Importing bikes from the USA

[Couch]

I'm just wondering if anyone has looked into importing bikes from the States..........or perhaps, has even done so??
I have a friend who's very interested in doing so, so I'm just wondering!!

I believe it's necessary to change the head light as on low beam it dips to the opposite side, also brake pads may not comply.
Any info would be greatly appreciated :).

[Brock]

Its a bit of a mine field. Google it. I did a while ago for some one.

Can the bike already be bought here, if so why will he be importing it. Is it for resale, will it meet compliance regulations etc.....

Good luck

[alans1100]

There's a few companies that do it but after reading this is it really worth the hassle.

http://www.wwcf.com.au/Importing-Motor-Vehicles

[terrydj]

I think the bike has to be over so many years old unless you have owned it for a period of time in America. Theirs no import Duty? but you have to pay GST on the price you paid for it. Know it has to be ultra clean like no petrol or oils in it. Think it will cost you a couple of thousand landed. Theirs a few crowds that will do the whole lot for you.
Knew of people exporting Harleys to America when our money was chicken feed compared to the American dollar

[Dan]

I looked at bringing one of my bikes over with me from the UK, bikes are almost given away over there.  But, with the transport costs, and all of the red tape and other costs at this end it just wasn't worth it.  I would have saved a few dollars compared to what the bikes cost here but not enough to make it worthwhile, and besides I was fed up with that bike anyway! 

[Poppy Dave]

A mate brought a Harley over from the States and it cost him $5000 all up for shipping from the states to a company in Queensland (I think they are called Geezers, or similar), who did the conversion and then over to him here in WA.

He went over there, bought the bike, rode it road the states for about 3 weeks and then shipped it back.

He reckoned it was worth it cause he bought the bike for US$12,500. Plus the AU$5,000 for the above. Total about 17,500 as the US and Aust dollars were worth about the same at that time. He had priced the same model here and he said they are selling here for about $30,000, so if he didn't like it after all he could sell it and make a profit.

HE DID ALL HIS HOMEWORK BEFORE HE WENT AHEAD WITH THE PURCHASE THOUGH.

[Couch]

Thank you everyone for your input......................there are some very cheap bikes in the States that's for sure.

My friend's actually looking at importing a Harley , but I've had a bit of a look at the ST Owners Forum and there are many very cheap STs listed for sale there. Here are just a few of those that are currently listed for sale, many of these bikes have more farkles added than it's possible to list........these prices are in US currency and are all ST1300s......2008 $8,500.........2006 $5,500........2005 $6,500............2007 $6,500..........2005 $6,500..........2007 $8,500.....and these are only a few of the dozens that are listed for sale.  There are also very cheap 1100s available as well.       I'm led to believe it's possible to bring them out for a couple of thousand dollars it just depends on how the bikes are crated for shipping. For instance, the smaller the crate, the less the cost. So if the bikes can be dissmantled they can be crated smaller.

If I get any further information I'll keep you all posted .