Importing a bike into Japan

[Gone]

I'm in the process of relocating to Tokyo for a couple years. Anyone in Japn know if it is possible or worthwhile to bring my bike over? It would be brought back to the states when i leave.

Thanks,
Chuck

or

私はカップル年の東京に移転のプロセスにある。私のバイクを持って来ることは可能または価値があるかどうか Japn のだれでも知っているか。それは州に私が去るとき持って来られる。 ありがとうは、チャック

[thatbikerguy]

it depends on how long you are staying there...

[PlanB]

Looks like he thinks about two years...I was wondering if your employer would cover shipping your bike over...if not, then you might have to get and ride a Hayabusa for two years and sell it over there if it's too expensive or complicated to send your bike over...store it properly, and ride rice for two years! I know it sounds like cruel and unusual punishment, but then again a ZRX, V-Max, or Hayabusa amongst others could be a lot of fun! The ZRX will have you almost in the same stance as a standard 883 or 1200 Roadster...can do low 10's at the dragstrip right out of the box...am I being sacrilegious or what...I feel like a traitor! But I've been known to do that when I was on short tours in the military...just grab anything so I could be on two wheels!

[xena]

I do believe some of our forum members are located in Japan, but off hand the only one I know of for sure is Rbuier
He rides an 04 XL883. Pm him if he doesn't stumble on this thread on his own.

[rbuier]

PM me and we'll talk. There are many things to consider.

[Gone]

I'll PM you tonight. I think there are a ton of restrictions with the import as well as the motorcycle license. I heard it is very difficult to get a license to ride a liter bike. besides, there are plenty of 250s there that are faster than the Harley. Prior to the Sportster I had an NSR250 (2 cycle streetbike - Japan only). Fabulous bike. Maybe i'll just get another one of them while I'm there. I don't think you need annual inspections on a 250cc bike.

Chuck

[wickedsprint]

Another vote for the Hayabusa! 9s at over 140 mph right out of the box with a topend near 190 ish. It is likely my next bike, was thinking of an R1 but the Busa is more comfy and faster. Hey PlanB, the ZRX1200R is not quite that fast, high tens low 11s are more typical for that bike in the mid 120s.

[schnucki]

Kann jemand Deutsch??????

[Edster]

Yep I was there lots of cool bikes in the 250 to 400cc range. Yamaha SR400(thumper), Suzuki Volty(250thumper) Kawasaki Estrella(250 thumper) Honda GB400, Honda CB400SS(thumper). Ther's also a good number of Sporty look alikes around 400cc. But I think a Single around 400cc is enough. I started out riding an 82 XL250R(6spd!!) w/ no trouble. Anything smaller than 250 can't go on the high way. 250s also have a one time weight tax as well even though weigt tax on a bike is small change compared to a car.
I got my Sportster when I was over there but I had been there about 8yrs. at that time and had plans to stay longer. You'll Lov it there. Bikes get to lane split!!! Good luck in Japan! I hope ya enjoy! I loved it!

Originally Posted by rbuier

PM me and we'll talk. There are many things to consider.

Can you point me to some good references for importing a Japanese bike (Suzuki) from the US to Japan??

I read the thread about importing a bike... but all was said is to PM you...

I understand that once I get the bike physically in Japan that I will need to do a "shaken..." but the title conversion and the license plates, I have no idea. Since my bike is a 2002 model, I was told that the "shaken" only needs to check my brakes. Is that correct? I also know that I need insurance ("hoken") and a parking place for the bike.

Could you provide some advice one how to do this?


Thanks in advance.