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12 Mar 2007
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Getting a "non-compliant" bike into the US
Ok, time is getting nearer to coming over to the US for 3 months(ish) and there is always someone who has bad tale to tell and get me worried.
We are bringing an XJR1300 and an RF900 over for 3 months, are we going to have a shed load of problems due to "non compliance" or not ?
TIA
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13 Mar 2007
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It might depend on which of the 50 states (okay, more likely 48) that you are starting in, but come to think about it, you are not coming to live here, just visit. There was a discussion about out of country registered bikes coming into the US, but as I live on the border with Mexico, I see plenty of Mexican plated cars and bikes that I know could not be registered that come into the US daily. Then again, I am fairly certain that they are mostly coming to shop or to visit relatives, and aren't staying for 3 months. I will say with 100% certainty that I am 99% sure that it can be done with few(ish) hassles. I don't know the details, but there must be potentially hundreds here who have done it and can detail it for you.
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14 Mar 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yuma simon
It might depend on which of the 50 states (okay, more likely 48) that you are starting in, but come to think about it, you are not coming to live here, just visit. There was a discussion about out of country registered bikes coming into the US, but as I live on the border with Mexico, I see plenty of Mexican plated cars and bikes that I know could not be registered that come into the US daily. Then again, I am fairly certain that they are mostly coming to shop or to visit relatives, and aren't staying for 3 months. I will say with 100% certainty that I am 99% sure that it can be done with few(ish) hassles. I don't know the details, but there must be potentially hundreds here who have done it and can detail it for you.
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Thanks for the reply, hopefully others will chip in. I was happy until someone in the UK XJR owners forum started his tale of woe
YAMAHA XJR OWNERS CLUB :: View topic - Things to check before a 10k US trip
(look for shouting one :-) )
If anyone else has *any* experience I would be gratefull
We are shipping/flying into New York
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14 Mar 2007
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It seemed like ytc1 stated it best to just keep your mouth shut. I have not had time to ask my US Customs Agent friend the procedure they follow at the local US/MEX crossing, but I have seen cars and bikes that are most likely commuters coming across for the day or weekend with Mexican plates but these are vehicles that are NOT available here, and would most likely not be US compliant. I have seen a British plated BMW convertible (automobile)in California this past summer. I think that once you get into the country,your bikes go through importation, and like the poster said on the XJR forum, just keep quiet while speaking with the person who is processing the importation papers for the bikes; the less they know, the better!
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14 Mar 2007
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R.I.P.
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Whistle for a cop.
Best
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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 24 Mar 2009 at 22:00.
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15 Mar 2007
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No need to worrie.
I agree with Patrick,
When I entered (from mexico) and asked about customs (that is what you do in the rest of the world) they told me: "Hee, this is the USA. You don't need anything to enter your bike"
That was so nice after all the border-hassle's in CA.
So, don't worrie.
Maarten
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15 Mar 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mmaarten
I agree with Patrick,
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Ha, so its true what they said about you and patrick on the "Chavez hates all gringos" thread, lol!!
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16 Mar 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yuma simon
It seemed like ytc1 stated it best to just keep your mouth shut. I have not had time to ask my US Customs Agent friend the procedure they follow at the local US/MEX crossing, but I have seen cars and bikes that are most likely commuters coming across for the day or weekend with Mexican plates but these are vehicles that are NOT available here, and would most likely not be US compliant. I have seen a British plated BMW convertible (automobile)in California this past summer. I think that once you get into the country,your bikes go through importation, and like the poster said on the XJR forum, just keep quiet while speaking with the person who is processing the importation papers for the bikes; the less they know, the better!
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:-) YTC1 is me :-)
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16 Mar 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
As a visitor on a tourist Visa you will have ZERO problems with the bikes.
Anyone can enter the USA with their vehicle for the duration of their visit
as long as you have proof of ownership and a plate of some kind. Lights and stuff should work, but the bikes will not be inspected by anyone. You will pass right through.
Canadians drive NON compliant Canadian spec cars into the USA thousands per day. Many vacation and stay for months. Same with Mexico and even Euro folk...although these are rare.
What you CANNOT do is register the bike in the US. At least not in California.
But you're not doing that....so no worries.
