Importing a Buell from the U.S.

[Johnny70]

Hey.
      I'm travelling to the U.S. next year and plan to pick up a Buell ( model depends on availability ) and ride it cost to cost. Then send it back to Oz. Has anyone had any experience with N.S.W. rego on imported bikes? The models are available here. I'm not sure if the models have slight variations that might make rego difficult. Other than the spedo. Tried to ask at Frasers the other day but was better off asking my mum. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
John

[DogBoy]

Welcome,

You could try posting about your import question in our Australia subform here:  http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/board,36.0.html

Or send a PM to a member here that goes by Bueller. He's not from NSW but I believe he is very active a Buell club in Australia and may have some answers for you.
Bueller's profile: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=5746

Be sure to post in the General Discussion forum with any questions you have about your route, particular roads or places of interest for your trip next year.

There is another Aussie who has come to the States a few times. He might be able to give you some advice. Screen name is Klavdy http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=2169

His personal website is: http://www.bikertoad.com/

[Bueller]

I imported a Laverda from Europe awhile ago now.  The rules may have changed since then.

The bike you buy in the US won't have an Australian Compliance Plate. At the time only the manufacturer could fit one of these.  In Victoria I could get an Engineers certificate and register the bike with that.  The bike could not be registered in any other state.

I have heard for cars in NSW that there are places that can do the compliance, but it is a bit hearsay and it would be best to search one out before comng over with a bike.  The two differences I can think of are the low beam which needs to dip the otherway, and the ECM which is programed for less noise in the Australian version.

I had to pay 10% GST and a customs clearance fee + fees to a customs clearance house.  I had to buy a crate for it.  The price in France was steep, so I rode it to London which was about $1000 cheaper.  I paid to have it steam cleaned.  When it arrived it was filthy and I was lucky not get get a big bill for cleaning from Quarantine.  The bikes are supposed to come in looking like new.

There was a dock strike so the journey that should have taken 3 months took 6.

I got the bike for a song so in the end the dollars stacked up, but it could easily end up costing more to import than to buy here.