Importing USA bikes into Canada

[traderbri]

I currently ride a 2001 LT and love it. However, I love the changes they have made, not the least of which is the power centre stand, and so it's time for an upgrade.

Here's my story though. This is good information for any Canadian wanting to save money.

I recently bought an F650 on e-bay, bought a trailer, and brought both into Canada for LESS than I could have bought the bike alone here in Toronto, Canada.

I'm about to do the same, this time for a 2006 K1200LT. Without a lot of hassle, save for some Federal administrivia, I will save over $6000 by buying American and importing into Canada (and yes I have taken into acount shipping, etc.). This tells me either the Canadian retailers are making too much money, or BMW is charging the Canadian retailers an unfair price, neither of which is really of concern. However, in today's global economy, companies are importing all kinds of goods to lower their costs, so why shouldn't we as consumers?

I do have a question though that I hope someone in our community can answer. The analog speedometer dial shows both miles per hour and kilometers per hour, but the odometer shows only miles travelled, not kilometers.

The BMW dealer in Florida says the entire dash has to be changed in order to change the odometer, and the part alone costs $1300.00. I haven't yet shopped for a better price, even though the bike would still be substantially cheaper at $1300 for the changeover. It just seems odd to me that the entire dash needs to be changed. Does anyone know anything about this?

Thanks in advance.

[messenger13]

The BMW dealer in Florida says the entire dash has to be changed in order to change the odometer, and the part alone costs $1300.00. I haven't yet shopped for a better price, even though the bike would still be substantially cheaper at $1300 for the changeover. It just seems odd to me that the entire dash needs to be changed. Does anyone know anything about this?That does follow suit with the pre-05's BC display. The whole unit needed swapped out. Dumbest thing I've ever heard of...but it's true. Leave it to BMW to make changing from miles to kilometers a major operation. http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley24.gif

[starky]

I recently brought back an LT from Rochester into Hamilton, ON and did not have to switch over to a KM odometer. They never even asked about it.

Joel

[FA50Flyr]

I wouldn't change it out unless I was told to during the RIV inspection. I think they're most concerned with the speedometer being in KM. I know of a bike imported last year that didn't even have that, and was passed.

[GeorgeS]

While shopping for my LT last August, Durham BMW in Whitby had a used US LT on the floor with an MPH speedo for sale, I enquuired and they advised it was legal for sale, I ended up buying a new leftover 04 at a great price.

[HammerStar]

Hi;

There is no requirement to have the odometer changed to comply with import restrictions, so do it only if you want it changed for yourself. The speedo unit is marked on the smaller scale in km/hr and the BC readouts are in mi/gal, miles to empty and fahrenheit degrees for temperature. For unknown reasons BMW seems to produce at least two different speedo units for the different market destinations, instead of making one unit that could be configured through "pin" programming. Happy Shopping!!!!!!

Steve Collier
'05 KLT

[traderbri]

Thanks guys. This is all good information; and good news. My brain still remembers miles per hour and farenheit, so I think I'll save the money and pass on changing over to km's, now that I know the Feds are okay with it too.

[messenger13]

Thanks guys. This is all good information; and good news. My brain still remembers miles per hour and farenheit, so I think I'll save the money and pass on changing over to km's, now that I know the Feds are okay with it too.I hardly ever look at my LT or Ninja's speedometer anyway. That's what the Garmin 2610 is for. :)

[djbroughton]

I imported an 02 LT plus Unigo trailer into Canada from the U.S. last summer. You will need two inspections when you return. The first is a basic RIV inspection which I had done at Canadian Tire. My checksheet for this inspection shows a place for "check this box only if metric speedometer labels if (sic) required" Since U.S. models have the metric conversion on the speedos already in place, this is not an issue. The second more intensive Provincial inspection was done by my local BMW dealer.

At first I thought it would be easy to watch my speed using the MPH guage but found it too much of a hastle. Now I use my SPIII GPS which is mounted on a BMR trivet to do the job. Much more accurate and easier than trying to search for KPH on the speedo.

[02lt]

I also bought an '02 with a Uni-go in the US and imported to Canada last summer. Other than having a frustrating time dealing with RIV, the whole importing process went smoothly. Just make sure you have every single piece of paper that RIV requires.
Good luck.
Wilson.

[scoobydoo]

Last weekend, while my 2001 was in for a tire change I took a 2006 LT for a ride. At the victoria dealer it was 38K cdn taxes and acc all in (out the door) That is quite the chunk of change.....but just think of all the used bike owners who will never buy a bmw again if they adjust the price to the money market......

Didn't Harley adjust their retail prices andit ticked a bunch of die hard harley people off.

[brantvol16]

Yeah, this is certainly a case of damned if you do, damned if you don't for BMW Canada. However, their attitude seems to be nonchalant at best to the plight of their customer or prospect. I think the 10K differnce looks a lot better in my account than theirs so I for one will be getting my LT in the US - hopefully sooner than later!

The import issues are not significant nor troublesome according to all those I have asked and the savings justify a little hassle particularly with 90 cent dollars.

G

[traderbri]

I just finished the RIV inspection at Canadian Tire for the F650CS and the trailer. Both passed without any modifications. So today I bought my new 2006 LT from Daytona Motorcycles. They'll ship it to Buffalo where I'll pick it up with my trailer. I'll save about $6000, which makes the 90 minute drive VERY worthwhile!

[djbroughton]

Traderbri, did you find out about whether a U.S. BMW bike warranty can be exercised in Canada?

BTW- how about filling in your personal details a bit more so we know who we're talking to.

Regards,

[brantvol16]

The US warranty is honored in Canada. I got this from a guy in BMW Canada HQ. Differnce being that the US warranty is 36 months, 36000 miles vs the Canadian 36 months, unlimited kms. Process is apparently transparent - take it to your chosen dealer who will check the VIN and carry on. No need to visit the dealer until work is to be done. Almost sounds too easy but that is straight from the "horse's mouth". BTW, don't forget to get the recall clearance letter from BMW US for your VIN number. The Canadian border process needs that along with the other stuff.

Good luck shopping!! The savings just get bigger with the way the loonie is behaving these days.

Geoff

[Saxon]

Geoff,
As far as I recall you don't need the recall letter at the border. You will need to send it to RIV along with your completed federal inspection form & import documents. When my 2001 LT came over in Feb-06 they only required a bill of sale and a Lien clearance certificate. My bike had 2 outstanding recalls which were performed by the local dealer in Edmonton. The work order was faxed to BMW USA & they issued a recall clearance letter to me direct.

Gopod luck in finding a bike - there are sure some good deals around compared to our prices.

Mike

[Saxon]

Geoff did you see Bruce Harris's LT is for sale
looks like great deal - would be nice ride home too
Mike