After some info if anyone can help. Have to be in the states for a bit in a while. Thinking of bringing back in some old shovels or early evos, has anyone done it and is it worth the hassle. Can ship into brisbane, sydney or perth. i suppose there are import duties or if the motors are out does that apply, do people get smashed with charges from the poor under resourced hard done by government.
I've just got an import approval approved on a 69 FLH shovel..
My experience:
- Find the bike on craigslist, ebay or one of the more specialised forums like jockeyjournal.com or chopcult.com (I tried to stay close to LA, ship leaves from there and saves the hassle of freighting it from other parts of US)
- The biggest variable is being able to trust the vendor, suggest you talk to them over the phone to sense what sort of person they are. Request pics & videos running etc. Discuss payment (either PayPal or IMT)
- Make sure you have a genuine harley frame if it is post 1970 (DOTARS uses the vin # to identify the bike, if it is pre 1970, no frame numbers from HD, make sure the engine number is genuine)
- Don't buy the bike until you have an import permit (apply on DOTARS website, costs $50 per item), they say 15 days but allow a month to gain approval, you will need to supply a pic, title, copy of rego, photo ID and proof of purchase along with the details (year, model and numbers) - as you haven't bought it officially, the vendor will have to help you out. Can all be done via email
- I'm using a freight forwarder who has over 20 years experience, costs $900 to ship it (4-5 weeks transit time) plus 10% of purchase price for import tax (if you are clever put a lower amount for purchase price)
Think that's about it. Let me know if you need any other help.
Thanks for that info yeah I would probably invest 50k if it would pay off. Will have a look online to see what they cost over there. is there different rego rules here, emissions etc. appreciate the feedback fat pete, gadget and flan
Craigslist is where I am going to look thanks
