Ducati Monster Forum

I searched but could not find an obvious thread...

Researching buying a Monster down here in Chile. They use the European standard down here and they're make the beast with two backsing expensive. Eventually I'll be moving back to the US and would need to figure out if it's worth it just to sell the bike here or take it with me when I move back. How different are the standards?

It's not straightforward.

if the bike is not a) sold in the USA as an identical model or b) on the list of nonconforming vehicles eligible for importation, then it has to be run thru a Registered Importer (read: $$$$) to convert it to US standards.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/ (http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/)

IF there was an identical model sold in the US, then you will need to swap the gauges for MPH speedo, add side reflectors, put on the factory exhaust, remove any jetting/EFI mods, and a few other things.

It has to match same-year of manufacture specs.

Sorry to bring this up here as well, but isn't the tank material different too? (non US compliant)

SHED testing isn't one of the import requirements.  just tailpipe and noise emissions.

Might sound a little back asswards, but what would be involved in bringing a US VIN bike down to Chile as a temporary resident?

Depends on the length of the stay, and largely belongs this thing apparently called a "caret" which amounts to a passport for your vehicle.  Basically (based on ADVrider research) you have to promise to take out that which you brung in.

I ve read the importer charge a pretty penny so add that cost to the bike

My response was predicated on the number of beers I've had, and Ducatiz' response. YMMV, FYYFF, and whatever acronyms you like.  :P

That's correct. Importing used bikes is simply not allowed. If it's for short-term you have to get a special permit and must remove it from the country once the permit expires. I looked into bringing my Monster. Had to sell my baby instead  :(

Sounds like if I buy locally, I will need to sell before my return.

Recently I read the book "Vincent In The Barn"  Some of the stories include bike finds in other parts of the world and bringing them into the USA.  One trick used to get the bike here was to ship the bike as parts and then re-assemble back in the USA.  Not a practical solution for you, likely not legal, but an idea.

Enough said.

1.  What model/year of bike do you have?
2.   Can you return it to factory spec?
3.  Can you find mph speedo for it?

I will be buying a used 2011 796, but it's European specs. I have no idea what would be the difference between the US and European models.

There are only minor differences.  The exhaust and fueling setup is identical, as are the brakes and electrical system.

The main differences are:

speedo
evap container (not required for federal, only CARB)
side reflectors

i think that's it.  the best would be to get a letter from Ducati, you can try writing to them.  contact_us@ducati.com to see if they will write a homologation letter.   basically, it will say "this bike in factory form is identical to the US version except for x, y, and z".  if you can get this letter, then the registered importer will just need to certify those changes have been made (if you do them yourself) or they will send it to a dealer to have it done.  they will charge you markup, figure at least 3-5k if they do the work.  you will have to submit a 150% bond on the dutiable value of the bike (which for a used bike will be the bluebook).

i used Champagne Imports for my two bikes.

honestly, if you have the choice, just wait until you get back to buy it.  the expense can be overwhelming unless you can do all the work yourself and can get the letter -- and then you still have to pay the RI for the fees and filing. 

call around to some of the listed RIs to see what they would charge you. 

I went through this following a lengthy stay in the Middle East.  Essentially, the motorcycle will be considered a "gray market" vehicle and in line with ducatiz post, I would have had to ship the vehicle to a company which specializes in modifications to comply with US law.  There were only a few, and the quote I received made this very cost ineffective.

Admnstr may be on to something with disassembling the bike and reassembling in the US, not sure how you would go about getting it registered, however...

Ironically, the standards for the European bikes (from an emissions point of view) are stricter than the US.  If I recall correctly, the European monster comes standard with a catalytic converter but minus the carbon canister.  You can look up the EPA standards for importation via the following link:

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/quiktext.htm (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/quiktext.htm)

For the "hassle factor" and cost involved, you are likely better off selling the bike and buying another when you return, even at a loss...  I sold mine for $1,000 less than I paid for it following use for 3 years, thus, in my case it was very cost effective to just sell it and buy another when I got home...

All US bikes have a catalyst now, as of 2007 or 2008.

Euro bike emissions are Euro3 or Euro4 depending on engine size and they don't measure the same things the same way, so it is not possible to compare.

However, all Ducatis are made to meet both Euro and US regs.

the evap canister is not required for US, only for CARB.  Ducati puts it on because they sell so many bikes in California and the CARB states (which includes NY).

I just did some research and it seems that Ducs hold their value really well down here. They are super expensive, as in double, but I should be able to sell it for a small loss. If I imported, when it came time to sell it, there would be no way I would be able to recoop that money. next time I will do the reverse. In theory, I could fly back to the US, buy a new Duc like the SF 848 and bring it over. I would need to pay taxes and duties, but when it would come time to sell, I could possibly even make some money out of the deal.

That's not surprising.  I have heard of businesses doing that with late-model used cars for the same reasons.

I believe this is the reason why you can't import used bikes. Can you imagine the amount of lemons that would land here? That used 796 I mentioned above is selling for around $16,000. The new SF 848 will probably sell for around $24,000. If I had the cash, I would definitely buy one over there and then import it.

Do you mean import to the US or where you are now?

My friend was exporting US spec cars to Costa Rica.  Mostly Toyotas.

Speedo is a DIY tweak in the programming. The bike is already Euro 3 which is acceptable to US EPA. Ask DNA for a compliance letter for that VIN?

Import to Chile from the US. Bikes down here are terribly expensive. There is a reason you mostly see 250s and lower.

Maybe ask in the advrider.com forum?  I know they spend a lot of time down in South America and sell their bikes after a long trip down.  Could have some good info there.

DNA hasn't been issuing letters for a long time.