Moving to Los Angeles from Europe

Discussion in 'Anything Goes' started by Alfadiablo, Jan 12, 2018.

  1. Alfadiablo

    Alfadiablo New Member

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    Hi Guys!!

    Been a while since I last posted here, but just wanted to find out if anyone knows about the processes involved with importing a 5th Gen from Europe to Los Angeles, CA.

    I am planning on moving over within the next 6 months to a year and my bike is coming with me!

    Any help with what I will require, documents, certificates, specifications etc will be very welcome!
     
  2. fink

    fink Member

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  3. Alfadiablo

    Alfadiablo New Member

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    Thanks for that. I haven't even considered going to my local DVLD thinking they would not be able to assist with anything export wise. Will see what they have to say, in terms of being US emissions compliant, I know they are strict, but surely if the motorcycle has passed a local MOT it should be sufficient.
     
  4. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

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    California has it's own emissions standards, which are much stricter than the remaining lower 48 states.

    I'll be corrected if wrong but, I believe Cal., like many European countries has a regular (annual?) emissions test for all vehicles. You may want to check into that further.

    If the cost of shipping, import expenses, emissions work, and other fees are much at all, you may be better off selling your VFR and buying one after you move stateside.

    I have no idea what the used bike market in your area would bring for your VFR, but here in the States VFRs tend to be a very good buy.
     
  5. thtanner

    thtanner New Member

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    California does not have emissions testing for motorbikes. He should have no real issue importing it, but the cost might outweight the benefits.

    5th gen VFRs are in the tune of 1500-3000 USD. May be cheaper buying a US model than importing yours.
     
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  6. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    Nope no smog testing on bikes only vehicles
    Now you’ll have to master lane sharing and outright clueless texting drivers, good luck and WELCOME with all the other 18.68 million other humans.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  7. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    Take a look at the "good old" DMV.

    https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv

    If at some point you have to go to one of their offices, make an appointment ahead of time.
    You will be glad you did.
     
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  8. Alfadiablo

    Alfadiablo New Member

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    Hey guys, thanks for all the comments and advice, it is greatly appreciated.
    I am very attached to my bike, maybe I shouldn't be, but since I have to hire out a shipping container to bring to the rest of the family's belongings etc, I figured I could pack the bike in there too as its gonna cost me the same and save me from having to part with her!
    Duccmann, I've been travelling to and fro Gibraltar and LA quite a bit now and while I'm still trying to figure out where I am while riding without the need of a GPS I am enjoying all the lane splitting I can get. I use my brother-in-law's 2nd bike while I am here, which is a crazy, loud, honda shadow bobber conversion, but struggle to keep up with his Aprillia RSV4...someone has to teach this fool some manners!!
    shadow.jpeg
     
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  9. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    as above - sell it & get another when you get to the US.
    It will work out a lot cheaper & easier..
     
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  10. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    You may be already paying for a container so the extra volume and weight may not be an issue. But I bet you the fact that it is a gas powered item and has gas and oil in it, there is an issue with the shipper. You want to make sure of that well in advance. It would be a shame if you learned you can't ship the bike in that container with the rest of your family effects at the last minute. I would also want to get the authority to ship your bike this way in writing in case there is a dispute on shipping day.

    I don't know this to be true, but I strongly suspect that you will not be able to ship your bike this way. I would think that international shipping regulations are quite similar world wide. All you may need to do is drain all fluids from your bike to satisfy any regulations that may be in place. That would likely include coolant, clutch and brake fluids if so.
     
  11. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    Very good point Randy.
    Over here the only shipper that can ship oil and any hazardous materials is UPS—-if I’m not mistaken


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  12. Alfadiablo

    Alfadiablo New Member

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    I'll be taking all this into account and digging further, although I do all the maintenance work on my bike anyway, so there is not too much issue having to drain it. Shame I cannot smuggle a little 98 octane fuel into the country.... you guys could benefit from that part!
     
  13. Doug7200

    Doug7200 New Member

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    I just shipped a bike in a container from Los Angeles to Hawaii. I was concerned also, but after talking to freight forwarder handling the container and paperwork, it was a simple process.

    Just drain the gas from tank and carb! That was it! I also drained the engine oil and disconeceted the battery, but that was my choice. I also put the bike in a crate. As shipping can really rock a container and it's contents. So keep that in mind.

    My shipment was added to another load in the container going to Hawaii. So cost was basically free, except for some paperwork which costs around $100.00 US.

    If you like the bike, bring it.
     
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  14. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    Well, I know a gas station on the end of the 110 Freeway in Pasadena that has 100 Octane, if you feel like spending your money! Hopefully you can get your bike over easily and cheaply. Good Luck!
     
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