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

[robertojiang]

Forum Sponsor

rx_se7en, it all really depends on the price of the bike you are purchasing.

The extra costs/savings associated with it are the following:
- Gas to drive to states
- Meals (if applicable)
- Truck/Trailer Rental (if applicable)
- Trailer Hitch (if applicable)
- RIV Fee (195 + HST)
- Customs also hit me with a 200 fee for something, I'll look into it tonight when I'm home, but I need to figure that out.
- Conversion Factor

Let's say your triumph is 9,599 in the US and 11,599 in Canada.

9,599 + RIV Fee (220)
9,819 + Truck (300)
10,119 + Gas (80)
10,199 + Rachet Straps + Canyon Dancers (40 + 35)
10,274 + Random Customs Fee (200) Maybe you won't be hit by it.
----
10,474 vs 11,599
Difference $1,125 in savings at least because I didn't account for conversion rate, which means you will also be taxed less

The question now is, is the $1,125 worth the headache? The choice is really up to you though cause some people think it's worth it, but some people don't. If you ask me, I would go for it, but keep in mind that they will unlikely honor the warranty on it so don't bother going for any extended warranties.

 

[joeyjoejoe]

Quick question... so when you get the bike to the border and do all the paperwork, can you just drive up to the closest Canadian Tire and do a RIV Inspection right there?

EDIT: Nevermind... I figured it out.

 

[rx_se7en]

Thanks for the info!

rx_se7en, it all really depends on the price of the bike you are purchasing.

The extra costs/savings associated with it are the following:
- Gas to drive to states
- Meals (if applicable)
- Truck/Trailer Rental (if applicable)
- Trailer Hitch (if applicable)
- RIV Fee (195 + HST)
- Customs also hit me with a 200 fee for something, I'll look into it tonight when I'm home, but I need to figure that out.
- Conversion Factor

Let's say your triumph is 9,599 in the US and 11,599 in Canada.

9,599 + RIV Fee (220)
9,819 + Truck (300)
10,119 + Gas (80)
10,199 + Rachet Straps + Canyon Dancers (40 + 35)
10,274 + Random Customs Fee (200) Maybe you won't be hit by it.
----
10,474 vs 11,599
Difference $1,125 in savings at least because I didn't account for conversion rate, which means you will also be taxed less

The question now is, is the $1,125 worth the headache? The choice is really up to you though cause some people think it's worth it, but some people don't. If you ask me, I would go for it, but keep in mind that they will unlikely honor the warranty on it so don't bother going for any extended warranties.

 

[robertojiang]

And to joeyjoejoe, the answer is no because it takes 24 hours for riv to process and send you form 1. This is assuming you send your payment and recall letters right away.

I know you figured it out, but I guess this can serve as reinforcement


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[joeyjoejoe]

And to joeyjoejoe, the answer is no because it takes 24 hours for riv to process and send you form 1. This is assuming you send your payment and recall letters right away.

I know you figured it out, but I guess this can serve as reinforcement


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was hoping that I only needed to borrow my buddy's trailer for one day, but it looks like I have to borrow it twice (and his car... my car say no towing in the manual). Unlike you I'm not going to push it for 4KM!

I'm also looking at the Street Triple R and your number is a bit off with the CDN MSRP ($11,199)... but also you need to factor in the "fees" are about $200 cheaper in the US and the exchange rate. All in all, your estimate is pretty close... $1,275 savings. I am looking at the getting a bunch of accessories (and no trailer and straps cost), so my savings would be closer to $2K.

Did you figure out the "Random Customs Fee"? Could it have been duty? A lot of people already posted that there is no duty on motorcycles, but is this a confirmed fact? I haven't seen anything on the CBSA website that says motorcycles are exempt or vehicles made for sale in the US are exempt. Can anybody enlighten me?

The Street Triple R is obviously not made in NA, but it is made to be sold in US. All 2012 models have a carbon canister to meet California emission laws.

 

[robertojiang]

I forgot to take a look last night but I think I was hit with both duty and excise tax.

Duty as it is a Japanese bike (look at the first number on the vin and if it is not 1-5), you'll probably get hit like me.

For the excise tax, I need to look that up as I have no air condition and the efficiency of the bike is under 15l/100km. Technically, I shouldn't have to pay for that, but it was my brother that brought it through customs on my behalf as I couldn't take the day off.

