Is there any US state that is cheaper to buy motorcycles?
 

Is there any US state that is cheaper to buy motorcycles?

I am looking at doing a trip leaving Australia, buying a bike in USA and travelling through Central America and South America. I was looking at LA or San Francisco but can fly elsewhere if I can get a better buy.

I was contemplating buying a new bike to minimise the possibilities of breakdowns as I am not mechanically experienced. A late model second hand one is an option too.

Looking at KLR650 or Vstom 650 but will ask a separate question about that.

Many thanks for the help.

Maurice:biggrin:

I have heard the Bay Area has some good deals on used bikes, but not sure of new bike deals. There is a trader magazine called Cycletrader that is available online.
I linked you to this page on www.cycletrader.com The criteria I used (if you want to go back to try a fresh start) was 'new' 'Suzuki' within 100 miles of zip code 91325 (one of the many zip codes of the L.Angeles area) There is an option to narrow down your criteria, but you might miss some deals if the bike dealer doesn't use the proper name for the particular bike you are looking for.

Here's a sample ad for a V-Strom: http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/2/9/84181829.htm

http://www.cycletrader.com/adsearch.html

Try this link for a KLR; again I used 'new' 'Kawasaki' but used keyword of KLR to help narrow the search, 'within 100 miles of zip code 91325.

Here is a sample ad for a KLR with an "out the door" price found using the above criteria:

http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/9/2/85445192.htm

You can play around with the settings on this search, but for L.A., use 91325 as your zip code, and even try a wider search, such as 200 miles, and add keywords in as well.

Perhaps, someone could give you a good, central San Francisco/Bay Area zip code to use in the www.cycletrader.com search to look there?

Many other good options too. I'd go

Maurice,

Go to Lycos Classifieds, it'll pick up ads from craigslist and other websites. I would get the KLR, cheaper to fix than a VS or BMW and resale value is still pretty good in SA. Better yet, bring over an Africaa Twin and forget about the Kawi or Suz.... :)

Thanks Guys!
 

Thanks for the great feedback and links. The links have been gretly appreciated. I am leaning towards San Fran as it is a little bit less scary to an outsider, particularly one that has to buy a bike (I have been to both but not on motorcycle).

As far as the cost of a flight eating into the savings made on a purchase that is not too big a problem because I am going to get the flight on frequent flyer points.

Thanks again
Maurice

You might consider that Oregon state has no sales tax, so that would save a few percent if you are buying new. Depends where you want to start your trip from.

d.

forks, subframes and swingarms.

I've used the vehicle registration/temp title to get the Mex permit.
Yeah, some states do take a while getting the title to you.

Some dealers will allow foriegn buyers

Our document systems used to be a giant sieve...with holes the size of your imagination.
It's now much tighter.
In a few more years, they should have most of it figured out. Dick's hatband....and all that...
I expect to be doing the dirt nap long before my retinas are scanned. :)

Buying a bike
 

Montana. lifetime license plate (the bikes life), no social security number required and you can use my address for the title. You can get the title really quick, less than a million folks in the whole state. It is a great place to tour around and get some riding in on gravel roads and see yellowstone park and glacier park. Think about staying and transporting around in a big city and then think about the state capital of montana which has a resident deer herd of 400 critters. I do like living and riding here.

Hi Bill

Thanks for the info.:thumbup1:

Excuse my ignorance but what is the capital of Montana? Would that be a good place to buy? Also do you know if there is sales tax payable on purchase? How competitive are the prices as sometimes a smaller population can mean higher prices.

I was interested in going to Yellowstone National Park and the region in general.

Cheers
Maurice:scooter:

FREE SPIRIT, go see Bill, if you can, in Montana. Helena is the capital. Flying Gringo, FREE SPIRIT is looking for a new bike, which you deal in as well. How difficult is it to sell a bike to a tourist?

FREE SPIRIT, make sure you are coming through in the next couple of months if you want to go through Montana (Bill Ryder) or Ohio (Flying Gringo) due to the weather changing to winter in those states...

That stinks for FREE SPIRIT, but I don't think it means the end.

I have seen many posts by Bill Ryder and figure he is an honest man. This gets complicated, due to his being in a remote state that might be more difficult to get to, but as he is not the owner of the dealership he works for (I don't think), you could give him your money and he could run off to Vegas to gamble it away, and get call girls, and, no just kidding. He could be the buyer of record as you indicated you would prefer a new bike, buy the bike, register it, and then "sell" it to you as a private party "used" bike with a permanent Montana license plate, that could be transferred at the Department of Motor Vehicles, using his address as your place of residence. It could be worth a try. Flying Gringo is the owner of his dealership and had mentioned that its harder for a dealer to sell to a non-US citizen, and probably wouldn't be able to get away with using the above scenario such as with Bill Ryder.

As the US is often called a melting pot, it is often the case that tourists come here and have relatives here, which, if you do, would be able to buy and register a bike for you as well.

The other alternative is the obvious one; ship a bike from Australia.

Next time I'm in DMV, I'll ask about laws regarding foreigners buying
vehicles.

