Ontario Proof of Value on Imported LT

[DarkMeister]

Any (recent) dudes who imported bikes into Ontario get a post-registration request for "proof of value"?

I got one and, of course, have it all. However, I'd already provided the import entry (Customs) form when registering the bike.

Call me suspicious, but...just wondering if those stool samples at BMW Group Canada are starting yet another obstacle course for us behind the scenes.
I've tried 6-7 times to connect with the Min of Finance case officer; no dice. My question will be - what exactly triggers these audits? A computer? A tip?
The original registry office? Or some corporate entity passing on a friendly word of warning? If the last one, we're gonna have a battle on our hands. :mad:

[DarkMeister]

OK...Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they are NOT out to get me.

Got through. They said "randomly generated", and let me re-state the value verbally. Case closed.

Yeah...

[garry_kramer]

Hey Darko

You riding yet? I was out last week.

[DarkMeister]

I saw that, you lucky dawg!! I wanted to, but missed the short-lived window of wather opportunity. Got a trickle-charger for Christmas, so...she's ready for a break in the weather. In the meantime, that...cough-cough...bike-cover...is keepin'er warm.

[BMWphreak]

Darko,

I guess your post implies that you FINALLY got the bike imported?! Man, I feel bad for you, but at least you got a great deal on the purchase ;)

I hope you enjoy it once riding season starts, I know I did...

[DarkMeister]

Yep...based on the movie "Pay It Forward". Long story short, a favor from a board member here, from a far-flung state, who called in favors at his dealer's, whom I guaranteed anonimity...etc.; got THE paper finally. Not sure if you've followed some of the 'Canada' threads, but BMW Group Canada went to all sorts of lengths to make things difficult for importers. Certainly makes ME a loyal client. Bastards...
And yes!! 'Twas a great deal! Put it this way: when I was looking for the nearest dealer here (150 miles!) thought I'd check out their used inventory on-line. Same bike, 03, fewer farkles by far - 16K!! Makes all my pain & suffering worthwhile. 2 months of anger and chest-pains, to save 7K...har-har!!
Did I mention that your (former) LT is simply amazing? It is. Handles and runs like a dream. At least it did during the 40 da....I mean 10 days...of the temp-tag I had.

[itspossible]

Hey, glad to here you finally got your papers from RIV. I feel lucky to have only had to wait 3 weeks to get my papers, but also proud of the fact that I didn't cave in to BMW Canada and cough up a fee.

Unfortunately I suffered a shattered arm and some broken ribs a week after getting mine registered (not bike related) so lost the tail end of the season. Looking forward to spring and some great riding.

R

[DarkMeister]

Thanks....hope you're all healed-up. "Tundra Bay" sure has some great scenery for riding. Was up there a couple of months ago! (Flew in)
It amazes me that I'm *still* livid about it. Not the 600 bucks, but the flimsy pretense of it all. The thought of trailering the bike 300 miles for a needless 'inspection' and the thought that RIV (and thus the Feds) can be dictated to by a greedy corporation was what got to me. I had proof of recall from day one (thanks to BMWPhreak above), but noooo....not the right 'format'.
Did they manage to discourage me? Not in a million years. If/when I upgrade to a newer LT I will again shop South and jump the hoops. In the meantime, I won't spend a cent at local dealers. It's just as close for me to visit some great dealerships in the NE or shop these forums. A matter of principle now.
However, if I can calm down enough whenever I think of it, I'd love to lay out this whole rip-off logically to some of my media contacts.

[Saxon]

Hi,
Just catching your thread & kinda of interested in whats happening.
I have imported two Lt's an 01 & and 03. Had no problems at all with either BMW or RIV. To be honest they were real helpful, so much so that BMW recommended an after market warranty company in California who covered m 03 for additional 3 years. Have since sold both bikes & bought a Harley. - i know i know - don't go there, been there done that still shaking my head!!!!
My buying south of the border for Lt's may be over as I just priced a new 08 at less than 25k. Here in Alberta they were over 30k last spring. Must admit I was surprised. Not too sure what the new price is in the U.S. but I have seen them at 23-24k

Mike

[DarkMeister]

Things have changed. A lot.
I imported my previous LT a year ago and yes - smooth and quick. Called Jersey, had the recall letter faxed within ten minutes.
Now, if you look at the RIV 'list of admissible vehicles", in the 'notes' column - most makers have nothing, or a line about where to call, etc. Not BMW: their notes fill the page practically.
I realise that this is actually spill-over from their cars process, in which case maybe, just maybe, the BS dealership inspection may have some validity - but the bikes got caught in their web of greed.
Do me favour; will ya? Shoot a chinook our way. I need to get out for a ride and quit brooding about corporate rectal apertures.