Posted by ls400 on April 27, 2001 at 04:15:40:
In Reply to: Just starting to get the bug.. posted by Doc G on April 26, 2001 at 18:03:06:
I was initially looking to bring a Yamaha motorcycle back to the state. It is the same model and is listed by U.S. Customs as a model that is allowed to be imported, but here is what the Yamaha rep to the US Gov't said about it...
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Your questions concerning the importation of a Japanese XV250 into the US was forwarded to me.
I would strongly suggest you not bring this Japanese model into the US. This unit doesn't meet EPA or DOT regulations. Without going into details, you could spend several thousand dollars trying to bring it into correct configuration.
Since Yamaha Motor US cannot attest that the unit meets US specs, you the owner become responsible for bringing it into spec. This is not just changing the speedo and few other items. It also requires emission testing that runs about $2,000 - 3,000 at the very least.
The cost to do the modifications and testing could easily be near the value of the bike itself.
Yes, you are correct that it is relatively easy to send a US model to other countries. US emission levels are more strict than most other countries' regulations. The same for our safety oriented rules.
For your information, about the only "foreign" models that can be brought in easily are the Canadian models. Canada since 1997 uses the US regulations. There is very little difference with a US model.
I'm not sure you can buy US models there in Japan. My understanding from a serviceman I talked to was that Harley would sell you one of theirs while you were overseas at a good price, but you couldn't get it until you were state side!
Sometimes you will find a US model that has found its way to another country through private channels. These can return to the US fairly easily if it can be shown they were originally sold in the US.
If you have an information source there who handles questions about
importation, please forward my name and phone numbers to them. I hate to see folks bring these units over thinking it will be easy to import them. It can be quite expensive!
Tom
714-761-7807
fax 714-229-7940
Office email: Tom_Pugh@Yamaha-Motor.com
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good luck in what ever you decide.
-LS400