Thanks for all of the info. I never imagined that it would be so complicated to buy a bike in the US. I will look into the option of buying one in Australia and sending it across. Unfortunately bikes are not as cheap here as in the US plus then I have shipping costs to add.

I could also start in South America and buy there as I have Uruguayan citizenship?

Shipping from Aust is out of the equation. It will cost around $3k one way plus the hassle.:thumbdown:

Looks like I will risk being able to buy in California. I want to leave in the next few weeks. I have moved and everything is in storage so I am just about ready to start.:scooter:

Piece of cake. Go for it.

FREE SPIRIT, Mollydog is right. Have you contacted any dealers yet in California if you wanted a new bike? (I had posted some sample links from a few dealers in the L.A. area regarding Suzuki) Email them, and if the restrictions are not in place as they are in Ohio, one could sell a bike to you.

Also don't forget that both San Francisco and Los Angeles are areas with quite a few motorcycle dealers. Don't take the advice of one dealer in either area as gospel. There are enough of them such that one may be able to bend the rules a bit if needed to help you out. And don't forget that the prices of new bikes are negotiable here. Shop around for the best deal, you often get great deals with last year's models and its getting towards the end of the season in many parts of the US.

In San Francisco, Mission Motorcycles in Daly City is a good place to start, I would personally avoid Golden Gate Cycles in the City. Some others on this thread may have some other dealer recommendations.

If you come to San Francisco, you should also be able to find a good late model used motorcycle as well, especially on Craigslist. But don't forget that finding any used vehicle takes a bit of time. Buying new, you will be able to purchase and ride away the same day.

The Montana option could be good too. Montana is a spectacular place to ride a bike, at least in the summer. You still have some time to ride up there, but not much!

Keep us posted on what you end up doing. Good luck!

Wow you are right about prices in Uruguay. In fact all of South America is expensive. A new DL 650 Vstrom in Chile is advertised around $13K US!

So to California it is. I have emailed 1 dealer and I am waiting for their response. Today I will contact a couple more.

I am wanting to get sw motech bash plate, crash bars, acerbis hand guards, centre stand and hard panniers. Is it best to negotiate and get these from the dealer at the one time or to buy them later? It would be great if I could have it all fitted out ready to go but I suspect it may be best to buy standard and fit out later?

Off to book my flight now!!!:biggrin:

Thanks everyone for all of your help. :thumbup1: I love this site!:scooter:

I now have a flight in to Los Angeles on the 26th Sept. Now I'm getting excited!!:D :D

I'm in California and can offer you a couch and a CA mailbox. It never occured to me to check with the CA DMV about a foreigner buying a bike, but I doubt it's an issue in this state. We've got a foreigner as governor.

FREE SPIRIT,

If your route takes you slightly east to cross into Mexico at Calexico/Mexicali or Yuma, look me up.

Simon

Thanks for the kind offer Dave:thumbup1:

I will keep it in mind if I head up towards SF although I am flying into LA and I think that I will head down to Mexico as soon as possible. I would like to see if I can make that meeting in Creel. :biggrin:

Cheers
Maurice

Will do. :thumbup1:

Thanks for all of your great feedback.

Cheers
Maurice

I need a little help
 

I have made it to Los Angeles and have made all my enquiries to buy a bike. It is ok for a foreigner to buy a bike.

The only problem is that I need an address in California for the permanent registration papers to be sent. This is where I need help.

Is there anyone from CA that is willing to let me use their address. When the papers arrive I would need you to email me so that I can give you the address to send the papers to me. I will be happy to send the money for the post.

Cheers
Maurice

You're fine to use mine. I'm in Sacramento.

All fixed up now
 

All is ok now thanks to Dave. :thumbup1:

I have bought my bike and now I am getting it ready for the trip.:clap:

Cheers
Maurice

Montana deals....
 

I was glad to see Bill ryders reply on this! Montana does have quite the deal as far as taxes and fees goes.

NO sales taxes and as to the title and plate there is a one time $85 fee for a lifetime plate (as long as you own the bike, if you sell it the new owner has to pay another $85). It doesn't matter how expensive the bike is at all!

Not to mention that you could cruise around Montana! And we'd be glad to tour guide you a bit!

Bill is a good friends to riders (and a motorcyccle mechanic!) and I think you could ask him if you have any further questions.

Rudy in Helena

Whoa!
 

this is so helpful as i was starting to get a little concerned about buying in the US vs here (Oz) after reading some threads on advrider recently. Thanks to all the contributors and i hope that in 12 months when i am ready to come over there things are still the same.

Chris

If I'm still in California in 12 months, I've got an address you can use. Although, I shouldn't be here unless my RTW decides it wants to take 3 rounds.

--Dave

Oregon
 

Buy in Oregon. No sales tax.

Portland is only a $100 flight from L.A. or San Francisco.. Much less than the sales tax, plus its a beautiful city to visit.

600 miles from Portland to San Fran. All freeway. Can be done in a very long day. If you want to get back to CA quick, have the registration and tag sent to the dealer and ask them to forward to you in CA. Otherwise just spend the time waiting for it in Oregon, exploring the Cascades, could even go up to Seattle too.

