Author Topic: US import intel.  (Read 1110 times)

Offline iainm

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US import intel.
« on: August 20, 2017, 08:56:53 PM »
OK, anybody had experience of importing a bike from the USA as an individual?  I've found the bike - well, a choice of three - more than 30 years old, and all conversations with HMRC point to a 5% VAT charge, and zero duty. But what other costs (beyond shipping) can I expect as unexpecteds? Destination port fees, customs checks etc? I can smell a few fast-buck "advisers" online, but not sure where the line is drawn between those pulling a fast one for something that should cost nothing, and those with a valid and valuable contribution to make.

Any intel or insight welcome.

Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
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Re: US import intel.
« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2017, 09:25:16 PM »
Do you work for Border Force ?
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline MCTID

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Re: US import intel.
« Reply #2 on: August 20, 2017, 09:34:47 PM »
10 years ago it cost me over £1000 to ship an individual Triumph T120 bike from Minnesota.

I bought it on E Bay from a Dealer and he built a Frame around it - having dismantled it to make a smaller package, and also to pack a spare Crankcase which I bought in California on E Bay and had shipped to him. He charged me £200 for that which I thought was OK. It took almost 3 months for the bike to arrive at my doorstep. The final fees were more than originally quoted, and the UK Shipping Agent was a bit of a pain TBH.....and they don't release the bike until ALL monies due are paid.

There are some sohc Members who ship stuff over from USA in Containers....which reduces the cost per bike, but you need to fill a container to the brim to make it worthwhile, and you need someone and somewhere to store and pack the bikes......so more additional costs I'm afraid.

All in all, I would say that unless you get into bed with one of these people....it's probably not worth the aggravation shipping one bike over as you certainly won't make a worthwhile profit.

Good luck - whatever you decide to do.
Now: 2008 CB1300S, CB750K4, 1970 Bonneville. Various other 1960's 650 Triumph T120's/ TR6's/ TR6C's (all in bits...many, many bits unfortunately). Previous: 2007 CB600FA, 1976 CB500 Four. BMW F800ST. GS750E. ZZR1100. CB1300 (2). ZXR1200S. VFR800. CB750 Nighthawk. CX500. XS500 Yam. Suzuki GT500. BSA A10. Various Lambrettas. Zundapp Bella (honest).

Offline Trigger

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Re: US import intel.
« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2017, 09:49:57 PM »
If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. You need someone the other side of the pond that knows what they are looking at and, you have to trust that person. Seen many damaged bikes come out of a container.
If you have a company in the USA and one here, it is just a stock transfer. 

Offline Mag1

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Re: US import intel.
« Reply #4 on: August 21, 2017, 08:33:22 AM »
Unless your buying several bikes or parts to fill a container, then forget it. If you have a particular bike you want then I would speak to the specialists who do this every month the like of dk cycles etc and ask them how much it would be to include your bike in the consignment of importing to the uk. Yes they will ask for fees and the like, but speak with them as it would be less hassle and costs for one bike.
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Yamaha XS750e 1977
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