Remember, border only operates 'til 4pm so keep that in mind. I have a long story, with regards to my import lol, so if you want to know, just ask.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ViperZ]

Huh? My bike was built in Japan and there was no duty. Please check what you were charged again.

 

[joeyjoejoe]

The dealer I'm buying from says he will take care of all the paperwork and make sure the border process is smooth... but I will still badger him to make sure he has all the paperwork and that the border is notified. The dealer also said he's moved many bikes over the border and many of the people that work at the border are his friends... maybe they will let me get by with a few things. Otherwise, my $2K savings will look more like $1.5K.

 

[fastar1]

Hey guys,

How much does it cost roughly to import a new bike from the USA to Ontario?
I am looking at the Street Triple R, and the cost difference is around $2000 (MSRP prices in USA vs Canada)
Will I save enough money to pay for all the expenses to import the bike??
Just want to know high level if this will be worth it.

Thanks!

Triumph dealers in the US aren't allowed to sell to Canadians, so there's no point in comparing new prices unless you can find a non-dealer to sell you a brand new Streety. You can't compare used prices either because there are simply no private sales in Canada for that model.

So in fact, you can either buy new in Canada or used in the US, there are no other real options. I was looking for a used one so I got it from the US. I figure that even IF that model had been available used in Canada I still got a deal. Here's how I calculated it.

The cost of gas/hotel/food to drive down, plus the RIV fee came to about $500 (I already have a minivan that fits a bike). So a $10500 Canadian bike would cost as much as a $10,000 US bike after converting to Canadian dollars and adding my $500 expenses. Except... the US bike is taxed at $10,000 not $10,500 like the Canadian bike so there are tax savings to account for. In the final analysis then, a $10,000 bike bought from the US would cost me the same as a $10,442 bike bought in Canada, as after taxes and expenses they would both end up costing me $11,800. So the question is, if there were tons of selection in Canada could I have found an equivalent bike for only $442 more than in the US? The answer is no way, bikes generally go for much less than that in the US so I'm likely to have saved 1-2 thousand.

Now your costs may be different if you have to rent a van, or if you have to drive further, or hire someone to ship it for you, etc.

To calculate your price margin between US and Canada, sum up all the expenses you would incurr for a US purchase that you wouldn't have to pay for a bike bought locally, then divide that total by 1.13 (13% HST rate). For me, the $500 in extra costs worked out to $442, which is how I got the comparison I made above.

 

[fastar1]

I forgot to take a look last night but I think I was hit with both duty and excise tax.

Duty as it is a Japanese bike (look at the first number on the vin and if it is not 1-5), you'll probably get hit like me.

For the excise tax, I need to look that up as I have no air condition and the efficiency of the bike is under 15l/100km. Technically, I shouldn't have to pay for that, but it was my brother that brought it through customs on my behalf as I couldn't take the day off.

Remember, border only operates 'til 4pm so keep that in mind. I have a long story, with regards to my import lol, so if you want to know, just ask.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You should have only had 5% GST to pay, and the RIV fee. All motorcyces are exempt from Duty and the system automatically zeros out that tax if the customs officer enters the vehicle type as 'motorcycle'. And of course there's no AC excise tax. You should probably have a closer look at your receipt.

 

[joeyjoejoe]

Triumph dealers in the US aren't allowed to sell to Canadians, so there's no point in comparing new prices unless you can find a non-dealer to sell you a brand new Streety. You can't compare used prices either because there are simply no private sales in Canada for that model.

Really? The Triumph dealer I'm getting mine from seems to believe you can. He even said he's done it "hundreds" of times before. Should I be worried?

You should have only had 5% GST to pay, and the RIV fee. All motorcyces are exempt from Duty and the system automatically zeros out that tax if the customs officer enters the vehicle type as 'motorcycle'. And of course there's no AC excise tax. You should probably have a closer look at your receipt.

I can't seem to find anything on CBSA website that confirms this. I'm not doubting you, I really can't find anything that confirms this.

Is it possible that robertojiang's bike was imported as a car instead of a motorcycle?

 

[fastar1]

Really? The Triumph dealer I'm getting mine from seems to believe you can. He even said he's done it "hundreds" of times before. Should I be worried?

