Taking an overseas bike to the States

[JoshuaCJCohen]

Hi all,
 Not sure which forum to drop the question in so this seemed the best bet.

I have a Japanese built 2000 M900 Dark i.e. that I want to bring back to the States with me when I rotate out.  I don't have the faintest idea where to begin to find out 1) is it possible?  2) will I have to make mods?  3) who to get permission from Stateside?

Can anyone point me in the general direction?

Thank you,
Josh

[the_Journeyman]

Japanese built[/] or sold?  Usually the hangup is how the VIN is structured.  It can be done, but requires a lot of paperwork.  You still might not get it through.  Since the M900 was sold it the states, it does make it more possible. 

It would likely be easier to sell the M900 there and buy one once in the states.

JM

[Dirty Duc]

I'd start here:
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/297/~/permanently-importing-a-motorcycle

[JoshuaCJCohen]

After reading your reply I felt the imp of doubt and reread the email I received from Ducati.

"I can confirm you that the bike with the VIN number ZDMM200AAXB000224 is a MONSTER 900 DARK MODELYEAR 2000, Japanese version."

Don't know where it was built. But it is Japanese spec, so I'm in the same place.  It appears to be Japanese sold.  Is the VIN a problem for foreign sold or for foreign build?

I was planning on researching the bringing home option later on in my tour but a few days ago I took the beast off-road, down a hill and into a ditch.  Since I have some repairs to make and am about to sink some (more) money into it I would like to be able to take it with me.  And I'd like to take this opportunity to make some upgrades in the process.  

Has anyone ever done this?


Break. Thanks Dirty Duc.
Thanks.

[the_Journeyman]

You may have to do things like put a stock US exhaust to ensure it conforms to EPA standards.  Overall, the rest of the equipment should mostly be the same.  Some modification to the lights/switches etc might need to be changed out. 

The VIN is the same number of digits as my US market '99 model is.  I know some odd models that were never US market have different length VINs.  Think like Aprillia RS250 and similar oddball bikes that would never meet EPA standards.

Basically, you ship it, it goes to customs for inspections.  There, they assess any tariffs and taxes that are required for importation.  It is also inspected for compliance with US safety and EPA requirements.  Since it is also a bike that was sold in the US market, I would say it can be done, but you're going to be out some money for it to happen.  You could even be out more money than the bike is worth after paying tariff/taxes/inspection fees/doing any compliance work.

JM

[zooom]

if you are active military, I think they have people that can answer those questions and fill out those forms for you. I know that is true of other grey market vehicles I have seen military folks bring back stateside legally.

[JoshuaCJCohen]

JM,
 Found this:

http://www.jktechnologiesllc.com/motorcycles.htm

"In order to import your motorcycle, you will first have to obtain a letter of conformity directly from the Manufacturer. Ducati and Moto Guzzi will grant a letter directly to the owner of the vehicle for importation."

I just spoke to them and they said if the manufacturer will send me a letter of conformity no mods or testing is required.  I have an email in to Ducati asking about the Japan Spec compatibility with US Regs.  If the letter says "Fully Conformed" the next stop is the local DMV Stateside.  Sounds too easy so I don't trust it.

Since it will be part of my packout out I'm not sure about the Customs thing.  It will probably be in a box next to my couch.  I'll update as I find more info.  I'm sure I wont be the last person to ask this question.

Thanks,
J

Break, Zooom, I'll ask around on base.  Some logistics mafia guy might have the hook up.

[the_Journeyman]

It sounds like with the letter from the manufacturer should should have a green light to bring it in with minimal hassle. 

Zoooom is right too, the military can help you get it in, that's pretty common for them.  Honestly, there are probably no little or no differences between the M900s Ducati sent to Japan and the ones they sent to the states aside from the gauges being in MPH v. km.  There still may be some taxes or whatever, but being military may help with that as well. 

Do update, as you're right, I'm sure it's something others may need/want to know.

Jm

[Dirty Duc]

It's my understanding that:
if it doesn't fully conform, you'll have to get a registered importer to do the conversion for you.  CBP doesn't care about the details in their inspection, just that the paperwork is done right. 

I would expect that you will probably have to source a different headlight to fix the beam pattern.  You might have to find a charcoal canister from that year.  Even if you do that yourself, you will probably have to pay a RI to at least take responsibility for inspecting it.

[zooom]

It sounds like with the letter from the manufacturer should should have a green light to bring it in with minimal hassle. 

Zoooom is right too, the military can help you get it in, that's pretty common for them.  Honestly, there are probably no little or no differences between the M900s Ducati sent to Japan and the ones they sent to the states aside from the gauges being in MPH v. km.  There still may be some taxes or whatever, but being military may help with that as well. 

Do update, as you're right, I'm sure it's something others may need/want to know.

Jm

I wish Slowpoke was still active on here, as I know he went through some of this when he cycled back from Japan with a Monster 400 in his posession that he has stateside now....

[slowpoke13]

Been a while... Here it goes:

I brought back a 2001 Monster M400 Dark that I had purchased in Yokosuka while stationed there. Brought it to San Diego. Long story short - it's still not legal.

1. My model was never imported into the US. So, it requires a bunch more work that a) costs more than it's worth & b) is a complete buerocratic nightmare. Yours being a 900, might have better luck. Have you discussed it with your Personal Property Office yet? Even for them to stamp to let it out of the country.

2. Keep ALL your paperwork. (that's a given though). And I do mean ALL from the moment you bought it until you uncrate it out of your household goods.

3. Most importers make their money bringing the stuff here from overseas - not on the paperwork to process it (my experiences). I could not find someone willing to put forth the effort.

4. What state are you brining it back to? Any state and you will be required to Federally get a VIN. Other states (Such as CA) require more emissions stuff.

Mine is still in my storage unit and not legal. I've given up hope and plan on selling her parts. Likely just selling the whole bike to someone locally who can strip it and do what they want with it. I don't really ride much anymore.

[Grampa]

^ he lives!

[zooom]

I brought back a 2001 Monster M400 Dark ...... Long story short - it's still not legal.

 ..... Likely just selling the whole bike to someone locally who can strip it and do what they want with it. I don't really ride much anymore.

sounds like if it is running, it might make an awesomely fun short track/small track trackbike...especially with the new generation of 250-400 cc machines coming on the market....

[djrashonal]

JM,
 Found this:

http://www.jktechnologiesllc.com/motorcycles.htm

"In order to import your motorcycle, you will first have to obtain a letter of conformity directly from the Manufacturer. Ducati and Moto Guzzi will grant a letter directly to the owner of the vehicle for importation."

I just spoke to them and they said if the manufacturer will send me a letter of conformity no mods or testing is required.  I have an email in to Ducati asking about the Japan Spec compatibility with US Regs.  If the letter says "Fully Conformed" the next stop is the local DMV Stateside.  Sounds too easy so I don't trust it.

Since it will be part of my packout out I'm not sure about the Customs thing.  It will probably be in a box next to my couch.  I'll update as I find more info.  I'm sure I wont be the last person to ask this question.

Thanks,
J

Break, Zooom, I'll ask around on base.  Some logistics mafia guy might have the hook up.

Sorry to bring up this old thread...but I'm currently in Germany and looking at buying a 2008 S2R1000 Japanese spec that another military member brought here and registered fine. I'm trying to figure out if you succeeded in registering your M900 in the states.

I'd like to pick up this bike but want to make sure I can bring it with me when we PCS back to the states in 3 years

[Raux]

Take it in parts in household goods. Put it back together. Registering depends on state regs.