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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 24 Aug 2008
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Purchasing a bike in the US
I apologize, Knowing this is not the first time such a Q is asked, but I could not find the thread

I intend to do AK to Ushuaia starting June 2009. I think of flying my 1200adv to AK from Europe, and then back from Argentina, it is quite expensive. My bike here in Israel worth around $40k (!) we have heavy taxes on bikes.
Thinking again, I want to check purchasing a bike in the US and riding it all my trip (for 6 months)and then sellin it back in the US.
Can I - a forigner - register a bike in the US, take it out and then back?
Waht is needed to do such a move? Do I pay full taxes?

Many thanks

Yoni
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My ride from Dead horse to Ushuaia 2009 is at
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It's in hebrew but lots of pics and some translation

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  #2  
Old 24 Aug 2008
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There's a lot of information on this site that will give you additional background, but yes it is possible and yes many people do. You will likely need an address in the state you are buying the bike to register and therefore you will be liable for the tax of that state. Most states not much, like you are used to paying, single digit percentages. In six months, you will have a long ride to get back to the US so consider buying a foreigners bike in SA and riding it back.
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  #3  
Old 24 Aug 2008
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If you're planning on buying in Alaska, check with the Motorcycle Shop in Anchorage. The Motorcycle Shop - Anchorage, Alaska I'm sure that they would have some information for you.
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  #4  
Old 24 Aug 2008
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Yes you can do this. You will probably be paying tax on the bike (Oregon has no tax) but its not that bad anyway. You will need a USA address for insurance and registration ANY address will do even the store you get the bike from. Bike insurance is required in most of the areas you will going threw but you do not need carnet. If you set this up with a dealer before you go your bike can siting there all set up drive up and ride away in hours after you land. it will run you a bit more but if time is going to problim then it may be worth it to you.

Many people have ridden the Americas this way. A few send there bikes back home. Bikes in the states are much cheaper, a KLR will set you back less than $6,000 US or so a new BMW1200GS list for $15,000 US.

USA insurance is good in the USA and Canada (as is Canada insurance) it is sold online if you want many bike shops have insurance at there shop. Not at the border so get it before you start riding.
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  #5  
Old 25 Aug 2008
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In Pennsylvania there is a 6 % sales tax.

In New Hampshire there is no sales tax so it depends on the state.

You will need a US address, registration, and insurance.

Have you though about shipping the bike from Argentina back to the US or even Europe and store it there for a future trip ?
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  #6  
Old 25 Aug 2008
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Thumbs up Thanks guys
Now you've made me really happy. That's what is going to be done. I'me going to contact a dealer in the west coast and start the process.

BTW. any recomended dealer in Cal. (SF. LA)?

Wow. THANKS again

Yoni
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My ride from Dead horse to Ushuaia 2009 is at
www.harpatka.com
It's in hebrew but lots of pics and some translation

Yoni
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  #7  
Old 27 Aug 2008
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Here are two BMW Dealers
A&S BMW Motorcycles: BMW Motorcycle Accessories, Parts and Resources, Microfiche,Dealer,New and Used Motorcycles,Vintage Info,Apparel and Clothing,BMW Catalog,Service
A&S BMW Motorcycles
1125 Orlando Ave Roseville, CA 95661 1-800-689-9893


San Jose BMW - The Largest BMW Motorcycle Dealer in The Bay Area.
San Jose BMW

1886 W San Carlos St
San Jose, CA 95128
Phone (408) 295-0205
Fax (408) 295-0207
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  #8  
Old 27 Aug 2008
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try north county bmw san diego i here they just recieved three new f650gs ask for phil 7605201288
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  #9  
Old 13 Sep 2008
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Hi Yoni: seriously look at my thread regarding foreigners buying in the USA-this is the most up to date truth as I am still stuck in NYC trying to get six points of ID together-check out DMV.com: Why Wait In a Line, When You Can Do It Online! for full info on registering a motorbike in the US. It applies to nationals and us non nationals alike. good riding, G
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  #10  
Old 13 Sep 2008
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I'm open about letting people use my address in Sacramento to register bikes. I'm not there so I can't forward you any paperwork (title, registration) when it shows up but you're welcome to use the address if you'd like.

-Dave
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  #11  
Old 18 Sep 2008
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First post so be nice!

Reading this thread and as always top info available, interested in a coast to coast in May/June and would also like to purchase a bike in the States, could anyone recommend a couple of bike dealers around the San Fran area?
Cheers
Steve
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  #12  
Old 18 Sep 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveH View Post
First post so be nice!

Reading this thread and as always top info available, interested in a coast to coast in May/June and would also like to purchase a bike in the States, could anyone recommend a couple of bike dealers around the San Fran area?
Cheers
Steve
Hey mate, what sort of bike are you after? There's many cheap bikes for sale on craigslist if you don't mind second hand.
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  #13  
Old 19 Sep 2008
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Originally Posted by PocketHead View Post
Hey mate, what sort of bike are you after? There's many cheap bikes for sale on craigslist if you don't mind second hand.
Sound's like the kind of thing I'm after have you anymore infomation on craigslist? I would like a touring bike, capable of carring lugage and a pillion, plan on sticking to the tarmac!
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  #14  
Old 19 Sep 2008
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Used bikes in USA
Craigslist is a nationwide want add for all sorts of things. Motorcycles, cars, housing, lonely hearts etc etc etc. Here is a link to montana craigslist and you can explore the lists in city's and states. I have bought and sold on craigslist with some success. As with any public forum buyer beware. Lot's of scams out there. montana motorcycles/scooters classifieds - craigslist
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  #15  
Old 20 Sep 2008
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Keep in mind that at each border crossing, beginning at the U.S./Mexican border, you are going to need the motorcycle title to clear customs. When you register a new or used motorcycle in the U.S., it takes typically between three and six weeks to receive the title from the state motor vehicle titling department. So you are going to want to have the bike registered in your name well in advance of your date of departure to ensure that you have received the title.

If you have a friendly dealer, they may be willing to let you use their mailing address for the registration/title to ensure that the paperwork arrives safely.
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