International shipping advice...

I am looking to bring some bikes from Europe into the states. I was wondering what pitfalls I may experience in the import process? Cost of shipping, I'm sure, varies, but what about duties, taxes, etc? I have shipped many bikes outside of the USA, but that is the extent. I always wondered what drove people to buy these old bikes and ship them across the world. Well, I've found a few that are pushing my buttons. Thanks in advance for the advice.

JD

Your state sales tax will depend on delcared value. No duty for engines under 500cc. Above that again depends on the declared value. If you want to title the bike, check what your state requires. The paper work will also depend on your state, for sure a title and a bill of sale. There are other forms necessary to import a motor vehicle into the US. It is not expensive, but it can involve some red tape. There are not a lot of outfits doing this in the US, and those that do, will charge a fee. If bikes are in parts, it is easier to bring them in. Hope this helps.
Ron

Most Norton's I've seen are being shipped are going home to their makers... to make money.

UK prices are much higher than US prices, so unless its not available in the US best to stick to US to source your bikes.

You might check into vintage or antique categories with customs. They are often exempt from import duties.

Also a couple of friends have done this across the pond stuff and said it's around a thousand dollars ,no gas or connected battery.

I have heard (but never done it myself) that a good way to reduce the import fees is to disassemble the bike a bit (say wheels for example) and declare it as motorcycle parts rather than whole vehicle. Definitely need researching, good luck with it.

Yes, I've seen this partial disassembling of the motorcycle to evade import protectionist laws in Thailand. The Harley club does it by shipping their bikes stripped into 3 separate boxes but shipped together ,and labelled as "parts".