Where in Japan?

[Scotzman]

Hey,

I have a friend who a) wants a monster b) is trying to transfer to Japan.
So would it be easier/cheaper for him to get it there or ship it? Also, where are you guys located? He's looking at going to sasebo, but doesn't know alot about the area.

Thanks guys.

[Scotzman]

Anyone Anyone?

[slowpoke13]

I spent 2 years in Japan. Bought my M400 (asian market specific) there. You'll pay more for the bike there than the US. And if he's going military, shipping is free (with HHG). So, unless he specifically wants an Asian spec, it's usually easier to bring. There will bew more paperwork and possibly a tax additionally. But, it's not that bad from what I hear (for Motorcycles).

[NAKID]

I just looked online and the emissions testing alone is ¥100,000!

[Dana]

The cheapest I heard somebody doing it was $1,400 (whatever that turns out to be in yen).  The most I've heard was just over $2,000.  They do emissions and a brake test and a couple other small things.  

My advice would be:  If he/she is staying for a LONG time, then i'd consider bringing my own bike, knowing I could possibly have to shell out $2,000 and do a lot of running around.  If I were only here for a few years, I'd pickup something interesting...even a used Ducati sells for $2,000+ more here than it would in the states...then add more $$ because of a crappy exchange rate...ugh!

I'm at Yokota (Tokyo).

For reference, check out: http://www.goobike.com/bike/ducati.html  (add 4 zero's to whatever price it shows and that's the price in yen.  divide that 90 and that's the price in dollars)

Dana

[NAKID]

I'll be there for 3 years.
Thanks for the link, but I don't see any pics or prices...

[Dana]

We're gonna have to bring you up to speed with the nihongo! (Japanese language)

Sorry I assumed everyone reads Japanese!  (Seriously, I just click on links until I find what I'm looking for).

Anywho, find the model you're looking for.  Some models are in Japanese, for example: Hypermotard 1100S = ハイパーモタード１１００Ｓ

So once you find the model you're looking for, click it and at the top of the page with the map of Japan, click on the link all the way above the map with the biggest number.

When it works, it looks like this:
http://www.goobike.com/bike/ducati__ducati_hypermotard1100s/summary.html

We're heading out to the track as soon as it warms up.  A couple of us picked up some motards to have some fun on one of the smaller tracks.  We actually did a 6hr endurance race last october on a ZXR 250.  FUN! 

Let me know when you get closer to getting in town.  i have a friend down there that could help with a bike.

Again, check out www.gaijinriders.com
Gaijin = foreigners

You'll like it here!
 
Dana

[NAKID]

Well, I am here. Sitting in the Navy Lodge in Yokosuka. Just waiting to get into housing....

[slowpoke13]

Glad you made it. How you liking Japan? I've got a friend here in Africa with me that's headed to the Blue Ridge.

How long is the housing wait? Tower? Negishi? Ikego?

[NAKID]

I got a tower here on Yokosuka. It's a pretty decent place. I wanted a townhouse, but it was a 2-3 month wait. This is for me (E-6 with 3 dependents), so depending on him it could be longer. I know E-7 and above, especially Warrants, have a pretty long wait.

I like it so far, but we are nearing the end of an availability, then going underway or the summer...

[slowpoke13]

Shuold have a lot of decent port visits. Is it a S. Pac? I know most out of 7th flt doesn't actually leave 7th flt.

[NAKID]

Yeah, should hit Australia as well. I miss that country!

[slowpoke13]

me too. Only did a quick stint of a port visit there. But, spent 10 days over New Year's there and had a blast. Great group of OZ riders too. They took great care of me.