Hi John - I did this last year - flew to the US (Nevada) bought an XR650R, registered it etc, rode it around for 3 months, then flew it back to the UK...

Buying and insuring the bike is the easy part - no problem if you have an address you can use in the US (not sure a mailbox is enough though?) - do you have a friend's address you could use?

The problem with the 650R is that it is a dirt only bike in the US, so getting it road legal and titled can be a bit of a problem, or not, depending on the different State laws (you need to check what exactly is required - go to the DMV website for the state you want to register it in)...

I took a load of parts with me (e-start, big tank, fairing) but the least you'll need to get it road registered is the correct lighting kit to get it through the DMV test, then you can change the machine from an 'off-road use only' on the certificate of newness, to a proper title (registration) document - see below:

I bought a lighting kit from Baja Designs (includes turn signals, you need them in the US), plus a couple of mirrors (most states require them) - didn't need a speedo in Nevada, but used my GPS for that anyway. You'll also need DoT tyres - the XR comes standard with off-road only Dunlops.

You then have to get the machine inspected by an 'authorised' dealer - most likely the dealer you bought it from... then you take that paperwork to the DMV and get your registration processed (takes a couple of weeks to come through, but the give you a temporary plate in the meantime).

However, to get the machine actually titled, the DMV also have to do a VIN check (plus make sure the lights etc meet requirements), then you take that slip into the DMV and they will process you title paperwork too - again, typically takes a couple of weeks (up to a month) to come through to your address, but you can be riding in the meantime.

Also, consider if you really want a 650R (I did, that's why I did it this way) - you'll need to get a higher output stator (either new or rewound) fitted if you want to run the lights properly, and it is kickstart only of course.

Then there is the cost of shipping it home and subsiquent re-registration and corresponding tax/duty implications you may face in your own country.

It might be easier to buy a bike in Europe and take it there (you can get foreign machines insured in the US, no problem), or buy a bike there and just sell it again (or get someone to sell it on your behalf after you've gone) - otherwise it's a lot of faffing around - especially if you're only going for a month?

Of course, if you really want a bike you can't buy back home it is the only way...

Hope that helps,

JennyMo xxx

ps. XR650L, while nowhere near as sexy, you can buy and ride out of the shop the same day - title will be in the post two weeks later... same for KLR650, DR650 etc. All street legal out of the door, and cheaper than an XR650R too... worth a thought?