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Storing and using a UK registered bike in America for 2+ years Storing and using a UK registered bike in America for 2+ years
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  #1  
Old 19 Dec 2012
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Storing and using a UK registered bike in America for 2+ years
Storing and using a UK registered bike in America for 2+ years

I am considering doing a TAT trip in the summer of 2013 after 2 months I intend to leave the bike in Canada. Then returning to the UK, by air, for 10 months, before flying back to Canada summer 2014 and continuing my travels.

I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with:
• Can you legally leave a foreign registered motorcycle in America for two + years?
• The UK tax and MOT will have run out on the vehicle can I still get it insured. I take it it is too risky in America not to have insurance?
• If I can’t do this legally what the risks?
• Would I be better off buying a bike over there and leaving it over there?

Moderators: not sure which section this should be under please feel free to move it.
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  #2  
Old 19 Dec 2012
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1 year is the maximum temp import time.

This page outlines the procedure.

If your bike meets the US compliance it is easy to permanently import and register. (See this).

But I imagine with the price of bikes in the US it would be easier just buy one.
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  #3  
Old 19 Dec 2012
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Rego
Your problem is keeping the bike registered (MOT etc) ... part of the condition of using it in other countries is that it has to be regoed in the country of origin.

The risk is that any police officer can say your riding an illegal vehicle .. depending on what the rules are there they could jail you and take the bike.. They'd not care about you being from overseas at that point. For speeding/parking they could take the view that you didn't know , but not on the rego.


It may be cheapest in this situation to buy one over there, saves the transport costs both ways and avoids the rego battle. Put a small brit flag on the 'merican bike handle bars for effect?
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  #4  
Old 20 Dec 2012
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Hi guys

Thanks for the replies.

Just changing my thoughts a little: what about doing the TAT then riding down to South America and then leaving it in South America and coming back the following year to ride it around South America. Are they more relaxed about there vehicles down there?

I have read different points of view on the ability for a foreign national to purchase and insure a motorcycle in North America how doable is it in a short time frame i.e. registers it, insure it without a residence in a week?

Cheers Nick
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  #5  
Old 11 Mar 2013
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First, USA temp is for a max of one year as noted above. but if you go into Mexico for a day you can restart the year. This does not work if you go to Canada as they work with the US and it is a max of 12 months combined.

South America offers several options, but each country is different. My information is a few year old so check further, but Argentina was a max of 8 months, Bolivia they say anything is possible but maybe not legal. Post on the South American section to get current info.
Bob
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  #6  
Old 13 Mar 2013
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We currently have our UK bikes in the US and in the UK we have SORN them. I didn't see any checking on dates when we brought them in so I suspect you can stay longer but we will be bringing them home just before the year is up.

Insurance don't risk going without it. We only paid $300 for a full years coverage, with everything, it would be much cheaper if we took less options. use progressive as everything is done online.

Do make sure you have medical insurance as treatment is VERY EXPENSIVE. Read the small print as most policies won't cover you on a long motorbike trip

You will have a great time. We got lots of comments about those strange license plates!
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