Importing European Monster to the US

[elgallo73]

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

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...

[ducatiz]

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:

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).

[duccarlos]

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.

[ducatiz]

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

[duccarlos]

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.

[ducatiz]

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.

[Curmudgeon]

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?

[duccarlos]

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

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

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

[thought]

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.

[ducatiz]

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?

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