A GS from the United States

[nickgs1150]

Hi

I'm going on holiday this summer to the USA. I have been thinking about buying a GS for a while and since I'll be needing a vehicle on vacation my thought is to buy a GS from a dealer in California, use it as my primary mode of transport while I'm over there and then ship it back to the UK.

A few questions come to mind which I'd appreciate feedback on:

1. Are there any material differences with a US versus EUR GS e.g engine restrictions etc

2. Any issues with dealers in the UK not wanting to service a US purchased bike?

3. Foresee any problems selling the bike either px or private because it was purchased in the US

Any feedback would be most welcome

Tks.

 

[MikeO]

Nick, have you checked out the prices? A recent thread on this board suggested that the US pay more than us....

I know that US bikes have a charcoal filter cylinder that lives under the rear mudguard, although I believe it can be taken off quite easily...


MikeO

 

[Snoek]

US Import

Also get some information on importing US vehicles to the UK, You might have to pay about 33% tax on what the day value is at the time of importation. Could turn out to be very expensive.

 

[Cheesy Mike]

Standard R1150GS with ABS & heated grips will cost about US$14,500 plus 8.25% sales tax in much of California. This is just over UK£10,000. You could avoid sales tax by going to a tax free state like New Hampshire but then you are on the wrong side of the country - but facing a very nice cross country ride!

Local dealer told me that the carbon fuel vapour thingy comes off quite easily. From memory you can't buy a vehicle & register it without proper US ID like a US address, a drivers licence and a social security number. I might be wrong though.

What about doing it the other way? Buy here, ship it over there then when you are done sell it at a profit!

Mike

 

[Cheesy Mike]

Forgot to say. San Jose BMW will rent you a R1150GS for about $1000 per week. This may come down in the future if they get their insurance problems sorted out. Daily rate is a scary $199 which is why I spent my last trip on four wheels.

Anyway, for a couple of weeks forget the bike and rent a Hummer!

Mike

 

[Jim McSharry]

Re 1. Are there any material differences with a US versus EUR GS?


Is it left hand drive???

 

[Simon Eassom]

If you're thinking of buying a GS anyway, it'd be much cheaper buying a 2nd hand one here and shipping it to the USA for your vacation!

 

[Augie]

NOOB ALERT

Greetings all From the left side of the pond. Lurked a bit. I found about this site from another member here that posted on ADVRIDER.COM. I must say .
I have a thought for you concerning the purchase and import of a GS back to the UK why? I wnated to pick up a GS from Canada and import it here. It turned out that it was still cheaper with all the taxes., duties and tarrifs that I had pay. It just wasnt worth the effort. Come here spend the cash and rent one from a dealer. A dealer in New Hampshire will also rent a GS ( allbeit a 650) Flog the hell out of it and turn it in.

 

[Augie]

Re: NOOB ALERT

Greetings all From the left side of the pond. Lurked a bit. I found about this site from another member here that posted on ADVRIDER.COM. I must say .
I have a thought for you concerning the purchase and import of a GS back to the UK why? I wnated to pick up a GS from Canada and import it here. It turned out that it was still cheaper with all the taxes., duties and tarrifs that I had pay. It just wasnt worth the effort. Come here spend the cash and rent one from a dealer. A dealer in New Hampshire will also rent a GS ( allbeit a 650) Flog the hell out of it and turn it in.

I meant to add that you might be better off importang one from Canada. Prolly Eurospec and cost is about 13,XXX us dollars

 

[Tom McBride]

I live in the United States and if you need me to check anything out or help, let me know and I will

 

[Tom McBride]

http://www.dubbelju.com/

I found this that may help you too!