How to import a Harley from USA?

**buzzbusa** · 17th January 2008, 15:40

I was looking at buying a harley night train from the states and was wondering what I would have to do to be able to bring it here. Also, where I would find out about how much tax I would have to pay and if there are any ways of getting around this. Finally If anyone could reccommend a shipping company that is good. Cheers.

**Shadows** · 18th January 2008, 01:09

So..... you want to import a bike by itself, by yourself, presumably sight unseen from some internet auction site or similar, and most likely without any sort of guarantee you'll end up with what you thought you paid for? Good luck!

For a start I'd be interested to know what you propose to fill the rest of the container with so that the shipping cost doesn't make it prohibitive.

**Tank** · 18th January 2008, 12:22

Actually - I think its not that hard. Buy one, prove ownership, pay taxes where required, get it certed - changing direction of headlight etc (or something like that).

Do a search - there are a number of threads about it.

The main point I would say is buyer beware and trust no one. Go to the US and buy the bike and arrange your own shipping from there. Dont have Honest Jack from Texas do it for you.

But seriously - its not that hard. Ive moved cars between NZ and the UK without any issue and I believe bikes are even easier.

**scumdog** · 18th January 2008, 12:51

Look in Petrolhead, Hot Rod mag, Street Rodder etc - tons there advertising they ship from the States.

Best to contact somebody who has imported a bike from there before - there's a whole minefield to get through if you don't know what you're doing/getting.

**Romeo** · 18th January 2008, 14:03

Hey, send a PM to my old man ToyCollector10.

He has imported a '69 CB750 and '73 Z1 from the states and knows most of the ins and outs. In some cases the process is far cheaper than buying locally, in others it's not.

**Soul.Trader** · 18th January 2008, 15:06

The only tax will be GST if it's a new bike.

**scumdog** · 18th January 2008, 17:16

Originally Posted by Soul.Trader

The only tax will be GST if it's a new bike.

AND if it's second hand too!

(trst me, I know)

**JimO** · 18th January 2008, 17:27

one of my neighbours imports crashed harleys etc he brings in containers full of the things and cars etc

**Colapop** · 18th January 2008, 17:36

Simple really... go and talk to Pete at Wellington Motorcycles...

Unless you have done it alot or know someone who has and will get it for you.. you really don't need the grief. You'll probably pay similar to what you would at WMCC but you don't any warranty's or after sales service

**Headbanger** · 19th January 2008, 09:42

Don't they get there second hand stock from Japan?

Anyway, I'm pretty sure he didn't ask to be directed to a Harley dealership.

**Grub** · 19th January 2008, 09:46

Originally Posted by buzzbusa

How to import a Harley from USA?

Easy. Just go over there (return trip $1,700),
- follow one along the interstate,
- pick up all the bits that fall off,
- by the time you get to the other coast you'll have a complete bike.

Put all the bits in a couple of suitcases and bring them home as luggage.

**scumdog** · 19th January 2008, 10:14

Originally Posted by Grub

Easy. Just go over there (return trip $1,700),
- follow one along the interstate,
- pick up all the bits that fall off,
- by the time you get to the other coast you'll have a complete bike.

Put all the bits in a couple of suitcases and bring them home as luggage.

Big call from a man that rides a Honda.

(the second one as a spare maybe??)

**Colapop** · 19th January 2008, 11:47

Originally Posted by Headbanger

Don't they get there second hand stock from Japan?
Anyway, I'm pretty sure he didn't ask to be directed to a Harley dealership.

No he didn't but after ALL costs have been included it is likely to be an equivalent price and less hassle. Dealerships (although they get a bad wrap) do a good job and have buying power that individuals don't. Dunno about the second hand stock... don't most second hand imported vehicles in NZ come from Japan...?

**pritch** · 19th January 2008, 13:59

A local guy named Carl ( I have mentioned him previously on KB) went to California to a Harley dealer that stocked ex-Police Harleys. He must have had some idea what money he was up for before he flew over, but he haggled with the dealer and eventually they reached agreement.

He had himself photographed riding in LA, to prove that he had used it in the USA, then got a shipping company to box it up and send it home.

I remember he specifically asked for the box not to be excessively large and was completely pissed off when he saw the size of the huge crate they had used.

It isn't possible to ask him any questions about all this, he was killed when a woman Doctor pulled a stupid passing move on double lines. Of course, he wasn't in Court to put his side of the story so it was all but his fault.
She was fined $1000. How's that for a slap on the wrist?

Any "project" like this would need much more research than a question on KB.

**maxworldbiker** · 20th January 2008, 22:10

Originally Posted by buzzbusa

I was looking at buying a harley night train from the states and was wondering what I would have to do to be able to bring it here. Also, where I would find out about how much tax I would have to pay and if there are any ways of getting around this. Finally If anyone could reccommend a shipping company that is good. Cheers.

Don't use TNL Shipping if you can POSSIBLY avoid it!!!!!!!! I had a hideous, expensive and time consuming experience with them after they shipped my bike to the USA for my coast to coast ride last July (read the early July entries on http://max-thestateimin.blogspot.com if you want the gory details). They refused to pay compensation and I'm still considering suing them. Fkn nightmare. BARGEPOLE!!!!!!!!!

PM me for details of a NZ based broker working independently through a reputable shipping agency out of Los Angeles. I got my bike home for $600 NZ + GST thru this guy with nothing LIKE the hassle, delay OR drama I had with TNL, and it was less than half of what those cretins charged me to get her over there. I just turned up at the agency in Long Beach California, they put her in a container with all my gear, and I had her back in NZ within 6 weeks.

Wherever you get a bike, try to get one in Los Angeles if at all possible, as it will make things less complicated for access to port and shipper. If you can't, try to at least get it roaded to LA to be loaded with that shipper. I can recommend a system that will cost you a lot less than any book price an agent will quote you off the bat.

As to the costs, you will need to evidence ownership of the machine, and produce paperwork. At this end you will need to get the bike vinned, and the costs vary between certifiers. AA are much more expensive than On-road. You'll probably have to make some adjustments to the brakes and get them inepscted by an approved mechanic before the bike can be certified for use on NZ roads. You will also be liable for GST on the NZ book value of the bike at the time of import. Talk to people at bike shops who import Harleys. They'll give you the details of what you need to do and you will also need to pay for a MAFF inspection and do a customs clearance, which you can do yourself (cheaper) or get an agent to do it (more expensive but less hassle). Those companies will tell you what their charges are if you ring them directly. NO way round it. They've got the whole import thing tighter than a duck's ass. Might be better to get something that isn't brand new, otherwise the costs can go thru the roof.

Oh yeah... and you're gonna need a credit card with some room on it...

Good luck.