Importing a Motor Vehicle To Canada (the be all end all) | Page 34 | GTAMotorcycle.com

Importing a Motor Vehicle To Canada (the be all end all)

Well I have almost completed successfully buying then riding a bike back from the US. I have been through customs and paid my RIV dues. Now I need to get it inspected and then go visit the MTO for plates etc.

I purchased a new 2008 Moto Guzzi 1200 sport from a dealer in Seattle. I flew out there and rode it home. I had to run into Oregon for a trip permit but that was only 2 hours of my time as I was close to the border anyways. WA state only has 3 day trip permits, while Oregon has 3 week permits. The MTO also said I am fine riding on that trip permit until it expires.

I faxed all of the documents to the Sault Ste Marie crossing (open 24/7 for import/export btw), with a potential date I would be crossing. Had some issues with them not receiving the fax, we sent it 4 times, with me on the phone with them the last time as they received it. I then rode a little around WA state, before heading home.
I arrived at the border this past friday morning, and everything went like clockwork, I even beat the morning rush. I was kind of surprised that noone even took a look at the bike, but mebbe thats what the RIV inspect is for. On the Canadian side I paid my GST and RIV fee, and then they proceeded to search my luggage but all was fine.

This week the RIV inspection, and to get it plated..

P.S. I didn't have to pay any taxes in Washington state for the bike.
 
Ok,

I was reading somewhere...can't remember where or can't find it...

But from what I remember some bridges are closed during the weekend?? (the custom side is closed, not the bridge)

Anyone have any info?

I'm going to get getting my bike in like 3 weeks and I need to know which bridge I should avoid!

Thanks,
 
HunGJaI said:
Ok,

I was reading somewhere...can't remember where or can't find it...

But from what I remember some bridges are closed during the weekend?? (the custom side is closed, not the bridge)

Anyone have any info?

I'm going to get getting my bike in like 3 weeks and I need to know which bridge I should avoid!

Thanks,
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That is correct, check www.ucanimport.com for at least some of the listings. Look under the resources section.
 
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Looks like the Ambassador bridge is your only choice, close to the GTA anyways.

Sault is 24/7 as well.
 
Looking to buy a bike from PA but if I can't pick it up tomorrow, he has another buyer waiting. It's more than 15 years old, so it's exempt from the RIV process. Does that mean I don't need the recall clearance letter either? Or do I still need it if I plan on registering it and plating it in Ontario? I don't want to have to store it for weeks while I wait for Honda so send me a letter. Thanks.

P.S. Any recommendations for somewhere to store it for a few days while I wait for US Customs to receive the fax of the title? Thanks again.
 
Hmmm,

Guess I have no choice but to go to Ambassador Bridge...but this is stupid...in MI I need to pay the state tax.....(So I'm not going to buy from there....Unless someone know else wise...)

This is going to be one FUN ROAD TRIP!!!!

Probably pick up from Ohio and drive around lake Ontario and Lake Erie -_-"
 
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FFWD said:
Looking to buy a bike from PA but if I can't pick it up tomorrow, he has another buyer waiting. It's more than 15 years old, so it's exempt from the RIV process. Does that mean I don't need the recall clearance letter either? Or do I still need it if I plan on registering it and plating it in Ontario? I don't want to have to store it for weeks while I wait for Honda so send me a letter. Thanks.

P.S. Any recommendations for somewhere to store it for a few days while I wait for US Customs to receive the fax of the title? Thanks again.
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I can't confirm that you don't need a recall letter, but you should just for good measure. I received my recall letter via e-mail within like 8 hours of requesting it. And received the recall letter via snail mail a couple of weeks later. If I remember correctly, you'll need a bill of sale and the US title? Anyways, give them a call ASAP so you get your stuff prepared. It might be Canada Day here, but it's not there. ;)

American Honda Motor Co., Inc
1919 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90501-2646Tel: 1-800-999-1009 Fax: 310 783-3023 www.honda.com

Motorcycle Division
P.O. Box 2200, Torrance, CA 90509-2200 1-866-784-1870
 
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FFWD said:
P.S. Any recommendations for somewhere to store it for a few days while I wait for US Customs to receive the fax of the title? Thanks again.
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Hotel room...

Fax the title and bill of sale and whatever else you need then call em to be sure they got it, then hang out for the 3 days... Can get motel 6's for $40 a night..

Before you buy it.. make sure its admissible!!

