Page 1 of 1

Importing from Canada

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2016 8:22 am
by Orlando7
Bought a nice RZ500 in Canada, anybody had any recent dealings importing them into the U.S?
Looking at it EPA and DOT should just be 1 form each as its over 25 years old. May or may not have to pay Customs Duty as it's below 500cc?
Got an e-mail from Customs on the border that said should be OK but if markings on the bike do not prove the age of the bike to their satisfaction I have to supply a letter from the manufacturer proving this!! I would think a VIN sticker should be satisfactory for this though.
Anybody with any recent experience of this would be gratefully received…TIA

Re: Importing from Canada

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2016 2:00 pm
by giron
why you didn't have the seller ride it across the border?

Re: Importing from Canada

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2016 3:19 pm
by silverstrom
I've shipped bikes to the US. The build date is what is important. As long as the build date on the Canadian VIN tag is 25 years you'll have no problems. No taxes or duties for the US buyer when I did it.

Re: Importing from Canada

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 6:23 am
by Orlando7
Hi there, Thanks for the replies. The current owner lives 3 hours from the border and will not take it across after talking with customs.
After a bit more research it has a build date on the VIN sticker of 84 so I should be good.
I have a bill of sale and title. A one page EPA form and a one page DOT form should be all I need on that front.
Will let you know how I get on. Aim to go up there and get it in a truck to get it across the border then u-ship it home.
Pics look good and previous owner really looked after it well. Will post some pics when I get it back to sunny Florida!!

Re: Importing from Canada

Posted: Thu May 05, 2016 4:02 am
by Smoker
I've done it.

It's very simple to get a manufacturer's letter from Yamaha USA.

Re: Importing from Canada

Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 2:20 pm
by Orlando7
giron wrote:why you didn't have the seller ride it across the border?
You need to import it correctly so they give you the paperwork at the border enabling you to register it in the U.S

Re: Importing from Canada

Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 4:03 pm
by giron
then if you live in California. make sure you have a lot aspirins. It can be nasty

Re: Importing from Canada

Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 12:19 am
by tacky1
Just file a lost title with the DMV, No customs or BS to deal with, The CHP will do a VIN check and you're good to go...

Re: Importing from Canada

Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 10:33 am
by giron
Do not use the CHP. Go to the local police department and download the forms from the DMV site

Re: Importing from Canada

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2016 3:08 pm
by Questo vecchio rz
I think w the age of the bikes things are changing ? A friend just bought. A Gamma500 and RZ500 registered in Arizona, (with titles)brought them to Califonia, added speedometers then paid a mobile title service woman and "presto" Calif titles. Didnt ask how nor why :-)

Re: Importing from Canada

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2016 5:45 am
by Orlando7
Bike safely arrived in FL (see member's rides) will be trying to register shortly will let you know how I get on.
Paperwork and customs charges were not as bad as I expected. Thanks for all your helpful comments.