Has anyone ever imported trackbikes from the US or Japan? With the AUD the way it is, especially against the Yankback, my long-time dream of importing a brand new bike purely for tracking is looking increasingly attractive.
What are the things to look out for/pitfalls and how would one organise shipping?
I'd think an import broker would also try and capitalise on this and not pass the savings on to you given the climate but that's just me being pessimistic.
You are probably right. I know that there are zero cost savings to be had if you want to put the bike on-road. The government and its agencies make certain of that.
Jeez we get screwed on the cost of imported motor-industry products in this country.
Actually I was reading a thread on this in another forum.
What has been done before and has gotten through.
1) purchase bike in other country
2) take bike apart
3) send bike parts across in 3 shipments - each spaced by about 2 weeks - if they come via the same shipment they will get you for importing over 90% of a bike
4) put bike back together
5) there is a process to get a custom bike ADR approved - although you will need an engineer cert (pretty basic check if it is an overseas model) and then pass it over the pits. I am not sure how this is affected if there is an OEM VIN on the frame...
This only works well for custom bikes - eg harley frames, MX bikes - (no ADR approval) or rare bikes with an inflated cost in this country. The example given was that someone got in a Harley Fatboy from the states for about 7.5k here and spend another grand or two getting it complied. Which is worth it for a bike that is now worth about 25-30k.
Your standard roadbike / trailbike cost savings would be much more marginal. Of course it is worth it if you are getting a CR500AF / KX500AF
Edit - trackbikes are probably similar to MX bikes - just get them shipped in bits if possible. Example - Frame, Engine, Wheels+ bars etc in separate shipments.
Last edited by out_in_front; 28-10-09 at 12:30 PM.
Originally Posted by tandy ass
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