Importing a bike from the States to Canada

[HighScore]

Originally Posted by adiablolex

does anyone know the details of importing a bike that's not on the admissibility list?
Case in point: 09 990 ADV, the list stops at 07.
Trying to contact KTM NA but it's like pulling teeth.
Any help would be appreciated.

I would advise NOT to buy a KTM in the United States and then try to import into Canada.
After owning a KTM (which I loved by the way), I found that the bike is rather "fickle" and a warranty is essential. Making things compli-ma-cated by exporting into Canada might rustle a few feathers with KTM North America.

[adiablolex]

Originally Posted by HighScore

I would advise NOT to buy a KTM in the United States and then try to import into Canada.
After owning a KTM (which I loved by the way), I found that the bike is rather "fickle" and a warranty is essential. Making things compli-ma-cated by exporting into Canada might rustle a few feathers with KTM North America.

I hear you brother, but, on KTM's defence, they were extremely helpful with the whole ordeal and we wouldn't have been able to import the 09 unless they guided us the way they did.
On the warranty issue, I found my bike a pleasure to work on and an absolute engineering marvel that I wouldn't want anyone touching anyway, so we're safe that way....

[kahoon]

Originally Posted by adiablolex

... but, on KTM's defence, they were extremely helpful with the whole ordeal and we wouldn't have been able to import the 09 unless they guided us the way they did.

i find that very interesting! i thought it was them that purposely didn't register '08+ bikes with RIV, so people wouldn't be able to import them from the US

[adiablolex]

Originally Posted by kahoon

i find that very interesting! i thought it was them that purposely didn't register '08+ bikes with RIV, so people wouldn't be able to import them from the US

the only reason that KTM didn't want to deal with Transport Canada is the obvious.....that's why they told them to shove it after 07. Too much stress not enough fun...definately not what KTM is about.

[kananaskis]

Originally Posted by CGH

If you're talking about the export clearance provided by the U.S. CBP, you're right, the Canadian guys don't care as it has nothing to do with the import of a vehicle into Canada. The U.S. guys might have a problem with it if that vehicle ever tries to re-enter the U.S. though.

Yeah, basically if the importer (you) fails to get the title for the bike/car etc. stamped out by US CBP it is not an issue for the Canada Customs BUT if the bike ever re-enters the USA and an officer runs the VIN (Sheriff, US CBP, police etc.) they can seize the vehicle and charge the person between 500 and 5000 bucks for failing to properly export a export-controlled commodity. In other words... It may take an extra 5 minutes to walk into the US side and export the bike but it is worth it if they ever run it for any reason if you are back in the USA... Plus if you re-sell the bike and the new owner goes into the states and manages to get his bike seized for failure to export you can bet you will be dealing with him when he gets his bike back... I know if I had to pay a fine or lost my bike completely because some asshat didn't do what he was supposed to do (process is in place for a reason... checks for stolen property, liens etc...) when exporting from a foreign market I would be going after him in court if not in the street... Hahaha

[drcool]

Originally Posted by kananaskis

Yeah, basically if the importer (you) fails to get the title for the bike/car etc. stamped out by US CBP it is not an issue for the Canada Customs BUT if the bike ever re-enters the USA and an officer runs the VIN (Sheriff, US CBP, police etc.) they can seize the vehicle and charge the person between 500 and 5000 bucks for failing to properly export a export-controlled commodity. In other words... It may take an extra 5 minutes to walk into the US side and export the bike but it is worth it if they ever run it for any reason if you are back in the USA... Plus if you re-sell the bike and the new owner goes into the states and manages to get his bike seized for failure to export you can bet you will be dealing with him when he gets his bike back... I know if I had to pay a fine or lost my bike completely because some asshat didn't do what he was supposed to do (process is in place for a reason... checks for stolen property, liens etc...) when exporting from a foreign market I would be going after him in court if not in the street... Hahaha

It is good this came up and I agree. For the 5 minutes it took(many phone calls, faxes and followups not withstanding) at the border it is a much better thing that your ride has full Canadian status. Illegal aliens in the states are not looked on favorably.

do it right
drcool

[kirbike]

I'm trying to import an 01 KTM 125 into Canada from PA. Does anyone know what this Recall Clearance form looks like? KTM Canada wants $500 and the KTM USA guy is on holidays. The guy I talked to at KTM Canada didn't think I needed one for a dirt bike, but I don't think so....not if I want to register it all legal and green plate it.
Right now I've let the dealer in PA know and hopefully he can get the letter, because I'm not paying $500. That plus $204 RIV charge, and what ever CDN Tire charges; it hardly seams worth it....the bike's not worth much more than that!

