[Panthera]

Not sure this is the correct place to post this, but here goes. I am currently working in Thailand. Last night while out on the town I came across a newer ('03 I think) softail for sale. The price, when converted to US$, is $5600, which is very reasonable. I wonder if anyone has ever shipped a bike from overseas, and has any information that could help me out.

I listened to it as the guy was driving it. It sounds as though he put larger pipes without doing anything to the carburetor/fuel injector, as when he reved the engine, it would backfire a bit on the way back down. I did not get any information, as I didn't want to tease myself too much without knowing more about shipping.

Thanks,
Panthera

[AFNurse]

FIRST thing you need to do is ensure that it is a US spec bike....if not, the vin number will tell the DMV that....if it is NOT US Spec, then it will cost a small fortune to modify to meet specs......and there are very specific regs on who can do the changes, what changes need to be made, and how.....can NOT be done by the backyard mechanic...must be certified in customs modifications...... had a buddy looking to ship a German spec bike back to the USA.....was going to cost him 8K to make the changes......and take up to 12 months (oh, and there was only one place that would do it on the east coast...port of entry!). Procede carefully, but if US Spec, then only have to find out who will ship!

[Panthera]

Thanks for the heads up on that AFNurse. Do you know who or how to find out based on the VIN? I suspect it will be OK, as Thailand has no special standards, but in this case some things that are required for US bikes may not be on it as it was not needed here,(EPA stuff) and would make it cheaper.

Panthera

[cowboy]

I was looking into shipping a bike once , I just googled motorcycle shipping & quite a few came up , There used to be a port in new orleans , I picked up a car there back in the late 70's , depending on the shipper you can have it sent to any port in intertry

[Red Rider]

I rode in Japan and had my bike sent home about 9 years ago. What they tell at you Customs and what is true are not always the same.

The US-compliance vs overseas standards issue is largely a non-issue. It really was pretty cheap to configure the bike to meet US standards (and especially a Harley...though nothing on a HD is too cheap - specific color turn signal lights and seat straps and other small stuff add up to some $). But that is only required upon registering it with your state - US DOT/state DMV standards have nothing to do with shipping it or receiving it in the USA. As far as US Customs is concerned, it may just as well be a kerosene lamp.

DO ship your bike with at least 1/4 tank of gas. You may hear different ("must be empty" - NOT!) Put stabilzer in it too, as you may be expected to ride it to prove to the DEA or Customs that it is a motorcycle and not a mule. But the fuel in it is mainly is to keep it from rusting - and I know rust is an issue in Thailand (BT,DT) - or exploding (empty tanks are more dangerous than full, due to fumes).

You'll want that bike strapped down real hard for shipping, as it will be in a ship and they go in bumpy places, especially during typhoon season (which is nearly year round on tracks from Thailand). I recommend removing the seat to ship it, unless you want a new one anyway. Or at least cover it in heavy but breathable cloth (like burlap).

There are limited Ports of Entry - like Long Beach, CA; New Orleans, etc. They don't ship to just anywhere, so nail that choice down early.

Anyway, it is far simpler to do bikes than cars. No DOT issues with windows or brakes or tear-down inspections. Good luck.



P.S. - It is very likely that your target Harley was a US model to begin with. A whole lot of them are sold to servicemen overseas that re-sell them there.