Importing from the UK to USA
On average, a motorbike delivered over 1000 miles can cost between £265 and £425. Shorter motorcycle deliveries range between £55 and £190. Costs to get Australian motorcycles to comply with U.S. importing regulations average $2,500 per motorcycle. This includes costs for new tires, brake pads, new speedometers/gauges, and reflectors.
The cost for shipping a motorcycle in a container can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the distance, destination, and container size (20ft or 40ft).
Average prices for shipping a motorcycle across the USA range from $180 to $300 for shorter journeys and $300 to $700 for longer distances.
Import duty is 8% for motorcycles with an engine size of below 250cc, and 6% for engine sizes larger than this. The duty rate for bicycles is typically 11 percent.
Import Process and Documentation
To import and register a motorcycle, you must take the following steps:
- Find and buy your bike.
- Arrange shipment.
- Get all your documents in order for export.
- On arrival in the UK, your bike needs a NOVA (Notice of Vehicle Arrivals).
- Pay the VAT and duty (your NOVA will trigger a bill from the HMRC).
For bikes over 30 years old, you need to pay 5% VAT and no duty.
Popular Models and Shipping Options
Popular models for import include Yamaha TMax560 TechMax, BMW S1000RR, Suzuki Hayabusa, Kawasaki H2 Ninja Carbon, and the Honda GL1800.
Shipping options such as RoRo, or Roll-on Roll-off ships, are available for the transportation of vehicles.
Motorcycle couriers are perfect for items that need to be collected and delivered quickly.
Importing Tips and Regulations
Your motorcycle import specialist should inform you that the bike must meet specific requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Cost Estimates and Services
To get an accurate estimate for importing a specific motorcycle, it’s advised to get in touch with detailed information about the motorcycle, the pickup location, and the destination.
DAZMAC Automotive offers comprehensive services for motorcycle import and international shipping.
Insurance and Registration
Motorcycle insurance for imported bikes covers those not produced for registration and sale in the UK, including ‘grey imports’.
Temporary vs Full Import
Temporary importation allows non-UK registered motorcycles into the UK for up to 6 months without paying import, VAT, and taxes. A full import requires settling these payments if the motorcycle is to stay longer than six months.
Import duties on motorcycles from outside the EC are charged at 10%.
Motorcycles can be cheaper than public transport, allowing savings compared to a public transport commuter.
The Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO) is an American auto insurance company based in Maryland.
Shipping a Motorcycle from the USA to the UK takes approximately 14 days from New Jersey to 30 days from Los Angeles, not including other factors.