Actually that is NOT true. Both of those bikes ARE avaliable here in Japan both New and Used and actually very popular. You can find a great number of them for sale at reasonable prices. And these are not re-imports these are ones marketed and sold here in Japan.

As to a foreigner buying a bike. A buddy of mine did it this year. He did not have a japanese address. HE bought the bike and then took the paperwork to the US embassy and got a form filled out that allowed him to register the bike here in Japan. As to the rest "Chris of Japan" his info is pretty much right on.
If you are a foreigner wanting to buy a bike in Japan there is a dealer in Satiama Classic & Sport the guy who runs it is Tony, He can help you with whatever you need he's been doing it a long long time. Very trustworthy and reliable !!! I'm not a Facebook guy but he has a Facebook page "JapanRiders" or Japanriders.com either way you'd be pleased.

V-Strom is available in Japan now, but it wasn't (or had just been released here) when I wrote that post a few years ago. The Kawasaki KLR 650 I am 100% sure is not sold for the Japanese market. In fact the Kawasaki website has it marked as 海外向けモデル (model for overseas).

Do you have any more details on what paperwork you friend got a the embassy? I had never heard that was possible. My only experience is with the local bureaucracy, and the change in the foreigner registration system a few years meant a short-term visitor could could no longer register (before is was possible but not necessary for short visitors). Without residence papers 住民票, you normally can't have a vehicle in your name.

__________________
Japan touring information

On the Vstrom 650 I know it’s been avaliable for sale in Japan since at least 2012 I’ve seen the Japanese models. There are even a few with low kms out there. I only know this as I’ve been doing a lot of reader h on then in prep to buy one here in japan.
On that paperwork I sent my buddy an e-mail to get the type of form so I can share it. As soon as I do I’ll post that info.
I do know that he had a shop ( English speaking) purchase the bike and then when he got here in order to register it in his name he needed that embassy trip.
Stay tuned for that info

Here’s what my friend said
“Because I’m a gaijin I had to go to the embassy to get was is basically a notarized signature ($50). I took that to the local government office”

Now I asked him the form name so I can share it.
But after that form he was able to get his number plate and such.


And I just got this from him
“To prove that I was who I said I was—or at least that’s my understanding. It’s just a way of verifying who you are—you’d think the passport would do that, but apparently not. The dumb thing is that’s how the embassy verifies who you are! :P

Takes all day, and $50 to deal with. Plus the security is insane. No photos are allowed anywhere, and you have to go through multiple sets of sensors. They even get mad if you try to take a photo of the building.”

I hope some of this helps someone.

Are the prices for bikes in Japan par with US prices?

What is the cost of rego's and insurance?

Ans last but not least! I read somewhere something about passengers on bikes not being legal on highways.

Is this true even today?

__________________
Alaska 2014: Hotel Budget ZeroXmas in Death Valley, New Year in Urique

For prices, see
http://motorcycle.goobike.com
Minimum required insurance is often included up to the end of the inspection period if the bike is used. Additional comprehensive insurance may require you to be a resident.
You can ride two-up on most expressways, but you aren’t allowed inside parts of some major cities like Tokyo.

__________________
Japan touring information

I did basically the same in Thailand. Go to embassy, cititzens services and request a notarized document which confirms your address for the purpose of purchasing and/or registering a vehicle. Simple. Just need an address and a valid visa of any type.