Import Honda FTR

[mangawhio]

I'm living in south-east Asia and returning to NZ in September. Would like to bring home a bike (for use, not sale). I've fallen for the retro naked bike Honda FTR223.

Hard to figure why they're not available in NZ - they're an ideal town and country knockabout with a power plant that's been around as long as Methuselah. Most basic hardware is exchangeable (so far as I can see) with the CRF230, but the FTR is a better town bike. The tyres look oversize because of the black rims. Local price for a late model (2003 - 2009) is around US $2000 (NZ $2800) and I'm finding it hard to estimate total import price, but $2000 is an educated guess.

Anyone done anything similar? Comments and advice re traps and pitfalls welcome.
(previously posted in newbies section)

[Brainflex]

Cannot help you with any advice, but that looks like a fun bike.

[Eddieb]

I brought a Ducati 888 home with me a few years ago from the UK. It was relatively pain free.

The bike will need to be spotless clean to go through MAF checks when it arrives. To get it on the road it will have to go through the equivalent of an extra strict WOF test. As long as all the lenses are e-marked, any hydraulic cables are also marked and the ends are crimped on not screwed, the headlight beam points the right way and the bike is otherwise mechanically sound it's shouldn't be an issue.

I think I saw one of those in TSS in Wellington recently.

[mangawhio]

Thanks for the comments, guys.

Well, bit the bullet and bought the thing. I let my favourite motodup (bike taxi) man do the negotiating for me in Khmer. I told him he could keep any cash he could negotiate below $1900, and it made for an interesting morning. He came away with $80, which is more about what he usually takes home in a month. Happy boy.

Will update when I start haggling with the authorities, here and in NZ.

Latest pic is the genuine article (not pinched from the net).

[Padmei]

Quite a cool lil machine. well done.

[Motu]

There are some in NZ,I found this one out of gas a few months ago.I'd really like one....I'd like the tyres even better,and they are in my size too...

[warewolf]

Well, bit the bullet and bought the thing.

One possible gotcha: in 1997 when I brought my bike with me, I had to have owned the vehicle for more than 12 months to qualify for immigrant concessions (just found a recent thread that confirms that rule is still in place). A recent purchase is treated as a private import rather than immigrant's possessions, in which case you will be immediately liable for GST on the full landed cost: purchase price, shipping, customs clearance & handling fees etc.

[.chris]

They have one hella nice looking one in the shop at Deus Ex Machina in auckland, not cheap but one cool looking bike. (I think it was $5800 + gst).

So someone is able to get them here in NZ.

[yachtie10]

your a brave man
let us know how you get on
just getting it out could be interesting

Cambodia is a great place but corrupt officials can make life expensive

[marty]

There are some in NZ,I found this one out of gas a few months ago.I'd really like one....I'd like the tyres even better,and they are in my size too...

what sort of tyres are on that beemer? i bet they get serious mileage!

[Motu]

Dunlop K70 - a popular dirttrack tyre used before the K180 came out....as fitted to the FTR.A serious wear rate alright - from 7mm to 3mm in 3,00km on the rear.I fitted the rear to the front to get extra mileage.

[gav24]

Think Cycletreads has some dunlop dirttrack tyres in stock.. on sale as well I think...

[Motu]

I haven't checked lately - they always have...''Available - Yes...Enquire'' on the web site.When I enquire they say not available.That's a cheap tyre for the level of grip on seal or dirt.Keep a lid on this.