Does anyone have experience of registering an imported historic, as in over 25 year old motorcycle in Arizona or California? Last year I made a trip in the US with my 1983 BMW R80G/S and having left it in storage there plan to come back for another trip this year, something I hope to do a few times in the next couple of years. One thing is the motor insurance on a foreign registered bike is quite expensive and I thought if I could register it in either Arizona or California where I have friends who will allow me to use their address it will be a lot cheaper, any advice?

My "import" was a PIA at the local level:

1) I had to get a VIN Certification document (given to me by DMV) signed off by "someone" in law enforcement (local or state police) after inspecting the VIN #s. I trailered it to a local police station.
2) DMV wanted the US EPA to OK that the motorcycle met - was made for USA import standards...another government form. Can't remember where I got that form.

Dr. G
Chief, of the World Adventure Affairs Desk, CITY BIKE Magazine
Survivor: The World Motorcycle Adventure Tour and Travel Rally

Was this a "historic" vehicle? From what I can gather rules are different for vehicles over 25 years old and there are certainly plenty of older bikes bought in Europe and now on the road in the US albeit usually only ridden on high days and holidays.

Mr. Mark:

Rules - each state has their own set of title/registration/and inspection rules. CA likely the toughest.

My foreign "import project" was not vintage, or historic (again, different states, different definitions) at the time.

And yes, some states offer Vintage registration. My Indians (all pre-'47) and 1960 R69S have Vintage plates (registration), good forever. But they started as USA titled vehicles, and no rule how often/when they can be driven on public highways. Not AZ or CA, so different state, different rules.

One other "wrinkle" I forgot to mention earlier was the tax - import tax to Uncle Sam, and then there was a gray area about a state tax. Both were based on original price in some government Department of Transportation book.

Your other option posted was Arizona. I'm a member of the SEAT Club of AZ, (BMW club). One member got in a John Player Norton, but it's possible he did it when he was in the Army (lot's of military in AZ, nearest me was an Army base). I can't remember how or when. Send me a PM with a private email and I'll ask him if he wants to share facts.

Sidebar: I met a fellow in CA who had spent the big $'s to ship (by slow boat) a cheap ($200-$300) Minsk to the USA from Vietnam. Don't know where it came in through US customs, but he carried it around in the back of a truck, off-loaded at events, like the HU Meeting. When I asked him about the "How?" and "How much" his answer was "Too much!" and why could not drive it on the public roads. Plus, it being an old smoking two-stroke, I suspect it would not pass CA emissions.

If your AZ based '83 is not on overstay in The Great Computer In The Sky for the USA, you might want to exit to Mexico, and then re-enter.

I've also seen, as you noted, foreign imports with USA titles/tags (several I know came in from Japan), so it can be done, but where, how much and how long is murky. Sorry I can't be more specific other than to say I know it can be done, 'it's the "How" and "How much" time and $'s that are gray.

Best,

Dr. G
Chief, World Adventure Affairs Desk, CITY BIKE Magazine
Survivor: www.greataroundtheworldmotorcycleadventurerally.co m

Thanks for your comprehensive reply, I have had similar ones on ADVrider which say pretty much the same. It is no big deal to keep the UK plate and pay more for insurance and as long as I don't keep it in one place or country too long it should not be a problem.

On a similar theme a friend of mine who moved from the UK to California actually imported and registered in CA a rotary Norton which has a total loss lubrication system, this was in the 1990's. He then move to Oregon and got it registered there and has since brought it back to the UK after all of that trouble.