I assume you're buying using a Canadian address? Anyways I wouldn't raise the question with him, maybe he'll find out after it's too late. But at the same time, be prepared for the deal to fall through.

I can't seem to find anything on CBSA website that confirms this. I'm not doubting you, I really can't find anything that confirms this.

Is it possible that robertojiang's bike was imported as a car instead of a motorcycle?

Yeah I can't find a link either now, but I have seen it. Also it was confirmed at the border, and my receipt shows $0 duty for a British bike. Unless things have changed in the last months but I very much doubt it.

 

[fastar1]

Really? The Triumph dealer I'm getting mine from seems to believe you can. He even said he's done it "hundreds" of times before. Should I be worried?

The other possibility is that you won't be buying from the dealer but from a third party (individual or business) that the dealer will sell the bike to first. It will still be a new bike but you will be listed as the 2nd owner.

 

[Rick CH]

I was hoping that I only needed to borrow my buddy's trailer for one day,

There is a way to get the Form 1 the same day. After you cross the border, go directly to the RIV office (in an office building on The West Mall) with all of the paperwork (forms from customs, recall clearance, etc...) and if all's in order, they will give you the Form 1 on the spot. You can then go to a nearby Canadian Tire and get the inspection done and get your Form 1 stamped (assuming the bike passes). You could also get the safety done right there (check if that particular Can Tire will do moto certifications; not all will), but I think you're getting a new bike, so this won't apply in joey's case. You can go directly to a licensing office and then get your bike plated. Theoretically, you could be on the road the same day!

 

[fastar1]

I think you mean Form 2. I got my Form 1 at customs, and then I went straight to the Cdn Tire and he asked for my Form 2 which I didn't have (they need both). Later I got a form 2 in the mail from RIV (it's not actually identified as a Form 2 but I guess that's what it is) and I was able to get the bike inspected.

 

[joeyjoejoe]

The other possibility is that you won't be buying from the dealer but from a third party (individual or business) that the dealer will sell the bike to first. It will still be a new bike but you will be listed as the 2nd owner.

Not really according to the bill of sale... I see my Canadian address and the bike is listed as new. The dealer is an official Triumph dealer and the VIN checks out as a new bike. I even found a thread that recommended where I'm buying from for importing.

I just read a bunch of Triumph forums and back on 2007 it looks like there was a push to stop US Triumph dealers from issuing recall notices, but now it's not an issue.


Is lewiston the only place where you can cross on from New York? And is it only open on weekdays?

 

[robertojiang]

Yeah, m to f 8 to 4


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[robertojiang]

Holy cow, I just took a look at it and I got hit by not 1, but 2 useless taxes.

1) Excise Tax - $100.00
2) Duty - $37X.XX

I know I shouldn't be hit by both those taxes, but it was because the customs officer screwed up. My brother imported the bike on my behalf, so he didn't know much and paid both the taxes.

According to the sheet, it says that my vehicle is an "automobile with a/c". My guess is that I was hit with the excise tax of $100.00 for the A/C portion of it and the motorcycle should be duty free according to their HS code. I am already going back to them to ask for a refund of that 47X.XX.

@JoeyJoeJoe:
You were right, it was imported as a car instead of a motorcycle. If you want proof that it is duty free, I can provide that to you -- just ask.

You can get your RIV inspection done same day assuming you are ready. That means that you will have to go to the RIV office right after customs, pay RIV fee and show recall letter. They should give you the form 2 on spot and you can go to any CanadianTires from there. Like RickCH said, not all CanadianTires do bike inspections, so check out the RIV website to find out which ones do it.

 

[fastar1]

Not really according to the bill of sale... I see my Canadian address and the bike is listed as new. The dealer is an official Triumph dealer and the VIN checks out as a new bike. I even found a thread that recommended where I'm buying from for importing.

Weird, doesn't jive with my experience. Tried a dealer in Louisiana and one in Minnesota, both said no can do.

 

[Scigacz]

im thinking about bringing a 09 ducati over to canada.. however i read a lot of problematic stuff with recall Clearance letters with 2005+ ducatis.. Supposedly ducati N.A. won't release those. I ve read that people got print-screens from US ducati dealer showing no reacalls have been made, not required and it worked at MTO...
did anyone bring over newer ducati, if so how did u handle the issue of recall clearance letter/
.
cheers

Forum Sponsor