[LVGS]

Originally Posted by drcool

It is good this came up and I agree. For the 5 minutes it took(many phone calls, faxes and followups not withstanding) at the border it is a much better thing that your ride has full Canadian status. Illegal aliens in the states are not looked on favorably.

do it right
drcool

I couldn't agree with drcool more. The process at the American end was actually the simplest and literally, involved filling out a VERY simple form, emailing it with copies of the title and bill of sales and a 10 minute stop at US customs before crossing the boarder.

Why take the risk!?

[LVGS]

Originally Posted by kirbike

I'm trying to import an 01 KTM 125 into Canada from PA. Does anyone know what this Recall Clearance form looks like? KTM Canada wants $500 and the KTM USA guy is on holidays. The guy I talked to at KTM Canada didn't think I needed one for a dirt bike, but I don't think so....not if I want to register it all legal and green plate it.
Right now I've let the dealer in PA know and hopefully he can get the letter, because I'm not paying $500. That plus $204 RIV charge, and what ever CDN Tire charges; it hardly seams worth it....the bike's not worth much more than that!

The recall letter can be nothing more than a statement on the KTM dealer's letterhead with VIN and make/model indicating that all recalls have been cleared. I bought my BMW privately, but the local dealership in Seattle gave me a letter, at no cost, that satisfied RIV.

BTW, Canadian Tire does not charge anything and their inspection is the most painful part the process. It took more time at the local Canadian Tire than it did at the US and Canadian Customs offices and RIV combined.

[drcool]

Originally Posted by kirbike

I'm trying to import an 01 KTM 125 into Canada from PA. Does anyone know what this Recall Clearance form looks like? KTM Canada wants $500 and the KTM USA guy is on holidays. The guy I talked to at KTM Canada didn't think I needed one for a dirt bike, but I don't think so....not if I want to register it all legal and green plate it.
Right now I've let the dealer in PA know and hopefully he can get the letter, because I'm not paying $500. That plus $204 RIV charge, and what ever CDN Tire charges; it hardly seams worth it....the bike's not worth much more than that!

It's a dirtbike I presume therefore who cares. You aren't licencing anyway.

Do your dealings with the US Customs (and don't even tell the Canadians, you're just coming home from the track in the US right). Canadian customs wants GST on the sale price so it might run you a hun

As long as you're cleared by the US you can save the fees and send me a commission caue there won't be RIV or Canadian tire cause it ain't roadworthy is it?

Taxe is a four letter word
drcool

[TerraThumper]

You were right, Drcool, It is easy, peasy to import. I just did the whole deal with my newly acquired ' 09 990. I came through the border Monday morning after the long weekend - took about 2.5 hours to clear both sides of the river. By far most of the time was waiting for the truckers to clear. Even CTC in Uxbridge was quick'n'easy, all of 15 minutes.

[kirbike]

Originally Posted by drcool

It's a dirtbike I presume therefore who cares. You aren't licencing anyway.

Do your dealings with the US Customs (and don't even tell the Canadians, you're just coming home from the track in the US right). Canadian customs wants GST on the sale price so it might run you a hun

As long as you're cleared by the US you can save the fees and send me a commission caue there won't be RIV or Canadian tire cause it ain't roadworthy is it?

Taxe is a four letter word
drcool

Yeah, but if you want to ride on crown land, and places like Ganaraska, Eastside Trails, it's gotta be registered, green plated, and insured or the fish cops will offer you up a $500 fine. Plus I'm back and forth across the border all the time with the dirtbikes, and most times they don't check, but they have once or twice.

[drcool]

Originally Posted by kirbike

Yeah, but if you want to ride on crown land, and places like Ganaraska, Eastside Trails, it's gotta be registered, green plated, and insured or the fish cops will offer you up a $500 fine. Plus I'm back and forth across the border all the time with the dirtbikes, and most times they don't check, but they have once or twice.

My bad, I have no experience with green plate.

In that case have the seller provide a letter from his KTM dealer and follow the steps.

Easy peasy just insert tax dollars
drcool

[adiablolex]

Originally Posted by TerraThumper

You were right, Drcool, It is easy, peasy to import. I just did the whole deal with my newly acquired ' 08 990. I came through the border Monday morning after the long weekend - took about 2.5 hours to clear both sides of the river. By far most of the time was waiting for the truckers to clear. Even CTC in Uxbridge was quick'n'easy, all of 15 minutes.

it's an 09

[yamalama]

This process is so easy. The border buys at Blaine were fantastic.
The bikes cost far less in the US. The bikes are generally in better condition.
Never had a bad experience with a fellow Advrider.
Shipping is dirt cheap. My last one: 600 from Tucson to Blaine.
The Seattle dealer who wrote my riv clearance was efficient, friendly and free
Canadian dollar basically at par. Starving Americans. The perfect storm.