The Pacific Northwest is one of the best areas in the US, IMHO :)

Montana motorcycles
 

Don't forget montana, no sales tax and you get a permanent plate with your bike.....good for as long as you own your bike.

This may sound a bit dumb,but does that mean if i buy a bike in Montana,and sort insurance at the same time,i'll get less hassle from the various authority figures in other states? Does that apply to used bikes as well?

Insurance in the USA applies nationwide.

There are some states that you have to show insurance only if you're in an accident. There are others where you have to show insurance when you register a vehicle. And there are others where you have to show you have insurance if you get pulled over by the police.

So yes, once you buy a bike, get insurance. It will make things much simpler if you get pulled over.

This applies for new and used bikes.

Insurance
 

Insurance on motorcycles is not mantadory in montana...yet. If you go to canada or other states you need insurance. Whichever state, buy a bike and travel.You never regret the things you did do it's the thing you didn't do that you regret.

Sales Tax
 

In California, sales tax is 7.0-7.5%. On a $10,000 bike that (obviously) $700 to $750.

Oregon has 0% sales tax - automatic savings of nearly $1,000. In addition, registration and license is a fraction of the cost in Oregon compared to California.

Fly to Oregon, buy a bike, drive down the coast.

I know several California people who maintain a business (shell company) or home in Oregon. They purchase and register all thier vehicles in Oregons.

The savings is worthwhile

Montana
 

Reviving an old thread a little here (sorry) but I'm planning to start a trip Alaska to Ushuaia in August this year and I still don't have a suitable bike.

One option is to buy in the UK (probably V-Strom or KTM640), the other is to buy a KLR in Montana, as they are cheap and would save shipping. From there I'd head over toward Seattle and then get a ferry north to Alaska to start my trip.

I've been in touch with a dealer there and they'll sell me a bike but they are looking in to the paperwork. Does anyone know if I'll have problems doing this on a standard tourist visa waiver? Should I get a B2 visa?

Any info or advice much appreciated!

Thanks,

Fraser.

Visa requirements USA
 

Hi Frazer,

I will be in Phoenix within the next ten days to start a similar adventure. I have been in touch with local dealers about purchasing my bike & not one of them has asked about my Visa. I am using my brothers address in Poenix to title my bike. I am travelling on a standard Visa waiver that allows us from the UK 3 months from entry.

If I encounter any problems I will let you know. Happy planning!!

Cheers Mojo.

I will be in Phoenix the end of May and can use my cousin's address. I'd be interested in how you get on, how soon you get title etc. I'm thinking of hiring a v-strom for 10 days whilst I'm there. But I would consider buying if it wasn't too much trouble. In AZ the sales tax is 7.95% and there is also Stadium tax at 3.25% on top. I wouldn't think that has to be paid on a private sale though.

Hi Doc,

I was informed that the title may take upto 2 weeks to arrive? not sure but will mail the dealers that I am speaking to & post the details here. Yes I am aware of the sales tax in AZ but the stadium tax is a new one to me?? Do we get free tickets to the ball game for that??.

I do not see the point for me in buying in a state where there is no tax as my living in Phoenix is free with my brother. I would spend more than I would save.

Cheers Mojo.

i didnt read all the posts

but oregon has no sales tax not sure about reg and stuff canada is closer if the s%^T hits fan only need a drivers licence to reg and insure.

The "stadium" tax is, depending on what city you are in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area (keep in mind that there are actually 5 or 6 separate cities--each with their own police and fire departments, local city gov't, etc), and each one seems to have made deals with someone to put in a sports stadium of some sort. The big, new stadium is the American football stadium in that area, but I am not sure which actual city it is in.

Where the taxes come in to play is that in order to sell the idea to various cities to foot the initial bill, sports entities will sweeten the offer to the residents by promising that the sales tax on purchases will not go up. However, usually (I don't know if this is the case in which you are speaking) the sales tax on more "touristy" things like hotels/motels, restaurants, etc. has the extra tax (sounds almost like an oxymoron) tacked on.

So, the logic goes (here in Yuma, they tried to sell us on continuing with our sales tax 2.5% above and beyond the 8.25% at restaurants, hotels, bars) that we can choose not to go there. Hotels normally aren't used by locals, but fast food restaurants, and. heaven forbid, bars, are used, so in a way, it was like adding a "sin" tax.

I don't know if the extra tax will be charged on to a motorcycle purchase anywhere in the greater Phoenix metro area, so the easiest way is to ask the specific dealer about it.

Hi Mojo,

Curious to know how you are getting on?

Did you have any issues with the standard visa waiver?

Cheers,

Fraser.

No worries mate
 

Frazer,

I have had ney worries so far, I am currently in Honduras & have been through Mexico & Guatemala so far. In the USA no bike dealer will ask to see your Visa, they just need a local address like I had to register & Title your bike, I did leave the US before my 3 months were up.

Having fun loving it.

Cheers Mojo.