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.

[Cormanus]

I've no idea if this bit of information is germane, but it appears that Honda at least contemplated bringing the RS to the US when it was first introduced in 2017. They registered a VIN series for it, starting with JH2SC658XHK000001. (Check that [url=https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/]here.) I suspect that means that's all they did and that they didn't bother with getting all the emissions approvals, but you might like to check that with whoever is responsible for issuing such approvals.

[pekingduck]

I've no idea if this bit of information is germane, but it appears that Honda at least contemplated bringing the RS to the US when it was first introduced in 2017. They registered a VIN series for it, starting with JH2SC658XHK000001. (Check that [url=https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/]here.) I suspect that means that's all they did and that they didn't bother with getting all the emissions approvals, but you might like to check that with whoever is responsible for issuing such approvals.

Cormanus, you are right. They were very far along with importing them, to the extent that parts were ordered and stocked, and presently available at US dealers, for a bike never imported here. Reason is unknown.
You could build a new US legal 2017 RS from parts. Probably for less than $75k.

[Cormanus]

And cheap at half the price!

[Houtman_imp]

It was in the early nineties when I tried to import a RC 30 from Canada into New York State where I was living. Before I paid the bike in full I contacted Honda USA and explained my plan ( it was a 1989 model ) They send me a LOT of paper work and it became to complicated for me to continue . The Canadian owner returned my deposit and I found a 1990 USA model in Scranton PA , close by to our home near Binghamton NY. Is there perhaps a company in the USA or Canada whom could do the paper work for you ? Good Luck.

[Gone in 60]

I have a friend with a collection of JDM motorcycles that were never imported to the U.S. He attaches a dummy plate to them and rides conservatively. He figures that motorcycles are homogeneous enough that a law enforcement officer wouldn't be able to spot something and think "That's not supposed to be here!"

It will not be fun if he's ever pulled over, but for now, he's enjoying himself.

[Houtman_imp]

The only problem with this is when in an accident caused by the rider , insurance will not pay out ?

[misterprofessionality]

i was very sad to find out that i would be unable to title a cb1300 even if i forked over the cash to import one. i think this is the same for all bikes that are not sold in the US. it's some protectionist junk at play....

[pekingduck]

The only problem with this is when in an accident caused by the rider , insurance will not pay out ?

Not the only problem. In California at least, you can't register a vehicle that is not insured (you can insure an un-registered vehicle, but not too likely).

If the police take an accident report (regardless of who hit who) and find the bike's plate does not match the VIN, the bike is impounded and held until you can show current registration and/or proof of ownership/title. And you will get a ticket for no insurance, and another one for using a plate from another vehicle (fraud), which is usually a misdemeanor, but could be a felony.

If you don't have a title, then to get one, it has to have VIN verification by the DMV if you have legit paperwork. Plus CHP inspection if you have none. Which you can't do without the bike, since it's in impound storage collecting fees. You are really screwed.

So you will owe for the towing, impound lot storage, release fee, plus the expense of titling and registration and the tickets.

[Gone in 60]

I fell in love with Honda CG150 bikes I saw in Mexico delivering pizzas while working for a Baja team. I could have easily stashed one in one of our equipment trucks and brought it back, but my friends talked me out of it due to the hassle of making it legal, and 15 minutes of online research confirmed it.
My friend with the fake plate plate? Yeah, he'd be major screwed if he ever got caught, and obviously none of his bikes are insured.