1Likes
|
|
4 Nov 2004
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
|
|
Buying Bike in Japan?
A friend has suggested starting my RTW trip by flying to Japan, purchasing a bike there, and continuing west via Vladivostok. This would seem to have some appeal as it would save the cost and hassle of shipping the bike across one ocean (I would end the trip on the west coast of the US).
Does anyone have any information about a non-citizen of Japan purchasing and riding a bike there - the legalities, procedure, etc.?
Thanks for any info.
Mike
Idaho
__________________
Mike
|
5 Nov 2004
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
|
|
To register a motorcycle in Japan (as a foreigner), you need to go through the alien nregistration process to have a legal address to register the bike in your name. Although not 100% positive, I think you can register your self even as a temporary visitor.
You will need an "international" license plate too (local ones use Japanese characters). You can apply for one throught the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). You get the international registration form from your Land Transport Office (Rikuunkyoku) that is in charge of your vehicle registration.
To sum it up.
1. Register your self at city hall where you will have an address. At this time, get a Certification of Registered Matters (Toroku Genpyo Kisai Jiko Shomeisho). Document needed to prove your address.
2. Purchase motorcycle. The bike shop usually handles registration procedure for you.
3. Get international registration from Land Transport Office (Rikuunkyoku)
4. Get international license plate from JAF. This takes a couple weeks.
5. Have someone deregister the bike after you leave. Otherwise you (or whoever's address you are using will be billed for annual vehicles taxes).
Things will be a bit more difficult if you need a carnet...
I hope this helps you.
Last edited by Chris in Tokyo; 1 May 2006 at 01:52.
|
5 Nov 2004
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
|
|
Thanks Chris, for all this very helpful info. The process seems quite complicated and I wonder how feasible it is for someone who neither reads nor speaks Japanese to negotiate their way through these steps? I don't suppose there would be any way to arrange for the international license plate in advance? Staying two weeks in one location isn't really possible for me given the overall time constraints for this trip.
I wouldn't need a carnet for Japan for a bike purchase there, would I? Japan is the only country on my proposed route that requires a carnet.
Thanks again, I'm very appreciative.
Mike
Idaho
[This message has been edited by liketoride2 (edited 05 November 2004).]
__________________
Mike
|
6 Nov 2004
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
|
|
You could go without the international license plate, I guess. The intl. registration certificate is in Japanese and English. I have heard of cars with arabic plates driven in Europe, so it can't be any different.
However, I wouldn't ride a bike to Russia without riding it around Japan first. You never know what you will discover on a new bike. You don't give up the original Japanese plates, so you are free to ride around Japan as much as you want.
You won't need a carnet as long as you don't bring the bike to a country that requires one.
[This message has been edited by Chris in Tokyo (edited 06 November 2004).]
|
6 Nov 2004
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
|
|
Thanks again, Chris. One last (I hope) question on this topic - do you happen to know if Kawasaki sells the KLR 650 and Suzuki the 650 V Strom in Japan? I know the Japanese manufacturers sell some bikes in the states that they do not market in Japan, and I was wondering if that was the case with these two models.
Mike
Idaho
__________________
Mike
|
6 Nov 2004
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
|
|
KLR 650 and Suzuki the 650 V Strom are NOT available in Japan. Most of the big offroad bikes are imports (BMW, KTM).
You may find some reverse-imports (those registered abroad and imported to Japan), but they are fairly expensive.
Africa Twin is not being sold new now, but there are plenty used ones around.
There are plenty of 250cc bikes and a couple 400s.
|
8 Nov 2004
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
|
|
From the info you've provided, Chris, it doesn't appear buying a bike in Japan is a viable option. But thanks anyway for posting the info, I really apprciate it.
Mike
Idaho
__________________
Mike
|
21 Nov 2004
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
|
|
I started a trip by flying to Tokyo and buying a second hand bike. This was ten years ago mind you. I loved shopping for second hand bikes in and around Tokyo. They are cheap, very low mileage and never ridden at speed and probably never off road.
The bad news is that they are never over 400cc (and if they are its because they are re-imported into Japan and that makes them quite expensive). Also getting them registered in Japan didnt appear easy to me, but the advice above looks pretty comprehensive.
As far as the lower CC'age of the Japanese bikes go, as has been written in several other posts, its only in western countries motorways that its an issue. In most countries conditions that allow you to do more than 100 km/h are rare anyway.
I have a small section in www.TokyotoLondon.com (under "equipment" on my buying secondhand bikes in Tokyo.
|
23 Jan 2005
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Japan
Posts: 1
|
|
still thinking of buying in Japan? de-register and export the bike to russia then register the bike there. large size offroaders can be got used for about 300,000-500,000JPY DR400 and DR600 are easy to get check out
www.goobikes.com in japanese but easy to get about with come basic japanese.
anybody need help or ideas for Japan send me a email Ive toured all over Japan on lots of different bikes!
|
11 Mar 2005
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
|
|
The URL above is wrong
http://www.goobike.com
"bike" not "bikes"
As for registering in Russia, I have heard from friends in Vladivostok that this has been done--but it is a bigger hassle than anything you could expect in Japan. At least the procedures are clear here.
