will be moving from Germany to the US for good in January 2016. We have a green card and are not planning to return to Europe for the time being. We're also planning to take a year off and travel around North- and South America in 2016, and also already have the proper bike to do so: a 2009 Yamaha XT660Z Tenere that we've been using to travel around Europe and Africa. However, from what I've heard it's impossible to register this bike in the US and get a US license plate since Yamaha has never officially sold this model/engine in North America. Basically, it boils down to this:

• Is that still true or are there any loopholes that I might be able to take advantage of?
• My cousin lives in Toronto, would it help to get it registered in Canada or is that impossible as well?
• Is there any way I can keep this bike registered in Germany and still use it in the US for more than just a couple of weeks/months?

If there's no way to do either there's no point in keeping the bike, and I'd have to sell it and buy something else in the US. However, I would love to keep it since we've already put quite a few miles on it and are obviously a bit attached to the bike at this point

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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"

RTWpaul maybe able to answer your question .

There are a few here in the States, so it is possible. I doubt you could get it done in California, but probably could in Florida. I don't know how.

the xt660z was never sold in the USA or Canada because the motor design did not comply with EPA (environmental protection agency) and CARB (California air resources board) minimum/ maximum emissions requirements and whatever there equivalents are in Canada



So registration as a full time vehicle in the US is close to impossible.

but...

if you want to try go ahead because DMV locations are not all the same, some come down to personal opinion of the person you speak with so you may get lucky how they understand 'their states law'



to try and register the bike there are basically a few different ways to apply, firstly would be a gray import, not all states do this and not all states are the same

you will need all your paperwork when you arrive in the country with the bike, the US (if its your first point of entry) doesn't do import/ export of the bike like you will find in Central/ South America so paperwork is minimal



the next is a a one off custom build/ special construction/ assembled from parts (different states use different names) for the same thing...you are allowed one per lifetime



both the above would result in the motorcycle getting a state issued VIN number and then insurance for the bike as an individual is difficult but grouped with other car/s and house you own makes that easier...mine is insured by State Farm

the next way is.... do your ride all over the US, central and south america, once you settle in you final US location you can ride the bike for 30 days until you are breaking the law (in most states) as you need to register all vehicles at your home address

at this point put the bike in your garage and only use it for long trips, get another bike for local riding

i did this as my bike has over 100k on the clock and i have other bikes to ride


hope that helps...not the answer you were probably looking for but its just the reality i found from lots of hours of emails/ calls/ talking to people face to face and i had access to all the right people as i owned a motorcycle business for 17 years and no one could find a solid way to help me

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www.rtwpaul.com

Thanks a lot, rtwpaul. That does sound like a lot of work without any guarantee of success. Exactly what I was afraid of (actually, what I was afraid of was "can't be done" and while this isn't exactly "can't be done" it's very close).

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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"

Hi All,

I'm facing the same situation with my UK registered XT660Z...she is part of the family so must come with me. I'm getting conflicting advice (Some say it's possible, others saying very much not possible).

I'll ask Yamaha USA also....but just thought I would check if anyone else has found joy since this post??

Thanks!

Will

Depending on the state, you can get a bonded title. I know georgia does it.

If the bike is older than 15 years (manufactured date), which your's is getting very close to, you can register it in Canada without much of an issue. Though it your cousin may need to do it for you.

Your cousin can get it registered in Canada before the 15 year mark... But I will not spell it out here.

What year is XT. If it is manufactured more than 15 years ago, then it should not be a problem. Canada is quite lax for motorbikes over 15 years.

In the states, you would likely try to get a bonded title.