importing an antique motorcycle ?

[Travis]

Hey there fellow Antique Motorcycle enthusiasts,
I am considering importing an old bike from Sweden and was hoping to get information and advice from anyone that has done this and what kind of hassle and costs are involved ? Any info would be greatly appreciated, thanks, Travis

[Sargehere]

What is the make of the bike? You have to remember that there is no import duty if you are returning an American made bike back "home." It's called "Returned American Goods," and exempt from duty.

[Travis]

Hi Gerry and thanks for responding to my post
The bike I am looking at importing is a Nimbus. They were only made from 1934 to about 1958 so they qualify for the "25 years old or older .
Travis

[john fretschl]

Hi travis , you will need to hire a shipping company and a shipping agent. A shipping agent is very important! They will handle all the paper work that has to go through customs, before the bike can be shipped, and leave the country that you want it shipped from. The shipping agent will also handle all the paper work so the bike can be released to you from customs. I used DVS Air and Sea. They can provide a agent for you . You will have to have the bike created for shipping. Hopes this help you.

[darrylri]

I imported a BMW from Germany in 2006. Aside from gettting the bike air freighted, the paperwork with the Feds was minimal and there was a nominal fee for filing the paperwork with Customs. A bike older than 25 years has no duty.

Do your homework with your state, however. California wanted the original bill of sale (not the photocopy I had). Also, if you want to preserve any European title documents, you might need to make a photocopy before handing them in at your DMV. You will probably have to pay a state sales or use tax on the bike's purchase price.