Be sure to bring something that shows you have insurance....even if its a UK company. They may provide coverage or you may want to get coverage
in the US from a US company ($$$$). US insurance companies don't like
foreigners much and charge accordingly. But just have something to show The Man if you get pulled...they will ask for : Driving license, registration (log book) and proof of insurance. Being British you'll probably not be scrutinized closely unless you get a ***** Whistle for a cop.
Best
Patrick
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Not found a UK Insurance company willing to insure in the staes, so will be using the offer from Motorcycle Express listed on the HU site.. somewhere.
I have owned my '99 XJR from new, so will have all the original paperwork somewhere.
The guy on the Yamaha owners forum just seems to have had a bad experience, and when I prompted him for more detail hasn't really produced it.
I have visited the shipper we will use today (James Cargo) and am confident we will not have that many problems.
Only 89 days to go 
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19 Mar 2007
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Duh! I should have looked at your web site listed by your signature; had "ytc1" in there.
If you are planning to ride along the very southern part of the US, in Arizona, look me up. I live right next to where the US states of Arizona and California, as well as the Mexican states of Baja Norte and Sonora all meet. While it sounds like it would be such an exciting place due to all the meeting borders (o.k., sarcasm) there are some good sights to see. However, it will be very HOT here, as in near 50 Celsius HOT around that time, so it might be best to avoid this area until about early to mid October.
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19 Mar 2007
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Not sure you need "original" paper work.
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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 24 Mar 2009 at 22:01.
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19 Mar 2007
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Bruce,
The usa sea and airports treat imports differntly to land boarders. If you are dealing with customs at a sea / air port ask for a tempary import permit for the bike, it last for 12 months. the bikes need to be registared in the UK, should be taxed as well but they don't always ask for that. Buy insurance when you get there any bike shop should be able to do that. Make sure you have good health insurance that covers riding bikes.
Have a good time
Steve
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24 Mar 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yuma simon
Duh! I should have looked at your web site listed by your signature; had "ytc1" in there.
If you are planning to ride along the very southern part of the US, in Arizona, look me up. I live right next to where the US states of Arizona and California, as well as the Mexican states of Baja Norte and Sonora all meet. While it sounds like it would be such an exciting place due to all the meeting borders (o.k., sarcasm) there are some good sights to see. However, it will be very HOT here, as in near 50 Celsius HOT around that time, so it might be best to avoid this area until about early to mid October.
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We will be cutting through Arizona, but higher up as we are following Route66 for the 1st 4 weeks (slowly :-) ) After that we will head north... maybe .... plans are loose from that point, not even sure I want to return to work.
What's 50 in real temp ? 
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24 Mar 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
Not sure you need "original" paper work. Just your current, up to date log book. Honestly, I think you'll find they won't be too bothered. Remember to
state you are "just passing through" and don't plan to Import the bike or
become a resident. You are a tourist in transit. Nothing more.
I had heard of a UK company that provides USA cover, sorry, no idea whom.
If you have a hard time with this or its very very expensive, consider bring your insurance ID from the UK and using that to show. Just tell them you've
extended the policy to cover in the USA. That should be all any Policeman
will need to hear or see. I doubt they will push the issue.
Best of luck with the trip and please post back your experience coming through customs/immigration.
Patrick  |
So far it looks like Motorcycle Express will be best for bike insurance, current hassle is personal travel insurance, mention a) America, b) Motorcycles (tour) and watch the premium double !
Fortunately there is a lot of good info here for deals, very very helpful.
I'll defo post my customs experience (maybe shortly afterwards) and will no doubt do a full trip write up when back.
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24 Mar 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveAttwood
Bruce,
The usa sea and airports treat imports differntly to land boarders. If you are dealing with customs at a sea / air port ask for a tempary import permit for the bike, it last for 12 months. the bikes need to be registared in the UK, should be taxed as well but they don't always ask for that. Buy insurance when you get there any bike shop should be able to do that. Make sure you have good health insurance that covers riding bikes.
Have a good time
Steve
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Ah, more info , should that be requested at the customs office in the US, or before we leave the UK ?
The confusion we have had has been over one form saying we need EPA letter and another saying we don't for temporary import.
Just taxed the bike, fell foul of the budget increase *again* , only 2.50ukp
Health insurance is current nightmare, quotes from 200ukp/pp to 500ukp/pp so far !
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