Late Model Bikes - US Import From Canada?

[smdl]

Hi, folks.

I have just reluctantly made the decision to list my 2012 Stelvio for sale:

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=83640.0

What I am wondering is whether or not to make the bike available to US purchasers, as well.  I have certainly imported a number of US bikes (new and old) to Canada. over time, and know of many older bikes going the opposite direction, but don't know if it is acceptable for late model Canadian Guzzis to be imported to the US.  You would think so, with NAFTA, but I don't know for sure.  Does anyone know the answer to this question?

Thanks,
Shaun

[toma nova]

I imported a 2008 VStrom, Canadian Model, into the US in 2010.

I actually bought it in Tokyo when I lived there, solely on the color.  Turns out, Canadian and US Suzuki models have the same 17-digit VIN and are all certified for 50 states (meaning CA emissions).  So when I moved back to the US, all I needed was a letter from US Suzuki that the bike met EPA and DOT regs - I contacted their US office and had a letter emailed the next day based on the VIN.  I also had to provide a photo of the MPH speedometer (handily found online since I was not going to pay to change that).  This was all required to get past US Customs as an actual import.  My local DMV just wanted to see a 17-digit VIN.

As long as you have that length VIN, a US buyer would not have any problem registering in the US.  Trailer across the border or ride it on a temp US tag, either should be fine with a bill of sale and insurance.

HTH,
Tom

[nick949]

Good luck Shaun. I loved it when I rode it. With all the care, attention and money you put in to the various upgrades (documented here for all to see), any buyer should know that they will be getting a well prepared and honest bike.

Nick

[smdl]

I imported a 2008 VStrom, Canadian Model, into the US in 2010.

I actually bought it in Tokyo when I lived there, solely on the color.  Turns out, Canadian and US Suzuki models have the same 17-digit VIN and are all certified for 50 states (meaning CA emissions).  So when I moved back to the US, all I needed was a letter from US Suzuki that the bike met EPA and DOT regs - I contacted their US office and had a letter emailed the next day based on the VIN.  I also had to provide a photo of the MPH speedometer (handily found online since I was not going to pay to change that).  This was all required to get past US Customs as an actual import.  My local DMV just wanted to see a 17-digit VIN.

As long as you have that length VIN, a US buyer would not have any problem registering in the US.  Trailer across the border or ride it on a temp US tag, either should be fine with a bill of sale and insurance.

HTH,
Tom

Yes, that helps a lot, Tom.  Very much appreciated.  I really wanted to confirm, as I think that if I was on the US side, I would want to know.  Given the exchange rate, this would be a very good deal!  USD $7228.45 per xe.com.

Cheers,
Shaun

[smdl]

Good luck Shaun. I loved it when I rode it. With all the care, attention and money you put in to the various upgrades (documented here for all to see), any buyer should know that they will be getting a well prepared and honest bike.

Nick

Thanks, Nick.  Yes, I have tried to do right by this bike, and I am honestly really struggling to part with it.  Despite the fact that I am not well suited to the tall saddle, and that it makes perfect, logical sense for it to be the one of my bikes that goes, I still like it so much that I don't want to part with it.  I'll have to sell it quick before my arm heals up fully and I can ride it again!   

Cheers,
Shaun