Quote:
Originally Posted by PanEuropean
Emission control standards are not the same between Europe and Canada/USA. Even though the engine used might be identical, and the fumes coming out the tailpipe might be identical, the deciding factor is what the emission control placard says.
Manufacturers are more than delighted about the existence of these different standards & labelling - this because it makes gray marketing very difficult.
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The placard is important, and for a grey-market import it is superceded by a type approval certificate and/or taking the bike through a local technical test (which has to be done every 1-3 years anyway) where it is proven to comply with the local emission standards, as set forth in law.
Again: importing US-market bikes into the EU is quite common. Mostly this is done for Harley-Davidsons/Indians, because they're expensive and the extra hassle and paperwork is worthwhile for the dealer in terms of profit margin. But there are also plenty of US-market Gold Wings and R1200GSes on EU plates out there.
Also see above what I said about the EU being *not* a homogenous legal space. Some EU countries make it much easier than others.
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