Importing a motorcycle

[Capo]

I saw a Suzuki GSX 1400 at a bike night in NJ a few years ago, a model that is not US approved. The guy actually had the motor and frame/ cycle parts shipped in separate containers from the UK, then titled it and registered it as a ‘special construction’ bike, like custom chopper builders do. Bravo!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Roper_imp]

I think the FJ09 sells because it is so different from everything else. Light weight, high horsepower, triple cylinder.

The closest thing to the CB1300 sold recently in the U.S. I would think would be the Suzuki Bandit 1250S, would it not?

Yep. And I really want to like the Bandit. But, when I look at it, I just think "budget." When I look at the CB1300, I think, "Refined." The Honda just seems more intentional--more put together. The fairing on the Bandit seems like an afterthought.

Maybe it's because I've always been a Honda guy. My first motorcycle was a CB100 (a gold one, even) I bought from my cousin. Then it was an XR200. Then a V65 (don't miss the carb work on that beast at all.) Now the CB1100 and a CRF for trails. I've ridden other bikes. I just really like Hondas Although that new Kawasaki KLX250 looks really tempting...

[the Ferret]

No doubt the Suzuki is not as " polished" as the Honda. Suzuki's never have been. They have always just looked " cheaper", but Suzukis have always had solid engineering. Good motors, good transmissions. The Bandit series were very good, much under appreciated bikes

[Roper_imp]

One of my riding buddies has an SV650 he uses as a track bike. He loves it. I think that's a big part of riding--you gotta love it enough to spend time putting on gear, to do pre-ride checks, to be totally aware and engaged when you ride, to take care of maintenance. I don't think I could love the Bandit enough to go through all that.

[LongRanger_imp]

So is the CB 1300 I believe

Of course. I obviously didn't look at the photo!

[peterbaron]

In 1977 I bought a Yamaha XS 750 in the Navy Exchange in Yokosuka, Japan. It and all the other bikes bought there by the crew were loaded on the USS Constellation. After we pulled out of port, Customs agents inspected the bikes for US compliance. We got the bikes in San Diego after we pulled in there. The bikes were in crates.

Customs found one bike hidden in the hangar bay under a tarp that was a Japenese model, not certifed for the US. The owner had to post bond on it and make it US good on arrival in the US.

Lets send out Constellation again to bring the whole bunch of these liquid cooled 1300cc to the US & Canada.
I am in it...Popgun get to work, please



pb

[Lord Popgun]

Well, I do work for the Navy as a civilian. And have to go on the carriers when required. Buuuut, the Connie is in the ghost fleet in Bremerton, WA and is in really sorry shape

We do have a bunch of nicer ones.... If only I was the Admiral.

One of them is home ported in Yokosuka. Hummmm.