I thought it might be useful to compile a list for North Americans of on-line dealers in Europe who are legit and reliable. I'd like to start this thread with my experience with Biker Outfit in Amsterdam, from which I just purchased a rather expensive helmet in a graphic not yet available in North America. I ordered Sunday, July 3 and received delivery today, Monday, July 11. The transaction was very smooth and I would not hesitate to order from them again. Biker Outfit ships via PostNL with tracking, but note that you need to be around on delivery - my package, at least, required a signature. Also, they don't offer free shipping, which on the other hand results in fast delivery. In my case, shipping from Amsterdam to New York, for a fairly large package, cost €24.75 (currently ~ US$27.40). Biker Outfit's web site is at bikeroutfit.nl/en.
I had a good boot purchase experience with biker-land.de They use DHL for shipping from das Vaterland to the U.S. After the parcel is processed through Customs, the USPS assumes responsibility for delivery. I didn't pay any VAT, taxes or Customs fees. Transit time from order to delivery was, IIRC, ~2.5 weeks. The Euro-based pricing will vary according to the currency markets. Being patient (thus playing a bit of de facto arbitrage) is helpful. As I type this, the linked boots are €323.00, or $357.00. When I purchased them, I paid €260.00, or $287.00 + $22.00 shipping. My gross savings was $263.00 when compared to the inflexible $550.00 that every U.S. vendor presently charges for the Adventure GTXs. Win.
I've ordered from FC-Moto twice. Pretty sizeable discounts compared to US retailers on Daytona boots and Schuberth helmets.
Motostorm.it carries some good lines (I bought Givi panniers), good prices with Fedex delivery (heard about them here!).
FC-Moto. Got new SIDI Boots for $100 more than what most people want to sell used. takes about 14-17 days with DHL and no Custom's tax.
Came here to recommend FC-Moto as well. I bet some UK sites are price-competitive now with the recent drop in sterling--prior to the Brexit vote it was nearly always cheaper to order from the Continent. Hornig (English site https://www.motorcycleparts-hornig.com/) is good for BMW stuff, though their shipping charges are pretty high. They also still sell oilhead brake master cylinders direct from Magura, unlike Beemer Boneyard who were stopped by BMW-NA from doing so. Hornig, like most German vendors, ships via DHL for final delivery in the US by the USPS, thereby avoiding FedEx and UPS ripping you off. Also, since I'm a frequent-flyer in the "ordering sh!t from overseas" threads (and a former CBP employee), I feel compelled to drop in and point out that for Americans, the de minimis threshold for duty was raised to US$800 (not including freight) earlier this year, which is a major difference for folks ordering dutiable items like boots and plastic luggage. The threshold had been US$200 since the 90s. Helmets and motorcycle parts are duty-free. Most gear other than helmets is dutiable. Plastic luggage is dutiable (long story, but it's categorized as 'plastic cases' instead of 'motorcycle accessories') but metal luggage is not. Shipments over $800 are dutiable on the entire value. Even items that are duty-free count toward the $800, so an order of two $500 helmets and a $100 pair of gloves is subject to duty on the gloves. Three pairs of $250 boots now enter free, but four pairs of $250 boots are subject to duty on all four. Finally, while freight doesn't count for customs purposes, a lot of vendors are inexperienced or lazy and will write the total invoice value on the customs form. While it's unlikely that CBP will bother even if the shipper writes $835 on the form--especially if they call it motorcycle accessories--it has happened, so if you want to play it extra safe keep the total invoice below $800. If you do get charged in such a case, you can protest the duty and get it back, but it's a slow process. ETA: Also, FedEx and UPS clear your stuff as a commercial shipment--if they classify it wrong or fail to collect duty, CBP can fine them, so you're all but guaranteed to get nailed on an $801 shipment. Mail is cleared directly by CBP and they don't fine themselves for sending things down the road.
On 07/12 I have ordered Sidi boots from http://www.motostorm.it/en/ FedEx ticket say I will get them on 07/20th in Idaho To be seen, but looks very promising Just got them today 07/18 - 6 days from Italy to rural Idaho! Sometimes it takes longer to get something from the east coast
I have had good experiences with MotardInn. On the gear I've looked at, one may normally choose between DHL (very speedy) and post office (cheap, but not speedy). Some prices are outstanding, some average, some are even higher than the USA, but they're definitely worth checking as you shop.
Another positive experience with Motostorm.it for me. I bought a GIVI windshield for $80 less than I could get it stateside. Helps when the euro is week too. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I purchased my Caberg Tourmax from Motoin.de. Had a very positive experience. Also another +1 for FC-Moto; got my Forma Adventure boots there.
I am getting charged fees for my Givi trekker outbacks. FedEx informed me upon my appeal that those motorcycle side cases are not motorcycle accessories
What are they classifying them as? There's a ruling in CROSS (HQ 965717, if you need some boring reading) dealing with plastic Givi cases as "plastic suitcases" vs. motorcycle accessories, but I've never seen anything on metal ones. (Though now that I re-read the ruling on plastic cases, I can definitely see how metal cases could fit in the same chapter of the HTS.) Also, how much was the total shipment value? If it hit the US after March and was worth less than US$800, it should have entered duty-free regardless.
I took your advice and placed an order for Sidi Adventure Boots and Held Air N' Dry gloves. Total shipped price was around $450. I will update once items are received! :)
Still a great savings! Post a pic if you're able. FYI: The tracking number that is provided by the vendor is linked to the parcel only whilst it is in the possession of DHL on the European mainland. Once it leaves those shores for the US -- meaning Customs & the USPS -- the shipment will be "invisible" (i.e., no other tracking available) until it reaches your doorstep.
I actually already received the tracking number. I will post updates and photos when available. Thanks again
How interesting! My orders from MotardInn have gone differently. The DHL shipment(s) stayed with DHL, so were tracked all the way through. Interestingly, the Postal Service shipment(s) were also tracked all the way through. The latest started with Netherlands Post, then transitioned to USPS, and the MotardInn tracking system kept up to date with each step, including USPS steps. Pretty great svc for a grand total of $6.95 in shipping!
I bought an Italian Fasco Twinscreen WS for my Vespa scooter from Hodgespeed in Seattle,WA and even with the UPS from WA back to KY it was much cheaper than me ordering direct from SIP (scooter parts people) in UK or Italy. I've bought SS spokes (and lots more MC parts ) from Germany in name brand and they were cheaper then the main pl;ace in California, so results will vary. I'm currently "thinking on" Rev'it pants from BurnoutItaly.com. Anyone bought from them?
ordered my calberg helmet from http://www.bikeroutfit.nl/ paid on july 28. received tracking info a few days later delivered today by usps . i was very apprehensive about buying outside the states but with using paypal i knew the purchase was protected.
I've ordered stuff from Moto-bins in the UK, based on recommendations in another forum. They only sell stuff for BMW's, but great prices. If you're on the east coast, stuff can arrive from the UK as fast (or sometimes faster) than ordering from California.