importing a CB1100RS into the US

[pekingduck]

There are always some exceptions where something is imported and slips through. 50 states, 50 sets of regulations. A US resident trying to register a new bike in the US would bring up lots of red flags. The state inspection will look for an emissions certification label on the bike and it won't be there. The VIN will not be in the US VIN registry.

When I get insurance on a car or bike, I just give them the VIN, and they know what year make and model it is. They won't insure a vehicle they don't know the value of, or that you can't get parts for. Not worth it for them.

For Honda to import a particular model, it must pass US emissions certification. The actual certification process includes listing the part numbers of each individual part specific to a particular model. This includes anything to do with fuel intake, exhaust, ignition, combustion, down to hose clamps and hardware. Any time there is a manufacturing or design change to one of those affected parts, it is submitted to the EPA who may require it be be re-certified. Very costly.

So it is not very likely that American Honda could write a letter saying the Canadian model is the same. Equivalent is not the same as identical.