I do stand corrected on the big offroader prices. I wasn't thinking of used bikes. Come to think of it, you may have an easier time finding someone who understands simple English at a place that handles reverse-imports as they do business with people abroad.
[This message has been edited by Chris in Tokyo (edited 11 March 2005).]
|
11 Mar 2005
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Seattle, WA - USA / Oltenita, ROMANIA
Posts: 97
|
|
Nooo! whatever you do, don't try to register a bike in Vladivostok. I was there for three weeks (a very fun three weeks, don't get me wrong) waiting for a DHL delivery of a CDI unit for my bike, but an Australian couple was there for OVER A MONTH waiting for registration to go through on a Japanese bike that they bought there that had already cleared customs and been registered before!
Buying/registering a bike in Japan is NOT as hard as Chris' steps may seem (Hi Chris! You rock!). Just like the carnet process for temp import of a bike into Japan, it sounds more complicated than it really is. The great thing about Japan is that even though a process may sound convulted, its like Chris says - at least the procedures are clear - and more importantly, no bribing, no self-important bureaucrats that show up to the office 3 times a week between the hours of 3 and 3:30 who without their all importat stamp the world is sure to come to end. Things tend to work in Japan.
If I were to do my trip again, and didn't care if I had to use soft panniers (Givi is available too), a Japanese small displacement bike, etc... I would definetly buy my bike and Japan and follow Chris' steps. The money savings will more than compensate the time you will need to spend in Tokyo to settle all this. Besides, Tokyo is well worth experiencing.
------------------
Improvement makes strait roads, but the crooked roads without Improvement, are roads of Genius - William Blake
__________________
Improvement makes strait roads, but the crooked roads without Improvement, are roads of Genius - William Blake
|
14 Mar 2005
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: West Virginia, USA
Posts: 33
|
|
Neat. I updated my website on Japanese license plates:
http://www.tigerdude.com/japan/license/export.html
that deals with the export versions. It makes sense that the JAF (equivalent of the AAA over here) handles some of these matters.
As for Japan, I'm off to it. I leave Wed, for 2.5 weeks, and I'll be renting a friend's motorscooter for about 10 days. It's only 50cc, but I figure a great way to see the countryside as I like to take things in slow. If I was on anything too big, I'd be riding too fast and missing everything. The only real worry is having my International Driver's License which was very easy to get.
Quote:
Originally posted by Chris in Tokyo:
To register a motorcycle in Japan (as a foreigner), you need to go through the alien nregistration process to have a legal address to register the bike in your name. Although not 100% positive, I think you can register your self even as a temporary visitor.
You will need an "international" license plate too (local ones use Japanese characters). You can apply for one throught the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). You get the international registration form from your Land Transport Office (Rikuunkyoku) that is in charge of your vehicle registration.
To sum it up.
1. Register your self at city hall where you will have an address. At this time, get a Certification of…ARegistered…AMatters (Toroku Genpyo Kisai Jiko Shomeisho). Document needed to prove your address.
2. Purchase motorcycle. The bike shop usually handles registration procedure for you.
3. Get international registration from Land Transport Office (Rikuunkyoku)
4. Get international license plate from JAF. This takes a couple weeks.
5. Have someone deregister the bike after you leave. Otherwise you (or whoever's address you are using will be billed for annual vehicles taxes).
Things will be a bit more difficult if you need a carnet...
I hope this helps you.
|
[This message has been edited by Tigerboy (edited 13 March 2005).]
[This message has been edited by Tigerboy (edited 13 March 2005).]
__________________
Better to be an idiot than a crook.
|
27 Apr 2006
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,330
|
|
Has anybody recently successfully, as a foreigner, bought a bike in Japan and shipped it to Russia?
How did it go?
I'm keen buying a 400cc bike (DRZ or XR) in Japan and shipping it to Russia to the ride to Magedan and Mongolia and back to Europe. This would happen in 2007.
Cheers for any input,
ChrisB
|
10 Feb 2009
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Posts: 33
|
|
Just wanted to refresh this thread to see if anybody has bought a bike in Japan and been through the registration process.
Mick
|
19 Aug 2018
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 1
|
|
*** FIRST POST ALERT ***
Hi all
Myself another Horizons Unlimited forum member are gearing up for a Japan to Dorset trip in 2022! So I thought I would also bump this post.
We’re looking to buy a pair of DR 350 or DRZ 400s. We’ll then drive these home.
A first foray into documenting the trip is here: https://wereoffin2022.wordpress.com/...rst-blog-post/
I’m just starting to get into the planning in earnest.
We have friends and family in both Japan and China to help smooth the way.
Advice on buying the bikes and navigating the registration and international driving of the bikes welcome!
Cheers
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
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. 11-15
- 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
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...
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™ 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!
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|