Buy in USA?
 

I'm beginning to plan a trip down the pan american as a first long tour. I need a new bike - would it be better to buy one when I get there - are there any obstacles to then taking it out the country - and possibly selling it elsewhere at the end of my trip?


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Richb

BTW I should point out I am coming from the UK!

There should not be any problems whatsoever leaving and returning to the U.S. on a U.S. reg bike ( I certainly had none ) but selling it outside of the U.S. will probably ( hope others know 100% ) require informing Customs - no doubt something any buyer would use to knock your price down. Maybe you can find the U.S. Customs site through google/altavista?
If you have an address in the States ( visiting friends ) then it will be very easy for you to buy a bike there, no shipping worries, fees and possible delays. Finally, if you have time, then consider more serious touring of the States - they really have some incredible roads and scenery.

It is always much easier when you have a bike in your name that is registered using the same address as your home. It just makes things go better, and you feel more organized during inspections and borders. There is the possibility of purchasing a bike in the US and registering it somewhere else. Once I bought a bike from a dealer and had them send me the title before I looked at the bike. I registered the bike at my home and then traveled to it with the registration and plates. This was really good service, and made the paperwork easy. Could you do that from your home?

I have never sold a bike in another country, sorry can't help you there. Good luck. chuck

[This message has been edited by chuck (edited 30 March 2003).]

Hi Richard, we are also from the UK. Two years ago whilst travelling RTW we bought a car in San Diego and had the car registered to a branch of 'Mail Box's Etc' It's basically a P.O. Box number. You rent the box for 3 months or more and for an extra, small fee, they will post your mail onto wherever you are. We found it great for recieving mail from home as well. All the vehicle documentation was sent to this address. Hope this helps......Bob