07-17-2018, 10:31 AM
The basic answer to "Can I import a motor vehicle from abroad to the USA if it's less than 25 years old?" is a resounding no. Don't even bother trying. I've dealt with those in the business of importing vehicles from Japan, and it's a brick wall built of solid stuff.
Blame BMW, Mercedes, Volvo dealers in the USA, et al, who lobbied for these import restrictions back in the 1980s ... because Americans were buying their cars in Europe, touring with them over there for a week or two, and then having them shipped home ... and still saving money. (Legitimate established programs with European dealers marketed to USA tourists.)
But if you'd like to buy a JDM motorcycle 25 years or older, this importer near D.C. sometimes has a few in stock ... might even be able to seek one out for you.
[url=https://www.japaneseclassics.com/inventory/jdm-motorcycles/]Japanese Classics JDM Motorcycle Inventory
I've also heard from another exporter (Pacific Coast Auto -- really swell, honest guys) that shipping a motorcycle from Japan is more expensive ... probably because you can't just roll it off and onto a ship transporter like a car.
Blame BMW, Mercedes, Volvo dealers in the USA, et al, who lobbied for these import restrictions back in the 1980s ... because Americans were buying their cars in Europe, touring with them over there for a week or two, and then having them shipped home ... and still saving money. (Legitimate established programs with European dealers marketed to USA tourists.)
But if you'd like to buy a JDM motorcycle 25 years or older, this importer near D.C. sometimes has a few in stock ... might even be able to seek one out for you.
[url=https://www.japaneseclassics.com/inventory/jdm-motorcycles/]Japanese Classics JDM Motorcycle Inventory
I've also heard from another exporter (Pacific Coast Auto -- really swell, honest guys) that shipping a motorcycle from Japan is more expensive ... probably because you can't just roll it off and onto a ship transporter like a car.