Sending a NZ Harley into USA. Difficult or just impossible?

[misterO]

I didn't find a similar post in the searches so I'm starting this thread.

I have a 2001 FLSTF that I bought new here in NZ. Plans require me to relocate to the US. I like my bike a lot, and I want to bring it to America with me, if possible. I've heard that getting a Hog back into the States can be very difficult- EPA is Strict. Since my bike has a Screamin' Eagle stage II slip-on it is probably illegal on every road in America, and I haven't yet found anyone that makes a street legal pipe for my 12 year old bike (perhaps I just haven't looked hard enough). Anyone have any experience with this dilemma, or have any suggestions? Are there other concerns besides the aftermarket pipe? As I said- I'd really like to get this bike into the US. Is this just a pipe dream?

And, No: I don't want to just sell it and buy one over there- this one carries many happy memories. Thanks in advance.

[tigertim20]

you are probably best contacting the state you want to move to and asking for specifics, california have pretty strict regulations - more so than pretty much all the other states.

alternatively, get on a US based bike forum and talk to some riders in the area you are moving to - they will be more familiar with the specific legislation that will affect you!

[misterO]

Thanks tigertim- I had a good time carving up the Otago Peninsula with ya on my Fireblade last year, hope you're doin' well. Final destination for this Harley: the Lone Star State. Texas.

[AllanB]

Hmmm. I wonder if you would be better off sellign it here (they hold their value well) and just picking up one in the states (where their relative value is lower used).

[tigertim20]

Thanks tigertim- I had a good time carving up the Otago Peninsula with ya on my Fireblade last year, hope you're doin' well. Final destination for this Harley: the Lone Star State. Texas.

cheers mate, its a great bit of road!

Id say texas would be one of the less difficult states to please!

[pete376403]

Purchase stock pipes and mufflers from Ebay. Put them on to get it into the country and certified then put your other pipes back on.

eg http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-NIB-Chrome-Rear-Muffler-2004-2006-FXSTD-Duce-FLSTF-Fat-Boy-Models-Part-/200700522712?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ebaaef0d8&vxp=mtr#ht_836wt_958

You might need to buy a US spec headlight as well to get the correct dipping pattern

[FJRider]

Getting it shipped with your gear to the US is not difficult. Getting it legal at the destination is the key to actually riding it there.

Check out the Lone Star State regulations ... and ask the various departments there (via E.mail) about what is required.

I have heard of people taking their bikes to the states and touring on them.

Search only works if you ask the right questions.

[tigertim20]

Getting it shipped with your gear to the US is not difficult. Getting it legal at the destination is the key to actually riding it there.

Check out the Lone Star State regulations ... and ask the various departments there (via E.mail) about what is required.

I have heard of people taking their bikes to the states and touring on them.

Search only works if you ask the right questions.

this.

PM user Scumdog, he has been over to sturgis a few times and ridden round all over the states. Not sure if he took his own bike or not but he might have some better insights!

[misterO]

A sincere thanks to all for the tips and suggestions. Will post a brief update when I decide what to do.

[NZHog]

Seemingly not impossible,thou I too am starting to think it is.

Harley even have a form to fill in,if you email them they will email it back to you. EPA 3520-1

Pipes will be the biggest issue,problem is even if you sort that there just is no telling what will happen at the EPA inspection.
I have given up in the meantime & am renting for my trip,but will look again next year.

I will be interested in hearing how you get on.Congrats & all the best in Texas!

[Gremlin]

I have heard of people taking their bikes to the states and touring on them.
Very different kettle of fish for a temporary import. You basically get permission to bring it in for less than 90 days (what my setup was), carnet etc, and then you ship it out again. It never visited a roading authority or anything, no american plates, registration etc.

[misterO]

I actually found a set of stock pipes for the bike- hurrah! Bad news is: even with stock exhaust this bike is not welcome in the good ole US of A. I need a note from HD to show EPA that the bike purchased in NZ is the same spec as a similar bike sold in USA. Unfortunately, it isn't. USA models in 2001 were cleaner/quieter than ROW bikes so stock pipes still not good enough. Plan C is to hold onto this bike for another eight years and import it as a "classic". This is actually do-able. However, I've initiated Plan B:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-591050188.htm

She will be missed...

[nodrog]

Sending a Harley back to the USA, isnt that just like pushing a poo back in your bum? Hard work and pointless?

There is plenty more where that came from.

[misterO]

Although the mental image that conjures is unpleasant, it's a fair comment. I like HDs: like the way they look, the way they sound, the way they ride. New ones are fuel injected and have been for some time. I'm not discounting the merrit of FI, but I think a Harley is much better with carbs. I don't really want a used one when I know this one has been cared for so well. Plus, no bike in the US has ever taken me from Bluff to Cape Reinga, so there's a sentimental attachment. Ah, well. Life often offers more painful decisions than this. I'll live.