Help ordering a European Guzzi Jacket

[k99]

I was looking through the 2015 Moto Guzzi Accessories Catalog yesterday and noticed that Guzzi had some pretty cool new jackets and clothes available this year.  So I emailed AF1 Racing to see if they could order me one of the jackets, since they had the 2015 catalog on their site. http://www.af1racing.com/store/ProdImages/st3/mgaccy.pdf Unfortunately they said that item could not be ordered by US dealers.   I still haven�t forgiven Guzzi for not bringing the Bellagio here, but they should at least let me import a jacket!

Two quick questions:

1) I assume that AF1 was correct but I might as well ask if anyone thinks that one of the jackets could be ordered by another US dealership.

2) Does anyone have a connection or recommendation for a European dealership that might be able to order one of the jackets and ship it to the US?  I�m guess that this would the more likely solution.

Thanks for any help!

-Keith

[Curtis Harper]

This is not at all uncommon with Piaggio unfortunately. I can say this, the folks at AF1 and myself are probably the most directly connected with the Piaggio accessory manager. If they can't get it, no one else will be able to either.

[Bisbonian]

2) Does anyone have a connection or recommendation for a European dealership that might be able to order one of the jackets and ship it to the US?  I�m guess that this would the more likely solution.

-Keith

Agostini?

[fotoguzzi]

I'm not sure of this but I looked at a euro leather jacket once but didn't buy because the zipper was reversed as on women's clothing here in the U.S.
It was just to weird to use. Might want to find that out before you order.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Sizing is for midgets, too. We here in 'Merica must be used to "vanity sizing." I can wear a medium, but that probably translates to XL in eye talian.

[HDGoose]

I add +1.5 to European sizes... Since they rarely make a 4xl...

[rocker59]

I have bought things directly from Agostini's in Mandello del Lario. 

They do speak some English, though the purchase process can be slow.  You have to email them what you want, because they take off the VAT for non-EU customers.  They did take my Bank of America credit card, though I did have to let BofA know that it wasn't a fraudulent transaction.

Once the purchase was confirmed, shipping was pretty quick.  Shipped DHL and got to my house in The USA in four or five days.

http://www.agostinimandello.com/index.php?lang=en

As mentioned, the Euro sizing runs really small.  A couple sizes, give or take.  If you order something from one of the dealers in the UK or Europe, returning it for wrong size won't be real economical.  You'd probably have to sell it on Ebay to recoup some of your money.

[threebrits]

I've imported a motorcycle jacket from Europe and it wasn't particularly smooth.  Assuming you find a retailer with the jacket. 

Do a search on "Harmonized Tariff Schedule" and it will explain how items are classified and what the tariff is for that item and the country of origin.  In the end I had to pay a tariff (since it was classified as something like finish leather clothing) on top of paying an agent to work it trough customs (extra $200).  Had it been classified as safety equipment, I might have only had to pay the agent.  Some things will fly under the radar, others often based on value and/or description will not.  It's import to work with the retailer so they describe the jacket so it will be interpreted by the customs agent into a favorable classification.

Also, you may have do a wire transfer to pay for the jacket, and they might want you to cover of split the transaction fee, for them to even receive it.  (The fee will be netted out of your wire so it will appear you shorted them).

Zipper thing is true.  But you will get used to it quickly.  Sizing can be tricky, but usually if you can measure yourself in cm, they can figure out the right size.

I've import motorcycle jeans from England (no customs) and software from Canada and the item was only opened and inspected.

Hope this helps.

[k99]

Thanks for the advice everyone.  I just emailed Agostini.  I'll let you know how things turn out.

As for the sizing, I have a thin athletic build (42in chest/30in waist) and have noticed that European clothes actually fit me a little better than those from the good old US of A.  I have a couple other european jackets that fit really well.  And yes the zippers confused me at first.  I kept checking and rechecking to make sure I didn't order a women's jacket.  Took some getting used to but I don't even notice now.

I did have to pay tariffs on a Belstaff jacket I ordered from the UK recently.  Strangely, UPS ended up paying for it in customs and then charged me the fee as a COD.  Never had that happen before, but it worked pretty well.  It arrived much faster than I expected.

[dl.allen]

I read an article about how US clothing has increased over the years to subconsciously make us think we are the right size.....Large is just Large etc.

Just go try on some sport jacket from the 50 or 60s and see how small they really are!

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

These guys can prob help... in english!

http://www.corsaitaliana.com/


They are pretty good to deal with, and since them make & sell a line of accessories, they do ship to US regularly..

Pound isnt too strong right now, but I think you'll end up with a premium retail price??