Importing Beemer into states...

[Radmacdaddy]

I recently purchased two 1978 BMW bikes from a mate in N. Ireland and one is presently sitting in Montreal, about to be brought to me at my house in Vermont.

Has anyone imported a BMW bike (vintage) into the states.

Particularly one that may not be on the "acceptable" import model list... can I see that list that customs uses?

The bike coming in is in the region of 550cc, and the closest I have found to a pic of it is here: http://www.boxer-motor.com/dane/Lata%2070-te/R-45(1978-1985)/hist_mod_r45_b.jpg

I have a number off the frame which was read to me as: F No. 6300632

A local MOA member and tech/seller of vintage BMW bikes looked it up and found the closest would be the 100RT, but that is a 1000cc model. Any idea of a 550cc model?

[gambrinus]

It can be ridden or shipped into the U.S. with little or no hassle as long as it's over 25yrs old. Have the bill of sale and the title with you...

RW

[osbornk]

My friend tried with a non-vintage BMW some years back and he couldn't get it done. He finally sold it to someone who shipped it back to Europe.

[gambrinus]

Just go to the U.S. Customs web site... there's more info there than any one human being could read in a month. Importing into the U.S. and getting it registered in your state are two different matters though.. Some states are tough, others couldn't care less.


RW

[bigdelta]

It can be ridden or shipped into the U.S. with little or no hassle as long as it's over 25yrs old. Have the bill of sale and the title with you...

RW

apply to cars also?I've got my eye on a few older cars in England.

[bigdelta]

1. Vehicles 21 Years Old Or Older

If the vehicle is at least 21 years old, there are no EPA compliance requirements upon importation. The age of the vehicle is determined by subtracting the calendar year of manufacture from the calendar year of importation. If the calendar year of manufacture is unavailable, the importer may substitute the model year or year of first registration. For instance, to qualify in 2001, the vehicle must have been manufactured in 1980 or earlier. The vehicle must be in its original unmodified configuration. Vehicles at least 21 years old with replacement engines are not eligible for this exemption unless they contain equivalent or newer EPA certified engines.

No approval or Customs bond is required by EPA. The importer must also prove to Customs, as required, that the vehicle or engine was manufactured prior to EPA regulation. Documents such as a title, or letter from the original manufacturer may be used for this purpose.The importer must file with Customs, upon entry, an EPA Form 3520-1 and declare code "E" on that form.

[bigdelta]

Cars that are more than 25 years old are exempt from EPA and DOT requirements. In 2005, model year 1980 and older cars are exempt.
John

[PAGoldsby]

I'ma head to Cuba and bring me back a barge-load o' dem Fiddy-Sebn Chebbies!!! w00t!

[Bokrijder]

Do a bit of research and be very knowledgeable regarding the meaning and consequences of the terms -- must, may be, and burden of proof lies with -- as they are applied by a government bureaucracy.

Motard

[bigdelta]

I'ma head to Cuba and bring me back a barge-load o' dem Fiddy-Sebn Chebbies!!! w00t!

back in '95 and saw less than a handful of anything old worthy of bringing back.
Now as far as dance partners..........and of course I mean dance in the strictest sense.:clap

[PAGoldsby]

back in '95 and saw less than a handful of anything old worthy of bringing back.
Now as far as dance partners..........and of course I mean dance in the strictest sense.:clapHmm ... I can get many more of those on a barge, but I'm afraid the maintenance would kill me! :kiss

[henzilla]

back in '95 and saw less than a handful of anything old worthy of bringing back.
Now as far as dance partners..........and of course I mean dance in the strictest sense.:clap

Watch out...Michael Moore just got his chubby butt subpoenaed for going to Cuber! I don't think he was buying Chebbies:nono

[119240]

I just got back from the UK and stopped in at Park Lane BMW Motorcycles across from Hyde Park in London. And was told - UK BMW bike are different then the USA .

I can only think of a few things that might be different - Front headlight lens, Muffler/Cat. not sure if there are speed limiter or different gearing as well - they would not tell me - I found them to be very rude as well. I asked for info on the
K12R Sport - we do not have cataolgs to give out to people. YIIKKEESS.

Due to the US dollar in the UK - I know, I can not drop 24K on a bike plus gas at
1 pound for a liter of gas - but at lease they have 95 and 97 octane gas for more power in the bikes.

All BMW used bike from dealers come with 1 yr. roadside service,full tank of gas,1 yr. manufacture's warranty, 1 yr. road fund licence, recovery of bike, courtesy bike, replacement of transport and accommodation coasts.

Just my 2 cents

[gambrinus]

apply to cars also?I've got my eye on a few older cars in England.


Same deal with cars. +25yrs and the feds don't care. Try to go less than 25yyrs and you are in the "grey market"... ie dangerous waters.

I'm into old Land Rovers and have friends who bring in old rovers from the U.K. on a semi regular basis.

RO-RO (roll on, roll off) is the cheap way to with old trucks, not so sure it would be a good idea with a motorcycle. If going with a container full of old trucks, or old bikes, go with a 40ft container. It's NOT twice the $$ of a 20ft and ALL of your "ground costs" are the same 20 or 40'.

"door" delivery is the option to look for if you don't live near a port city. Steamship line gives your box to the railroad, who takes it to the nearest container yard, and then mr truckdriver will bring your box to your address.

have fun


RW