My girlfriend and I were on a long ride in the US southwest this summer.  She's a native Kiwi who has lived in the US for a long time and I'm a Yank.  We met some Aussies in Williams, Arizona who were on HDs and seemingly enjoying themselves.  We were all there to see the Grand Canyon.  We had a few cocktails at an outdoor pub and restaurant, listened to music, and had a general good time.  You know how Aussies are.

Well, I mentioned that I'm placing bikes in places where I'd like to ride, as renting is pretty pricey if you want to spend more than a few days exploring a place, and Australia seems to require significantly more than a few days.  So, I asked about getting a bike into the country.  They didn't have a lot of information, but did say that, for some reason, softails are easier to import.  So, since I want to get a bike there which I could store and ride, instead of shipping one in and out, or renting, I ask if anyone has any information on the rules for importing a bike which I intend to leave there for a few years at least, riding it maybe once or twice a year.  Are softails preferred?  I'd rather have a Roadking or a Dyna, I think. 

So, if anyone has any thoughts or information, espcially if you've imported a bike from the US lately, I'd love to hear about it.  Would bringing it from Canada have any advantage, being a former part of the "realm"? 

Check this link out http://geezers.com.au/ there have been strict restrictions on what age bike you could import to Australia.
These guys in Queensland have started importing late model Harleys and their information is on the website. It's not an endorsement, just something I found while searching for old car parts and importers.

Also suggest you go check out the state road authorities to confirm imported vehicle registration requirements as these will differ from state to state - but basically the older the vehicle the less compliance you have to do.

I looked into this briefly.  A $15,000USD bike in the US will turn into a $23-24K bike AUD very easily and will take up to 2-3 months.  The guys in Qld take 6-8 weeks (if I recall my conversation with them) to change everything over to suit the Aussie standards.  It really wasn't worth the hassle in my opinion.

 I imported a 2007 softail nightrain about 3 months ago and I can tell you it costs approximately $6000 plus on road costs-rego,stamp duty for a 1990-2012  model bike and if you were to import a pre 1989 bike, then you would save $2500.I would recommend anything from a 2008 model bike up.

Im in QLD and used a company called Geezers Classic Garage based on the Gold Coast and they do business throughout Australia, importing every type of vehicle.

Thats what it cost me, useing Geezers and they are very professional and responseive company to use, plus they take all the leg work out of the tedious import process and made it a great experience for me and you are able to track your bike as it proceeds.

Once you have bought and paid for your bike, if in the States, then it gets shipped their to L.A Base in the U.S.They take care of everything else and even ships the bike to you anywhere in Australia, if need be.

Well I highly recommend looking at Geezers Classic Garage,Ashmore  website and Ian & Greg are great guys and are happy to answer questions.