Touring the U.S. with own bike from New Zealand

[Ingel]

In April of 07 my wife and I are planning a month long trip of the U.S. before doing a 3 month tour of Europe on our own K1200lt. I have tried to contact U.S. Customs (twice) but with no reply. I wonder if someone can help?
I am wanting to know what I need to do to temporarily import my bike.I know I can get a temp. insrance but I don't know what needs to happen once the bike is landed. Your help much appreciated. :confused: Thanks, Ingel.

[katnapinn]

In April of 07 my wife and I are planning a month long trip of the U.S. before doing a 3 month tour of Europe on our own K1200lt. I have tried to contact U.S. Customs (twice) but with no reply. I wonder if someone can help?.

Sorry I can not help with your question. buy if your travels take you to central Texas ( Austin area) let me know I have a spare room for a night or two :D

[tarheel_rider]

If Ari misses this thread in his travels, send him a PM. He and a friend shipped their bikes over and toured the US before coming to CCR, so he's just been through this process.

[rmg08057]

Ingel

Ari would certainly have the latest. If that fails, I'll research from this end for you. Had a Kiwi from London bring his LT over a few years ago, stayed with us and toured for 3 months. Just been helping a couple from Tauranga who are touring for 6 months on a wing (they're in Montana as we speak).

Please contact if you'd like a natter on various topics - love to give any help I can. I still have a house in Beachaven. My email is rgray@flintfox.com & my phone # is +1 609 6365412 (we are currently 8 hours ahead of you, but a day behind).

BTW, this is info on Ari:
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/member.php?userid=5817

[Zotter]

I love this place. Guy from PA with one of my home state icons in his avitar help'n a Kiwi ship his bike overseas. Man - talk about life scope!

By the way - there's room 'n board ('n garage 'n tools) here in Wyoming for you as well! Just holler!

May well have to formalize and start up some kinda LT hostel or something, eh?


As to the importatin issue: I'd be SWAG'n - but having seen several out of country registered vehicles on the US road ways, don't you jus have to keep your home country's title and registration up to date - import the thing and go? Thought there was some kinda UN treaty on reciprocity for vehicles - so long as they kept their home registrations...

[RonKMiller]

I don't think you'll need anything special. Simply drive across the border. They'll want to know how long you are staying and the purpose of your trip. Hundreds of thousands of Mexicans and Canadians cross the border with their own vehicles every day. Just a few decide to stay. ;)

One thing I've always done is to burn a copy of all relevant documents including a repair manual onto a cd and tuck it away safely with a spare key.

Some of the absolute best touring in the world is our desert southwest - give me a shout if you come this way, better early in your trip as it gets pretty hot (30C and more...) starting the beginning of May. I would stay out of the Rockies farther North until mid-June, not unusual at all to have snow until then at higher elevations.

Here's some pix from my trip last spring - they're loaded in reverse but you'll get the idea!

http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c393/RonKMiller/?start=0

[Ingel]

Thank you all for your responces and offers. My wife and I will surely catch up with you on our travels.
I have heard, and read in various "bloggs", that all I need is to insure my bike and because we are not staying more than 12 months importation is not an issue as long as the bike meets the U.S. road worthiness standards. I will send Ari a PM to see what he did. I will post the requirements, when I find out what they are, just in case others want to know.
Once again thank you all. :)

[hschisler]

...I will post the requirements, when I find out what they are, just in case others want to know...That would be a great addition to the Hall of Wisdom.

Good luck.

[Keith]

And of course we ride on the right hand side up here...so you'll have to switch your speedo over to the left side... :rotf: