Importing a motorcycle from Germany to the US.

[Autorotate]

I am living in Germany right now with the Army. I am looking to buy a new motorcycle, but if I ever go back to the US I want to be able to bring it with me. I know with cars there is a difference in the specifications, hence the problems with bringing them back, but the motorcycles available here do not seem any different than the ones available in the US. Specifically I am looking at the Aprilia Dorsoduro and the KTM 690 SMC. Both of which are available in the US and appear to be exactly the same from all specifications on the manufacturers website. I asked a dealer and he assured me it would be no problem, but I would like an answer from someone with less to gain. Even better would be a reference to the rules/regulations/manufactures specifications/anything...

What would keep me from bringing back a motorcycle purchased from a German dealer to the US?

Thanks.

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[Viperguy324]

Check to see the amount of VIN digits.

Next question is why those bikes? Your much better off with grey market bikes

[Autorotate]

Hopefully tomorrow I will get the chance to go check out the dealer and see what the bikes have for a VIN code.

I just like those two particular bikes. What other bikes would you suggest?

Can you school me on the Grey Market vehicles? I just read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_import_vehicles , but I do not see how I should apply this idea to my situation. I would not be paying taxes on the bike anyway, nor would I have any idea where to find a grey market bike. Thanks.

[Handsome_Rob]

Check with customs on post. They will give you the low down. I believe there has to be a stamp on the frame that shows it is in compliance with US regs. The lights also have to have a cretain etching on them showing compliance. I looked into this awhile back. If a model you want isnt sold in the states its probably not going to have the stamp. Check with montana motorcycles. He gets stuff from the states. It will cost you a grand plus sticker price. He does two orders a year and I think he is about to do the first one of the year.

[Viperguy324]

Originally Posted by Autorotate

Hopefully tomorrow I will get the chance to go check out the dealer and see what the bikes have for a VIN code.

I just like those two particular bikes. What other bikes would you suggest?

Can you school me on the Grey Market vehicles? I just read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_import_vehicles , but I do not see how I should apply this idea to my situation. I would not be paying taxes on the bike anyway, nor would I have any idea where to find a grey market bike. Thanks.

Grey market bikes are bikes that were not sold outside of japan. Example Honda RVF..Suzuki RGV 250..Yamaha TZR 250 to name a few. It is completely hit or miss as to the DMV giving you a title. Only thing they will check is if it was imported and does it have the correct amount of digits in the VIN (There is no "sticker" on the frame). Also the headlights do not need to have anything. (I had an RS250 with a kentucky title years ago).. that was a Grey Market bike for the USA. Now your in Europe!!! Take a Euro Grey bike home and give it a try...

Also if your considering a Ducati you can buy it in the USA and have it drop shipped here.

I also have a US spec Ducati for sale... Not sure its your taste though looking at your picks.

[Viperguy324]

Originally Posted by Handsome_Rob

Check with customs on post. They will give you the low down. I believe there has to be a stamp on the frame that shows it is in compliance with US regs. The lights also have to have a cretain etching on them showing compliance. I looked into this awhile back. If a model you want isnt sold in the states its probably not going to have the stamp. Check with montana motorcycles. He gets stuff from the states. It will cost you a grand plus sticker price. He does two orders a year and I think he is about to do the first one of the year.

Customs on post are not the DMV.. There has been no "frame stamp" on any of my 10+ bikes. Headlights also have no etching. a grand + sticker price is crazy.

[Handsome_Rob]

Youre right, customs isnt DMV. But you will have to deal with them if you try to import something like that. That info was given to me by the head guy at our local office. I have checked into this before.

[Autorotate]

I have a 2004 Yamaha R1 right now, but it is pretty trashed from the movers when they shipped my household goods. It was pristine before. I have submited my claim to the movers and I am waiting on that outcome. According to my local JAG I should be getting full replacement value. In the mean time I am looking for a bike to ride back and forth to work and other short trips, then when I get back from my next deployment I am going to get something like a Aprilia RSV 1000 R. By the time I get back from my deployment I will only have about a year left in Germany, but I will probably extend, just in case I need something I can take back to the US. I usually take care of my bikes and keep them for many years.

Thanks for all the advice. so far I have not been able to make it to a bike shop to check V.I.N.s, but hopefully I will have some time tomorrow at work. I have emailed a few shipping company's who will deliver a bike here for anywhere from $800 to $1700 dollars, so worst case scenario I can do that. Or I may even just buy a German bike and sell it when I am ready to leave.