I found the RIV people easy to deal with, give them a call and ask about that clearance letter..
 
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flightzed said:
I have done it both ways. 2 years ago I imported a brand new bike. I showed the MTO office a faxed title for the bike and they gave me a trip permit inorder to pick up the bike.

Picked up a car in Philly, got a 30day trip permit from a tag office there. Drove the car back and around ont for a few weeks, no problem.
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In the first instance, did you take the Ontario temporary plate to US with you and rode up?

Second instance, I couldn't find anything on Pennsylvania DMV site about temporary plates. But was so happy to see they do offer them, even to Cdn citizen? So just confirming I understand you, that you drove up from PA and across the border on PA plate?

And, I want to thank everyone for the great info on this issue, even though one has to sift through a lot of sometimes contradictory statements. If and when I get a Transalp up here, I'll be sure to report on my experience.

PM sent.
 
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Thanks miguelquest and Skurj,

I found out CBIUSA will store a motorcycle for $50 plus $5/day. Rather pay them that and drive home and bak in three days than stay in a musty motel room twiddling my thumbs. They're a few blocks away from the Rainbow bridge.


FFWD said:
Looking to buy a bike from PA but if I can't pick it up tomorrow, he has another buyer waiting. It's more than 15 years old, so it's exempt from the RIV process. Does that mean I don't need the recall clearance letter either? Or do I still need it if I plan on registering it and plating it in Ontario? I don't want to have to store it for weeks while I wait for Honda so send me a letter. Thanks.

P.S. Any recommendations for somewhere to store it for a few days while I wait for US Customs to receive the fax of the title? Thanks again.
Click to expand...
 
Hey FFWD,
Let us know about the recall letter,and exactly what you need with a 15 yr or older bike.Considering that myself,I am kinda looking for a Kawi Voyager 12.
 
To get the bike Cert.

Ok...so pretty much Canadian tire is like the only place to get the bike cert (How much will that cost?)

And What needs to be change?

-Speedometer?
-DTR lights

Anything else?

We going be picking up new 09 R6 and 09 ZX6/09 CBR600
 
HunGJaI said:
To get the bike Cert.

Ok...so pretty much Canadian tire is like the only place to get the bike cert (How much will that cost?)

And What needs to be change?

-Speedometer?
-DTR lights

Anything else?

We going be picking up new 09 R6 and 09 ZX6/09 CBR600
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Canadian Tire is the only place you can get the RIV inspection done. The bike needs a speedo in Kph. All bikes in US and Canada have DTR anyways so you will be ok there. If its a new bike you won't have any worries. CTC will also want to do you for a safety, not sure if you need it or not...
I am going to let them do one on mine when I get the RIV done on Thursday, seeing as I have put over 7400 kms on it since I picked it up from the dealer.

The RIV inspection costs you nothing at CTC, you will have already paid the $200+ at the border for it. You will hav to pay for the safety if its needed. Contact the MTO and ask about the safety.
 
MTO will not license it until it has been inspected, and you can't get it inspected without form 2. Also you can ride it until the temp expires and that's it.
 
How is the metric speedo handled? I hope to import a Transalp this month and it of course has mph. Is it only the speedo or does odo have to be recalibrated or replaced? By whom?

Thanks
 
Skurj said:
MTO will not license it until it has been inspected, and you can't get it inspected without form 2. Also you can ride it until the temp expires and that's it.
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IC...so pretty much spend 15 dollars to ride 10 days? and wait for the damn FORM 2??

I will probably just go in person during lunch to get that FORM 2 FASTER! :)
 
I never had to convert my speedo to km/h when I imported my Ducati back in 2007. I think all they did was give me a sticker saying "reading in MPH" or something like that. But maybe things have changed. The guy literally just walked around my bike checking for reflectors, then went in and signed the paper.

Skurj said:
Canadian Tire is the only place you can get the RIV inspection done. The bike needs a speedo in Kph. All bikes in US and Canada have DTR anyways so you will be ok there. If its a new bike you won't have any worries. CTC will also want to do you for a safety, not sure if you need it or not...
I am going to let them do one on mine when I get the RIV done on Thursday, seeing as I have put over 7400 kms on it since I picked it up from the dealer.

The RIV inspection costs you nothing at CTC, you will have already paid the $200+ at the border for it. You will hav to pay for the safety if its needed. Contact the MTO and ask about the safety.
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