Who Bought in the USA?

[DentalFlossTycoon]

I'm seriously considering purchasing one of two LT's I've found in the US, which got me wondering, how many of us Canadians have bought bikes in the US? And were there any good experiences or horror stories when bringing them across the border?

[brantvol16]

Got mine this summer in Tennessee. No big hassles at all but a couple of critical items to bear in mind. At the border (I used Port Huron Bluewater bridge), the US process is easy if you have proof that you did in fact fax them the title docs they need. So keep the fax confirmation sheet with you. On the Canadian side, you will be asked to pay the GST - they will ask for the US bill of sale and do the currency conversion at the current rate - and get you set up with the RIV process. However, you can register for that online as well.

When you go to Canadian Tire for the federal inspection, the big deal is the recall clearance letter which you can get from BMW NA directly. The guy who handled my inspection (check VIN, weights and lights) told me that he expects that dealer produced letters may not be acceptable much longer but the guys at BMW in NJ are easy to deal with and will email the letter to you.

You will need to know where the VIN is located as well as the other compliance stickers but that is pretty obvious.

PM me if you want to discuss this.

Geoff

[Caper11]

Bought a 1200LT in Maine last Dec. Had no problems at all at the border. Bought mine from a dealer Max BMW and had them send all the required paper work to US Customs for me. Had to be there 72 hurs before I could take it across the border to Canada. Good idea to call the US custom at the borderyou are crossing into Canada to ensure that the paper work is in fact there.

Good Luck

[DennisS]

I bought a Lexus in Washingto state this summer and it was a breeze bringing it across the border. I plan to buy a GS or GSA in the next year and definitely will buy it in the USA. I concur with the advice on faxing the title documents to US customs and following up to confirm export approval.
Dennis Sykora

[DarkMeister]

I've purchased several vehicles in the States, no problems. One thing I learned just today - US Customs changed their handling of exports, Now it's done from the Commercial (truck) office, which means Monday to Friday, biz hours only.
I'm bringing an LT back from Colombus, OH, this weekend and this "change" really jinxed my travel plans. :mad:

[cfell]

"Howdy, I'm from da guvamint and I'm here to help you.." Reckon this could be affected by becoming a Commie Govamint.... oh, maybe that's already happening

[Ted Shred]

Are you guys able to get warranty work done at Canadian dealers with US spec bikes??

[jgburns]

I bought a Lexus in Washingto state this summer and it was a breeze bringing it across the border. I plan to buy a GS or GSA in the next year and definitely will buy it in the USA. I concur with the advice on faxing the title documents to US customs and following up to confirm export approval.
Dennis SykoraI rode to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park last summer. I noticed the boarder was a tree clearing strip through the forest, no fence. Hmmm, an interesting way to get a GS accross if the paperwork gets fowled up.;)

[starky]

Are you guys able to get warranty work done at Canadian dealers with US spec bikes??

Warranty work in Canada for US bikes is no problem.
BMW Canada will honour all in effct warranties


Better buy in the US before the CDN dollar starts to tank as the price of oil starts to slide.

Maybe t's only temporary and it's a long way to the dollar level of a few years ago, but... every basis point helps.

JS

[ajs]

I concur with the comments of others who imported into Canada. The only additional comment I would make is the US customs at Calais, Maine (my crossing point last March) insisted that the ORIGINAL of the sellers certificate of ownership signed by the seller be at their office at least 72 hours before the bike would be allowed to cross. A fax copy was not acceptable. I thought this was a bit excessive but both the seller and I had to comply given they (US Customs) were calling the shot at that point.

If you do or have already imported you won't regret it. The warranties are honoured, and the price is right. The Canadian exchange rate is going in the wrong direction right now.

OH yes, its a great bike, you'll enjoy it immensely.

[ajs]

I rode to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park last summer. I noticed the boarder was a tree clearing strip through the forest, no fence. Hmmm, an interesting way to get a GS accross if the paperwork gets fowled up.;)

I wouldn't want to try to get that bike registered in Canada without the proper importing paperwork tho. At best, it will end up with an expensive lawn ornament for your family while you cool your heels in government care at the taxpayers expense.

In the meantime, keep the rubber side down!

[gstevenson]

Brantvol16, you mentioned that you can get the Recall Clearance Letter from BMW NA directly. I am having trouble finding a contact number for them. Can you provide it? Or anyone?
Thanks, Gord.

[brantvol16]

Can't believe my filing system is this good but I found it first try.

I got an email from webmaster@bmwmotorcycles.com with instructions to reply to that address with the VIN, current mileage and my contact info. I was scetical about the address but it does work. They also gave me a phone number 1 800 831 1117 which apparently is answered 9 to 9 eastern M - F.

Hope this helps - good luck!

Geoff