Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Mar 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 2
XTZ 125 - Small bike through a small loophole

Hey all! I'm looking for anyone else that has a Yamaha XTZ 125 in the States. Mine is aging and, as the need for repairs is growing, it is becoming apparent that parts and knowledge are not in abundance.

I bought my XTZ125 in Ecuador a couple years ago and rode back to the States. The difficulties stated as soon as I reached the USA border. Customs wouldn't let me in unless I imported the bike. It was around 9pm and the normal office for imports was closed for the day. They tried to send me back to Mexico where I would be required to pay another large deposit to temporarily reimport the motorcycle. Then find a cheap hotel for the night in Reynosa. After several months on the road, my triumphant reentry to the USA was not going as planned.

After a lot of waiting and a lot of talking, I was allowed to try my luck at the commercial freight office. Things started going better. I was now out of the mainstream process and in a place where solutions could be made. They let me into the country on the condition that I had to legally import the motorcycle within 1 year. He walked me past the guard, explained the situation, and I was in. No stamp, no papers, nada. Just the verbal request that I register in a year.

Trying to import the motorcycle would have cost thousands due to all the bureaucratic hoops. The XTZ 125 has never been distributed in USA, so it does not carry an EPA approval. Additionally, the bike cost just over $2500. If the original value exceeds $2500 by any amount, it is required to use a licensed import agent to facilitate the process. The original price tag was written 12,000 kilometers and a continent ago, but them's the rules.

Whenever I approached a licensing office with my Ecuadorian registration, they asked for my import papers. I tried a few offices, but always the same. So I dealt with the problem by losing my registration. I approached another department of licensing, but kept the details vague. They told me, "if you lost your registration, you'll need an inspection by the state police." Okay, well at least that's not an import. So I got the police inspection done and brought the signed form back to the department of licensing. The office was now trying to push me through the "lost registration" process rather than the "foreign import" process. The ladies behind the desk had an issue when trying to enter the location of purchase. She said, "Ecuador's not an option in here." Her coworker said, "oh, just click there." And Voila! Plate issued.

So I've got my mini XTZ 125 registered. It's a probationary title for three years. This time frame is meant to allow a rightful owner the opportunity to speak up if the bike was stolen. After three years, it'll be fully titled.

It was no small feat to get a USA license plate for this bike. And I have a hunch that my XTZ 125 might be one of very few living permanently in the USA. Due to its exotic nature, parts are not the easiest to come by. So as Spring time rolls in, I'd like to try and find any others out there. Anybody?

While speed may not be it's strength, it's the most durable, maintenance free, badass little bike I've owned. Corners like a bandit on pavement and rides through potholed dirt carefree. Just sloowly.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
Cool story
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 609
amazing tale indeed. guess it's not possible nowadays but back in 1986 i crossed the usa on a kz650 as a tourist with a US driving license/ID card obtained through a similar loophole.
where was it made BTW, brasil, argentina?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Mar 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 2
Where else, but China! Japanese brand, assembled in China, sold in Ecuador, ridden to the States. It's seen a good cross section of the world and it's only 4 yrs old.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
125, import, xtz, xtz125, yamaha


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

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying Used Bike in Santiago Chile lachy South America 187 5 Dec 2023 14:53
Dave Lomax - Over Weight is Under Prepared ukiceman Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 33 11 Jul 2015 14:34
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination South America 20 30 Oct 2009 18:02
Transfering Title In Buenos Aires kwelfl South America 7 28 Dec 2008 16:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

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. 11-14
  • 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

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:14.