Hello everyone!
I'm one of those lurkers that gained some real benefit from reading all of these posts prior to importing my bike.
I began reading this thread while trying to import a new, 2009, BMW G450X. I was able to get the dealer to fax me a Warranty History Letter for this bike, and, I included two Websites,
Transport Canada and the
USA equivilent as evidence that the bike complied with RIV Recall Letter rules. The short of it was, they sent me the generic letter stating that only two forms of statements would qualify for the Recall Letter. In other words, they wanted BMW Canada to get their blood money as so many of you describe it! After several phone calls and a few emails I gave up on that bike, ...... FOR NOW.
Instead, I purchased a 2008 Honda XR650L with 898 miles on it from Chicago. I asked RIV if I had to provide the Recall Letter and they said YES, but that they would look after it as it was available from the Internet at, American Honda Owners Link, USA, that was good enough for them. I plugged my VIN number into American Honda Owners Link and it came up as "no recalls" for my bike". Cool. Make a copy of this.
Website:
https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/SEO/H...Status=VIN NO RECALLS&recallId1=NO RECALL IDS
I filled out the Export Document for the Customs Border guys (obtained at their Website:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/ports/mi/3802.xml
U.S. Customs & Border Protection Vehicle Export Cover Sheet
for (Port Huron), got a copy of the Cert. of Title from the owner. Here's where it got interesting. The fax number for Port Huron was given to me by their customer service people and shown on the Website as 1-810-982-2704 or "
For Vehicle Exportations FAX documents to Blue Water Bridge at (810) 982-2704)"
We had the documents but couldn't get through to this Fax number after countless tries, so I called their desk and the guy said to use the 1-810-985-6070, (note this number shows up on their Website 4 times on the first screen).
I waited for 72 to hours to lapse, called their desk to see if the bike was approved to come into Canada, I was told they won't tell me that, too many requests, so I left for Chicago to pickup the bike anyway, drove to the border and asked to process my "export" Honda. He said he didn't have the paperwork from me and requested the Fax as proof that I sent it. I showed him the Fax confirmation and he rejected it as it wasn't "the" Fax number they use, "they probably thru it out". I said I faxed it, he asked who I talked to, I didn't remember, he said he can't do the paperwork. I said that Fax number leads to this office, he checked, asked for the Cert of Title and processed it by doing the 72 hour VIN research in under 10 secs. and stamped the Cert. .... he sent me on my way saying the Fax machine was 4 ft away from him.
(FYI - Pull over to the left before you cross the bridge and head left to the first building, if you are wondering where the building is.)
Canada was so much better, they looked at the bike, asked me when it was manufactured, "May. 2007", everyone was very helpful and polite and I paid GST and went on my way. Got home, typed in the info into the RIV Canada forms to register, 3 hours later, I got my Inspection Form to take to Canadian Tire, complete with an approved Recall Letter compliance!!
That's it, I didn't need photo-copies, I didn't need anything much on the USA side, I did need to prove that I paid for the bike with a Paypal printout, pictures of the bike, proof of sale from EBay, (like all screen prints etc) and proof of Fax to Port Huron Customs, Bill of Sale, GST payment, Cert. of Title. The woman at the Canadian side said I had the most documentation she has ever seen, phone numbers etc., so take everything you can think of.
That's it, a simple trip, I now have a newer bike and plenty of confidence for my next bike, that BMW!
Good luck!
. In other words, just legally steal your money!
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