GT all the way to Boston

[Berny]

It looks as if my wife is relocating to work in Boston. She wants to take the cats, the kids - well at least one, and the au pair. I said I would come along if I could take my leathers and helmets (plus the other boxes of bike stuff I've accumulated). Her company will take care of the early end of lease on her car but not on my bike. So I'm looking into shipping the 2006 GT from the UK to the US. I also have a 1980 CB900 Custom that originally came from the US and I'm hoping she'll not notice if I put it in the container first. That was originally sold in the US so I assume no problem with that machine. Would there be any problems shipping and registering the GT in the US. It has mph on the speedo and the wheels are just as round as American ones ... all advice gratefully received, especially referrals to shipping agents and BMW dealers in the Greater Boston Area. If I plan this right I might get it out there in time for the CCR in August...

[kevincook]

Berny,

Welcome to the US. I grew up near Boston and think you'll find the area a nice place to live. Just try to ignore the politics. :D

I'm not sure about the legal issues of importing your bike here but have you considered selling your GT over there and buying a brand new one here? I think the prices of the bikes is greater on your side of the pond. You may be able to get a 2007 GT for less than shipping your 06 bike here. You may even come out ahead.

Good Luck,
Kevin

[eljeffe]

Berny,

As Kevin said, it might just be easier to sell your GT in the UK and buy one over here. You might even make money on the transaction since BMW prices in the US are subsidized by BMW AG due to the dollar sucking wind to the euro.

[grahamw]

Factor in the cost of a new headlight assembly - they drive on the wrong side of the road - in addition to all inspection costs. Speak to BMW UK regarding what else may need to be done. Good luck.

[ClearwaterBMW]

i agree about selling the bike in the UK before coming over

i'm from Boston, originally
you are going to LOVE it there..... great place
big change for you
but..... embrace the excitement of something so new and different

please keep us informed as to the progress of your move

[meese]

I imported a US-spec K100LT from the US to the UK in 1998. Even with a lot of help from my company's Import/Export group and essentially free shipping, it was a Royal pain. ;)

In 2000 I bought a UK-spec K1200LT, and wanted to bring it with when we moved back to the US at the end of 2001. In the end, it was easier to sell the LT and buy another one once I got back to the States. Actually, after making a tentative deal to sell the 1999 LT to a BMW Dealer, I ended up totalling it on an icy road. Cracked ribs suck, but the insurance payout was more than the dealer was willing to pay.

With BMW's end-of-year specials, I ended up getting a brand new 2002 LT for $3,500 off list price, plus 0.9% financing and a few extra accessories thrown in.

You can always buy the exact same year and color bike once you get here. I've seen 2006 GTs listed as low as $16,500. Or you can shop around for a new '07 at a great price. There are lots of choices out there.

[Woolly]

Factor in the cost of a new headlight assembly - they drive on the wrong side of the road -

The LT has a 'neutral' dipped beam i.e. it does not throw the beam to the nearside verge, so no adjustment is needed when riding on the 'wrong' side of the road, I'd imagine the GT would be the same.

[meese]

The LT has a 'neutral' dipped beam i.e. it does not throw the beam to the nearside verge, so no adjustment is needed when riding on the 'wrong' side of the road, I'd imagine the GT would be the same.The '99 - '04 LTs are definitely biased towards the right (or left) side. You can see this when shining the headlight on a wall or garage door. I'm not sure about '05 and up LTs, or the newer GTs.

[vjmjf]

Welcome to NEW England guy. Lived in Mass most of my life. Not sure where you are going to live but north and west of Boston have roads the GT loves.

[Woolly]

The '99 - '04 LTs are definitely biased towards the right (or left) side. You can see this when shining the headlight on a wall or garage door. I'm not sure about '05 and up LTs, or the newer GTs.

'05 LT is definately a 'symetric', not an 'asymetric' dip - 1st time I was about to drive on the 'wrong side' of the road, I checked with the stealer, and they confirmed it (I even think it says so in the manual).

[jayjacobson]

GT all the way to Boston. It looks as if my wife is relocating to work in Boston.

Berny, now that the wife is going to Boston, where will you be going? Sorry!

[TonyT607]

Berny, one more thing to consider: you said your GT is on lease, which means you don't have the title...you'd need to pay off the lease/loan and present the original title at the port of departure as well as including a notarized copy with the paperwork you'd need to submit.

When I moved to the UK for a two year assignment in 1998, I shipped my 3 series over and had to do this at Port Newark in New Jersey. Was also required when bringing the car back to the USA in 2000. The shipping company (Wallenius Lines) and the UK port/government types asked me to produce my original New Jersey title at Portsmouth.

I don't know how this would work if you were to actually put it into a container.
BTW the freight charge for a 1996 BMW 3 series was about $750 USD each way plus about $350 in insurance. That's with me doing the dropoff/pickup at the respective ports. Expect to add hundreds to have the crate shipped to you.

[messenger13]

Factor in the cost of a new headlight assembly - they drive on the wrong side of the road...You guys can all rest easy. The GT's come with an adjustment for RHD/LHD traffic. No new headlamp assembly needed. (Pg 54 of the Rider's Manual.)

It's all too obvious (and a bit sad) that many of you are not used to the likes of a bike like the GT. This is today's technology boys. Stop living in yesterday's! ;)

[jayjacobson]

GT all the way to Boston

Welcome to the USA! You should feel right at home in the bastian of socialism that is Taxachusetts. BTW, did you say that you were bringing the au pair? Hmmmmmmmmmmm......

[vjmjf]

WOW Jay sounds like you know the land of Liberals !!!

[DBHutchins]

Sorry to puncture the balloon, but lot's of folks run afoul of US import issues when trying to bring foreign vehicles into the States. Essentially: it's too hard to be worth doing.

It's not the light. Though that's part of the problem. It's the DOT certification. All vehicles importable into the US have a metal plate fixed to the frame, certifying that the vehicle complied with US DOT specs as of the date of manufacture. If it ain't got that little gem, it'll be impounded on arrival by US Customs and you'll be required to post a bond in the value of the vehicle, until you get DOT certification.

Lot's of places will tell you than can get it for you. They're generally full of Sh*t. I've had friends try it, and finally ship the bike back to Europe for sale when it proved just about impossible.

Check out the US Gov website for DOT import requirements.

Then order a US GT for delivery here, and sell yours!

Sorry to be a party pooper!

Don

[jayjacobson]

WOW Jay sounds like you know the land of Liberals !!!
Yes, being a Libertarian, my socialist/communist friends on the left always amuse me!