I hope I can get some advice as to the feasibility of this proposal...

I've set my heart on a brand new XR650R (with big tank and bits) as a tour/rallye bike... unfortunately since Honda UK have stopped importing them, there is only a slim possibility of bringing one in from Europe... However a quick web search reveals they still seem to be widely available in the US, and the price is significantly less too...

So I'd like to know: is it possible as a 'tourist' to buy a bike in the US (I have friends who live in Las Vegas and the local dealer can get one), get it registered and insured in my name so I can use it over there for a few weeks on and off-road (I've always fancied touring Nevada / Utah / Arizona and I'm thinking his would be a great way to combine a trip and perchase in one...), then ship it back to the UK?

I know of a shipping company (operating out of LA) that a friend has used to take his Land Rover to the US and back recently, so I don't imagine that aspect is a particular problem, however can anyone advise on the following:

1. Can an 'alien' buy a vehicle and register it in the US?

2. What is the position in obtaining insurance (on the new vehicle) for the period while I am over there?

I have a suitable address over there I can use, but I would not be resident there of course. If I cannot register the bike myself, can my friend buy it (as a resident) and I still get insurance cover and use it?

3. I want to use the bike before I bring it back to the UK, so it will be 'secondhand' although I will still be the first owner (paperwork allowing) - what is the position with duty/vat etc when it gets back to the UK now it is a secondhand machine?

Obviously I am not out to fiddle the UK HMC&E dept, but I would of course like to avoid paying any unnecessary costs...

Any help would be most appriciated... or tell me it's a silly idea...

JennyMo

xxx