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German CB650, 25 years old legal in US? German CB650, 25 years old legal in US?
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  #1  
Old 30 Jul 2012
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German CB650, 25 years old legal in US?
Hello all,

I bought a Honda CB650 1984 in Cologne.

I'm trying to find information on US government sites about the legalitity of actually getting the bike registered in the US. It doesn't appear to have DOT headlamps or US conformity markings, but it is over 25 years old (I know this exempts me from adhering to EPA standards, for instance).

I got the bike for a good price so thought it might be worth shipping back (I'm attatched after 2000 km in Europe!

Thanks:
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  #2  
Old 31 Jul 2012
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoOrange NJ USA
Posts: 296
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clayton00 View Post
Hello all,

I bought a Honda CB650 1984 in Cologne.

I'm trying to find information on US government sites about the legalitity of actually getting the bike registered in the US. It doesn't appear to have DOT headlamps or US conformity markings, but it is over 25 years old (I know this exempts me from adhering to EPA standards, for instance).

I got the bike for a good price so thought it might be worth shipping back (I'm attatched after 2000 km in Europe!

Thanks:
Being over 25 years old also exempts the bike from US DOT/ NHTSA
import requirements:

Importation and Certification FAQ's Directory--All Vehicles

8. Importing a vehicle that is at least 25 years old.
A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable FMVSS. Such a vehicle would be entered under Box 1 on the HS-7 Declaration form to be given to Customs at the time of importation. If you wish to see that form, you may download a copy from our website at Vehicle Importation and Certification Requirements. You should note that the 25 year period runs from the date of the vehicle's manufacture. If the date of manufacture is not identified on a label permanently affixed to the vehicle by its original manufacturer, to establish the age of the vehicle, you should have documentation available such as an invoice showing the date the vehicle was first sold or a registration document showing that the vehicle was registered at least 25 years ago. Absent such information, a statement from a recognized vehicle historical society identifying the age of the vehicle could be used.

In other words, you should be able to get it into through US Customs import
inspection, by checking the correct Box on the HS-7 Declaration form, and
thereafter register the bike in any State.
Good luck.
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  #3  
Old 31 Jul 2012
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Does this mean I don't have to use a registered importer? Who'm do I contact to set this up?? Do I handle this myelf through the airline?

Clueless.

Thanks.
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  #4  
Old 3 Aug 2012
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoOrange NJ USA
Posts: 296
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clayton00 View Post
Does this mean I don't have to use a registered importer? Who'm do I contact to set this up?? Do I handle this myelf through the airline?

Clueless.

Thanks.
That is correct. You do NOT have to use a registered importer for any
vehicle that is 25+ years old, according to US DOT + EPA regulations.

Checking "Box 1 on the HS-7 Declaration" per above quotation from US DOT
website should be enough.

BUT, that assumes that the particular US Customs office/ staff you wind up
with on any day understands these rules. Most do. Some less experienced Customs staff may be less informed about these details.

It might help if, before you fly and pick up your bike at whatever US sea or airport the bike enters for Customs clearance, print out and carry with you a hardcopy of the above official regulations from the US Customs website--
just in case a particular Customs staff person needs to be reminded.
Don't rely on printing out "my" or anybody's quote from those regs. Go directly to the original website, and print out
the relevant page(s), including the official webpage headers, w/ US Customs logo etc.
That's no doubt overkill, and you may never have to use the printout, but it's back-up insurance in case there's any
question. Capice ?

Good luck !
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