Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
Shipping to the US for personal use from the UK. Shipping to the US for personal use from the UK.
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 2
Shipping to the US for personal use from the UK.
Hi List,
I propose to ship a bike from the UK to the US to use on vacation over the next several years. I propose keep it at my buddies house and probably leave him with it when I have finished my travels.
What are the pit falls, and what should I declare?
Road tax, registration documentation, insurance & vehicle type approval are all questions that spring to mind.
Colin
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Londin, England
Posts: 16
Hopefully some others here can give you a more up to date indication of laws, but I don't think you can just leave your British registered bike there - you will be required to take it with you, failing which it'll need to go on American plates.
Another pitfall is the insurance is probably going to be very high, difficult to obtain.
However, all this changes if you take the American driving test and get a bonafide American license. You can then buy an American registered bike and get insurance within seconds - very reasonable T.P.O.rates!
Again, laws change from State to State regarding the test, but having an official address for all paperwork ( your friend's ) opens many doors. He/She just need to phone the local police/testing station to confirm what you need to do. ( I only had to sit the theory, for example )
It'll probably be far more cheaper and less hassle ( shipping papers, fees etc ) to go over and buy the bike there. There ARE insurers willing to insure you on a British license, American bike - I think I was quoted 150$ as opposed to 45$ with American papers. Hope this helps some!
P.S. Whatever happens - go to the U.S. and tour by bike. Beautiful place.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 2
Hi List,
I read somewhere that if your bike was 15yrs old they would just turn a blind eye.
Is this the case anyone?
Colin.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Fort St. John, BC, Canada
Posts: 7
Hello all,
The 15 year rule applies to Canada. It does NOT apply to the United States.
I have just gone through the exercise of importing motorcycles into both Canada and the United States. To bring a motorcycle into Canada, it would have to be 15 or more years old, or meeting Canadian standards. For the United States, there are a series of standards that apply.
If you can obtain a U.S. driver's license, then the procedure is as follows.
Get a letter from the manufacturer that the motorcycle meets U.S. standards. Minor indication discrepancies (such as speedometer in kilometers instead of miles) is not a major concern. You then have to obtain a HS-7 form (for safety standards, lighting, etc), and an EPA 3520 form (emissions). Then it is possible to obtain a U.S. registration.
However, there are provisions for a non-resident to bring a motorcycle into the United States without going through all this. The motorcycle must be exported within a one year period (into Canada is acceptable), and I believe you can return to the United States.
Check this site out for more details.
http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/impoexpo/impoexpo.htm
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Nov 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
Given that bikes are generally cheaper in the US than the UK, and add in the cost of shipping it, it seems to me to make much more sense to just buy a bike over there. You can, as suggested, get a US licence, and with your friends address, licencing and insurance is simple and cheap. All the other methods are a huge hassle - registering a newish bike in the US, if it isn't a model officially imported into the US, OFFICIALLY can't be done. Practically it can be, but can be very expensive and hugely time consuming. Some states seem to go easily, others impossible. I've heard a wide range of results, from dead easy to $15,000 and six months to do it.

KISS principle applies here - Buy a bike in the US.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:52.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top