Thanks for the offer on the Ducati, but I have just never been a fan of them.

[Viperguy324]

Originally Posted by Handsome_Rob

Youre right, customs isnt DMV. But you will have to deal with them if you try to import something like that. That info was given to me by the head guy at our local office. I have checked into this before.

I have shipped one back to the US before.. and I do not remember customs having anything to do with it as you do not need to pay tax on items purchased overseas.

[Viperguy324]

Originally Posted by Autorotate

I have a 2004 Yamaha R1 right now, but it is pretty trashed from the movers when they shipped my household goods. It was pristine before. I have submited my claim to the movers and I am waiting on that outcome. According to my local JAG I should be getting full replacement value. In the mean time I am looking for a bike to ride back and forth to work and other short trips, then when I get back from my next deployment I am going to get something like a Aprilia RSV 1000 R. By the time I get back from my deployment I will only have about a year left in Germany, but I will probably extend, just in case I need something I can take back to the US. I usually take care of my bikes and keep them for many years.

Thanks for all the advice. so far I have not been able to make it to a bike shop to check V.I.N.s, but hopefully I will have some time tomorrow at work. I have emailed a few shipping company's who will deliver a bike here for anywhere from $800 to $1700 dollars, so worst case scenario I can do that. Or I may even just buy a German bike and sell it when I am ready to leave.

Thanks for the offer on the Ducati, but I have just never been a fan of them.

The RSV is right up there! ..nice choice. What color?

[Autorotate]

I like the white one, but I will see what is available next year when I get back.



If I get my claim with the moving company settled fast enough, I might go for this one:

http://www.motoscout24.de/Public/Det...?id=wgbktdorro

If I am correct, I can pick it up for 8,888 euros, use my VAT form to get 19% off, leaving me at 7199.28 Euros, converted to dollars = 9242.05 USD which is still cheaper than US prices for the same bike. I am wondering if I could even talk the dealer down a bit.

[Viperguy324]

Originally Posted by Autorotate

I like the white one, but I will see what is available next year when I get back.



If I get my claim with the moving company settled fast enough, I might go for this one:

http://www.motoscout24.de/Public/Det...?id=wgbktdorro

If I am correct, I can pick it up for 8,888 euros, use my VAT form to get 19% off, leaving me at 7199.28 Euros, converted to dollars = 9242.05 USD which is still cheaper than US prices for the same bike. I am wondering if I could even talk the dealer down a bit.

nice.. have you checked mobile.de?

[Viperguy324]

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/s...d.php?t=171499

he will help you with shipping

[Blue06WRX]

Sorry for the thread jack, but John, please check your PMs!

[Handsome_Rob]

Originally Posted by Viperguy324

I have shipped one back to the US before.. and I do not remember customs having anything to do with it as you do not need to pay tax on items purchased overseas.

Tell that to the La DMV. Im having to shell out nearly 4Gs for her 5.

[Handsome_Rob]

Originally Posted by Autorotate

I like the white one, but I will see what is available next year when I get back.



If I get my claim with the moving company settled fast enough, I might go for this one:

http://www.motoscout24.de/Public/Det...?id=wgbktdorro

If I am correct, I can pick it up for 8,888 euros, use my VAT form to get 19% off, leaving me at 7199.28 Euros, converted to dollars = 9242.05 USD which is still cheaper than US prices for the same bike. I am wondering if I could even talk the dealer down a bit.

Hold out for the V4 Aprilia, man. The newer Ducatis are fantastic. A hell of a lot more reliable as well. Also less maintenance which is nice due to the maintenance costs. I would go for an 1198S. Ohlins, Brembos and traction control for just over 20Gs. The Duc place in Nuremburg, which is next door to the KTM handler, offers test rides on any model that they have including Triumphs. Just need a license and PPE. The KTM guys will let you ride as well. They have some special Super Duke models that you cant get in the states. Just call and make an appt when the weather gets a little better.

[Viperguy324]

Originally Posted by Handsome_Rob

Tell that to the La DMV. Im having to shell out nearly 4Gs for her 5.

The LA DMV wants you to pay 4gs? or Cali DOT?

I bought a new BMW in Germany.. got usaer plates for it and brought it back to the US.. I only paid for the Reg.. was like 240 bones. I also shipped over a German Suzuki RGV 250..which also had usa plates on it.. The guy who bought it said he had no problem getting it legal in KY. he just showed it had prior US Reg. Every state is different.