Importing bike into Australia

[andysdad]

As above, what are the rules/costs/tips for importing a UK bike to Oz?

Any info on this (and shipping) gratefully appreciated!

Am moving to WA (not quite had the job offer yet but they've asked for references )

A

 

[Onwalkabout]

Have a look here for some general discussion;

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203428

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

unofficially the rules are " don't bring you pommy crap here - buy our over inflated priced home market stuff"


seriously - sell now - buy here -


its pretty much the same cost at the end of the day

 

[andysdad]

Looks like I'll be selling then!

Thanks for the information - bike not standard so won't bother

A

 

[andysdad]

Or maybe....

...there is a personal import scheme - if owned > 12months. Since mods are not too silly (more upgrades - adding genuine parts rather than aftermarket) I will investigate more.

Not in it to sell it there, but had the bike 2 years and they are SO expensive in Oz I'd rather spend the money on my own/known bike.

A

 

[Sudz58]

...there is a personal import scheme - if owned > 12months. Since mods are not too silly (more upgrades - adding genuine parts rather than aftermarket) I will investigate more.

Not in it to sell it there, but had the bike 2 years and they are SO expensive in Oz I'd rather spend the money on my own/known bike.

A

Phone a shipping agent and have him do the work for you! They know the Rules and Regs off by heart! Oh, and they're up to speed with Australia's wacky rules.

 

[EKIMYRF]

A complete ball ache to do as mentiond previously, it can be done but at the end of the day much easier to sell there buy here

I was virtually given a V11 Guzzi by a friend in London (he was going to sell to me for sod all) addmittedly I hadnt owned it for the 12 months etc

But ended up I wouldnt be able to register it here as it would have had to be re ADR'd

I know Roger Walton who is on this site occasionally imported a bike when he came over but his advice was it was too much hassle.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

...there is a personal import scheme - if owned > 12months. Since mods are not too silly (more upgrades - adding genuine parts rather than aftermarket) I will investigate more.

Not in it to sell it there, but had the bike 2 years and they are SO expensive in Oz I'd rather spend the money on my own/known bike.

A

Everything is expensive here nowadays - Aus isn't a cheap place anymore.
However, the salary's are also quite good - all i'd say is make sure and double sure that you are being paid top dollar for the job you're in otherwise you're going to regret it.

If you're paid decent wedge, then just buy a local bike - its all relative.

The other thing i'd do, is put your bike back to standard but keep the goodies and bring them with you.

 

[Loiq]

break the bike in two it's scrap or call it art.... then import that and re-register it....

wonder what that could cost...

 

[andysdad]

Changed my mind --- again

Looking into all the paperwork, charges, cleaning, storage etc. I'll sell the bike here as originally advised. The money will be good and I'll just spend some extra there buying the same bike!

At least the weather will mean more riding.....

A

 

[ajmac]

oz imports

mate i am from perth,oz and travelling with my gsa and am still trying to get the faceless nobs at some obscure office in canbera to let me re import my australian bought and registered(current) 2009 bike.i realize i may destabalize the whole country if i bring my bike home..... but yeh well guess that might give you some insight on what not to even ever comtemplate doing in oz.pay the premium on a bike over there and dont work out the exchgange rate.
mind you monday i will run the gauntlet arriving in uk.so far canada,usa and mexico has been pretty easy.we shall see.its always easy when you know how..

 

[UKDirtboy]

Other option ? Importing vs carnet

Guys,
I have an 2009 GS 800 (its in UK I am in Perth) it's not standard set up for touring, also wish to import as have been told by an Aussie a carnet might be a option as he knows someone that has extended 4 times! Same guy sold his bike after contacting Mr BMW to gain a ADR compliance letter (required to gain compliance) and they simply would not answer his calls, e-mails and letters! The protectionism here means there are no incentives for them to help you...my question is as regards Carnets as that's a possible way to get my beast here! Thoughts appreciated...

 

[andysdad]

UKDirtboy

MODS - I apologise, this should be in "Rants".....

My advice (now that I have FINALLY managed to get here (8 months "fasttrack" visa!)) is don't bother.

ANYTHING you try and do here re Import is mired in paperwork and b*llocks.

Carnet stuff here - Paragraph 3
http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/temporary-imports-faqs.pdf

You CANNOT sell the vehicle here (that is basically what a Carnet means - In and Out but not sell), you MUST re-export it eventually (or scrap it?). And you cannot register it here which I guess makes insurance interesting too.

As you say, Importers are not interested in helping you to get the ADR Compliance even if it is possible. E.g. Harley's Australian HQ does not even have a published e-mail address! (If anyone does have it, please PM me!)

And BTW don't even think of using a UK helmet here - $245 (£160) fine, 3 demerit points on your driving licence (it is deemed "not wearing a helmet") - even if the IDENTICAL helmet is sold here. Without the magic AS1698 sticker/label inside you are stuffed - even locals who've removed the sticker (e.g. for a custom paint) get fined.

I love the place but they have all got too much time on their hands. WA stands for "Wait Awhile" - the pace of business is much slower - calls and emails are rarely returned and if so, late. But people face-to-face are nicer than UK; much less aggro/stress, more laid-back/"no worries".

For Other's Info - Driving licence = £100 every 5 years (NOT required unless you are Permanent Resident/Citizen).....bike road tax = £130/year....bikes cost twice as much....nearly 3% Stamp Duty on Dealer sales.....insurance +50%.....at least petrol is 80p/litre and the sun shines a lot!


Rant over; feel a bit better now. Back to my $2 bottle of wine....

A

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

btw - did you want to compliance a harley in WA ?

 

[andysdad]

Kaister

No, I don't need help with Compliance. Just need H-D's email for reference; I hate businesses that hide.

BTW everyone - I apologise for the rant - as you can see from Kaister's reply, it is accurate, but I'm a guest in Oz and should be more polite. I blame the $2 wine......

A

 

[mcberg]

try this guy he may have space on a shipment in Sept - www.getrouted.com.au

He shipped my bike and 30+ others into UK for a touring holiday. all very simple


cheers