America-Purchasing/Registering/Insuring
 

I tried to find out as much information as possible before my trip to the States in 2009 and now home thought I'd sit down and type out a few lines for the benefit of others. From the Uk I purchased (via ebay) an 8,000 mile 1982 GL 500. The bike was in Alpena Michigan and I flew to New York then got myself up there. The bike was mint and totally standard and still in its single seat spec. Prior to leaving the Uk though I managed to find an original rear seat (ebay Canada) and have it shipped to the bike owner. I turned up with my cardboard box suitcase (unpack / load bike leave it behind etc). and set about trying to register and insure it in my name. I was informed prior to my trip that this wouldn't be possible by those more
knowledgeable than me but thought it worth a go. There was little internet information available. It was so easy I thought I must've got it wrong!

Tips,

1. Find a bike

2. Get yourself a friend who'll let you use his/her stateside address or hire a mailbox. This can be anywhere in US and doesn't have to be in the purchasing state.

3. Purchase no frills liability insurance cover (in case you hit anyone else but your bike not covered so ride well or ride cheap)

4. Go to local DMV (Dept Motor Vehicles) office register bike, get given rear number plate and fit it.

5. Head off

In all it took me 2hours during which time I also had time for a coffee.

Costs

Bike - Your call
Insurance - $70 for a six month policy
Registration- $18

Each state has different taxes and you also pay tax on the bike that you buy even if it's old / second hand. In agreement with the previous owner I 'officially' paid $300 for the bike as written on the form so my additional purchasing tax was low.
You can arrange insurance cover from the UK but for me it was $250 for a 2 month policy so thought I'd try and sort it once there.

In summary, go for it! My advice would be to avoid purchasing in big cities and try and find small town America. If you get to Alpena you'll find one of the best places I found in America with people so friendly and helpful you won't believe it.

As for the trip.......... loads of miles and most of the States (that I'd hoped to see) covered. I was there for the election but couldn't really see the point as there was really only one choice! I finally ended up in San Diego and having got attached to the bike thought I'd ship it home. My thought process was that as I was using it right up untill the day before I left I thought that if I tried to sell it I'd propably take a hit. As a result Rinkens international in Los Angeles collected it and shipped it back for me. It went in an open crate (cheaper) suffered no damage and arrived in the Uk within a couple of months. It's far from being my usual sort of bike but now back in the Uk it can be used or sold on depending on circumstances. I'm pretty much certain there's not another one in that condition in the Uk (I'm taking it to Belgium in May so say hi if you see me!).

All in all a great trip.

I'm not that good at this 'blowing your own trumpet' travelling stories bit but thought that the information might help someone in the future. I am now once more living back in India (but that's another story) and enjoying the chaos that is Indian driving. Should anyone like any information on that particular bit please get in touch.

I hope this has been of benefit and if interested on my latest 'plans' please check out Index. The trumpet thing still rings true for me but it's all for charity! The website was needed to help publicise the event and was put together by far far clever people than me!

Simon

Insurance information
 

Hi Simon, great feedback, that's what one needs : people giving as much information as possible particularly when they didn't find something specific on the subject they want to report back.

I'm currently in Miami ( Just got here yesterday on a flight from the U.K) and as I am ready to jump onto any opportunity that might arise to buy a bike, I would like to know what insurance company you used for $70, this price looks great especially for me because I won't be in the usa for long fingers crossed.

Could you help with Insurance company name and phone? :thumbup1:

Cheers

Marco

Insurance details
 

Hi Marco,
Apologies it's taken so long to get back to you. I'm now back in the Uk (but it still feels like India as my computer just crashed as I was halfway through replying). I guess you're sorted by now but the details are,

LOOK! Insurance Ageny of Alpena 2670 U.S. 23 South Alpena Michigan 49707

I don't have a contact number but the email address is look@alpcharterinternet.com If you address it to Rhonda I'm sure she might be able to help or offer advice. Alpena is a great place and the people are fantastic!

This might be a helpful tip..............I struggled re internet access early on (few cafes) but all public libraries have it and is at a bargain rate.

Have a good trip,
Simon

Thanks for the information Simon, I guess you had a nice time in India and hope you are having a good time in the U.K too.
I had to look for other alternatives and opted for Progressive insurance. I am supposed to pay quarterly as the policy is for one year but I will cancel it as soon as I leave the U.S.
It would've been great to get the same type of policy you did, especially when you want to save some bucks for petrol or beers but I am quite sure the information will be very helpful to someone else.

Keep posting useful information, it helps.

Take good care of you.

Marco

Taking it to the next level - purchase in US and drive it to SA
 

Hey guys,
It sounds doable purchasing a bike (or car - we're still deciding) in the US, but once registered in our name etc etc, can we then take it into Mexico, Central America and eventually down to Argentina?

Any advice would be much appreciated...

Cheers,

Kris

Hi Kris, I had the same hesitation than you before going to America and actually do it. I bought my bike in Florida and came into Mexico a week ago via Brownsville-Matamoros on the east part of the border. I had no problem whatsoever but you have to do the temporary importation at Banjercito office once you have got your tourist permit at immigration. The offices are close one to another in the same building and it takes about 30 minutes to sort that out.

I ll be in Mexico for another week or so then going down to Ecuador.

Take care

Marco

Keep us up to date!!
 

Awesome Marco - that sounds very promising!!! Thanks for giving us some confidence! And if you think of it and feel like it, do keep us up to date!

Have a fantastic trip!

Cheers,

Kris

Remember, we have 50 states.
 

Hello from New York. Just a reminder that we have 50 states with all sorts of different laws and rules, so what worked in Michigan won't necessarily work in New York or another state. For example, here in NY we have rather elaborate regulations on establishing your identity and your address: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/forms/id82.pdf

I would suggest checking out the individual state regulations prior to flying over with the expectation you can register a new bike, but I suspect it is doable in most states.

Realy usefull gen
 

Some great info there. Just what I've been trying to find out.

What was the rough cost of getting the bike back to UK and Import costs?

Thanks in advance. :thumbup1: