Registering an imported bike (Japanese M400)

[slowpoke13]

Hi All, been a while. I'm settled in San Diego and got the M400 in the garage.

Background: Bought the M400 in Japan, Japanese VIN, Japanese spec. What that means is it's basically a 2003 M6XX with a smaller bored engine. Same exhaust, same electronics, carb'd.

Question: Does anyone know the process, forms, requirements I have to go through to register it? Do I need to have a VIN created? Do I have to have it inspected? Where do I go from here? I know I can go to the DMV and ask. But, I'm going to end up spending a lot of time there and not getting much and heaven forbid I get the person who gives me the wrong advice.

I'm not looking to turn her into a track bike (I've rode faster scooters). And she is bone stock (but, was slightly scratched up during shipping, I'll get new cans, levers, mirrors out of the deal).

Any help?

[ducatiz]

Bringing a vehicle into the US that is not US spec without doing the paperwork is a federal crime. 

PM me.

[slowpoke13]

I got the DD form 1252. It went through the proper channels to come stateside.

[ducatiz]

DD1252 doesn't cover vehicles, only personal property.

You should have had to declare it on a DD788-2, which requires you to run it thru an RI (registered importer).  On that form you have to indicate that it does/does not have an EPA/DOT cert on the bike, and if not, post a bond with Customs. 

[slowpoke13]

Straight off the DMV 12.120:

* Evidence the vehicle has cleared U.S. Customs. U.S. Customs forms 7501,
3461, 6059, 3299, or 3311, stamped or endorsed by U.S. Customs, or
Department of Defense form 1252 are acceptable.

[ducatiz]

I hear you.

It has to be declared on the DD1252.  Required, but not sufficient.  That demonstrates that you imported it legally and it isn't stolen from another country and it was your property when you boarded it.

DD788-2 should have been done as well.

Trust me.

[slowpoke13]

According to the NAVSUP Personal Property Office, motorcycles are part of household goods and not listed as vehicles. And, the 788 specifically states automobile.

I just went with what NAVSUP and the people that do this often said was ok. They had to check for a specific letter stamped (forgot the letter or where, it was 10 months ago).

Don't get me wrong. I just went off what the DMV site said. I appreciate the help. And the observations. But, according to the 12. series of the DMV page, I'm on the right track. What/where is the different info you're talking about coming from? You mentioned customs and (from what I read) it seems the 1252 covers that. No?

[ducatiz]

DD788 is for cars/automobiles
DD788-1 is for vans
DD788-2 is for motorcycles

The whole point is that if it is not EPA certified, it has to be bonded at your POE by customs.  If it is not, then you've (unwittingly in this case) broken the law.  I am not joking with you and I do know what I am talking about.

At this point, getting a 788-2 done won't matter, but you need to be in contact with an RI who might can steer you right.

These are the issues:
1.  Bike was never sold in the USA.
2.  Specs for that bike were never established in the USA.
3.  Converting the bike requires either a) a letter from the manufacturer or b) a certification from an RI (registered importer) who will examine the bike and prepare a list to make it epa/dot legal.
4.  Ducati NA and Ducati Bologna WILL NOT issue a letter. 
5.  The RI's work includes running the bike on emissions cycle testing, jsut like the EPA does for new vehicles.  IT isn't cheap.  Figure 2-3k for that part.
6.  Making the bike legal requires an act of Congress.  it will be entered into the Federal Register as an exempted foreign vehicle if it has been converted.

I have imported 3 bikes to date and I don't want to do it anymore, and I'm an attorney who should have the patience for this kind of BS.

If you need the name of an RI, you can look them up on NHTSA's website or I can refer you to the one I used.  You're in Cali, I think there are a few out there who can give you an idea what they charge.

To my knowledge for that model, you'll have to swap the headlight, add side reflectors, refit the original exhaust and add a carbon gas vapor emission system (for CARB).  The RI will issue a decal with a VIN (usually the same as on the frame) and an MSO title with their name acting as agent for the manufacturer.

[slowpoke13]

Thank you. That's good info. The cans are DOT/EPA. Not sure about the rest of the exhaust. It's actually stamped with the EPA disclaimer.

Looking over the NAVSUP smartmove forms, for Italy, it lists the 788-2 specifically. For Japan, just the 788. Thoughts?

[ducatiz]

I would say that someone screwed the pooch on that.  JDM vehicles require more modification than Italian market.  The bikes have RHD headlights (ok, not much more, but that's significant)

It makes it a lot easier for the RI to certify if all the parts themselves say EPA and DOT.  But what they are looking for is an actual sticker stating the bike is in conformance with the EPA regs (which include a noise sticker on the frame)

Like I said, the actual conversion will not be much work at all.  It is the paperwork and certs that are a pregnant dog.

[slowpoke13]

Well, at least there's no duty on it (according to the Treasury Dept.). 

But, I figured I'd have paperwork. That I knew. I'm just trying to sort out where to begin with the paperwork. What would be the best order to avoid backtracking or showing up with the wrong forms at the wrong place.

[ducatiz]

Yeah, you have no duty on it b/c of your status.

Call an RI.  They don't have an anvil in the fire.  The one I dealt with gave me good advice and was willing to work with me (I bought the parts except for the goddam reflectors)

Just be prepared to be shocked $$$.

I would also try writing a letter to Ducati NA and see if they'll write a conformance letter for you.  You might think of some way to convince them to do it.

The 400s were not sold in the US so they would have to do the research.

AFAIK, the emissions are not a problem on that bike, same spark/advance/burn as the 600 engine of the same year.

[slowpoke13]

DNA has been queried. We will see. I'm not expecting any serious vehicle changes. possibly a canister and reflectors.

Thank you for the direction.

[slowpoke13]

Well, I will start the process and see what it takes. I'll post my results and problems I encounter. And suggestions for others that decide to try on their own.

[ROBsS4R]

All I have to say is I am damn jealous. I always wanted a m400 =(

When you get tired of it... if you ever do can I call first dibs on buying it? I am located in Cali of course  [moto]