Importing/Shipping bike from NZ to the US

I am exploring the prospects of buying a motorcycle in NZ and shipping it into the United States. It is a mid 70's era street bike.

Lessons learned from others is that it might be best to ship components separately so as to avoid the EPA (and other matters such as speed clocks in kph instead of mph) issues when coming through customs in the US.

The bike has been in NZ for about five years and has not been registered in NZ but is supplied with the English registration documents and an NZ Customs clearance document.

What are the pitfalls of shipping, receiving and ultimately registering for the street in the US. What all is needed? I recall from another thread that a bill of sale is essential but if being shipped by separate shipments of components is it necessary?

If it is a 70's UK bike, then it should be MPH not KPH on the speedo.

Depending on when exactly, EPA might not care:

"The following passenger cars, light-duty trucks, heavy-duty engines and motorcycles are subject to federal emission standards:

Motorcycles with a displacement more than 49 cubic centimeters originally manufactured after December 31, 1977."

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/basic_ ... umentation

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail ... motorcycle

" I recall from another thread that a bill of sale is essential but if being shipped by separate shipments of components is it necessary?"

I think it would be in order to license it - at least for the frame.

Interesting link - http://www.examiner.com/article/conside ... this-first

Nearly all were built to the same spec , in 75 - globally . So likely complies with PERIOD emissions drivle . Not one of these rice burners we hope . .

Interesting, I was under the impression that the NZ asking prices were high compared to the US.

Maybe that mint original JPN that was at the show? :wink:

Thanks gents, especially gortnipper, for the references. I did not bid on the bike of interest due to too many questions such as mismatched engine frame numbers, importing, not sure if it was still a desmo or not - may have been that way from the factory but just did not have the time nor resources to investigate and resolve.

Above is a link to the bike of interest. I owned a 350 Ducati in my earlier youth and always appreciated the simplicity of design of a Ducati single. This would have been a fun bike to own and enjoy.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-692452246.htm