Importing a Motorcycle from US to Canada (transaction dilemma)

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Eddie_600RR

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Hey everyone,


I wasn't able to find any posts directly related to my issue. Just need some opinions and possibly some ideas. Here's my situation:


I'm buying a Honda CBR 600RR privately from across the border (Buffalo, NY). The problem I'm facing is all the paperwork and complications associated with importing a vehicle across the border.

I'm going to be using a broker to handle all the paper work and a transport company to pick up the bike and bring it across. However, this process cannot get started until I have:

1. A bill of sale (no problem, the seller can just write one up)
2. A signed certificate of title (equivalent to our ownership papers) from the seller

The dilemma is that the seller is not willing to sign the ownership papers and scan me a copy (with my info on it - basically transferring ownership) without the cash in hand, and I'm not willing to hand over the cash without any collateral. So in a nutshell, unless I can get a hold of that signed certificate of title, I can't bring the bike across the border because all the other paperwork won't get processed through customs.

One idea that the seller and myself have discussed is the possibility of meeting at the border and making a cash exchange there. I'd hand him the money, and he'll hand me the signed certificate of title, the keys, as well as all other paperwork associated with the bike. However, since the paperwork won't be processed yet at this point, I can't just bring the bike across the border. So this transaction is just so I get the signed ownership paper in hand (certificate of title) and can proceed to work with the broker and transport company to move the bike across the border and into Canada.

The risk here: I hand over the cash and all I have as collateral is the certificate of title, bill of sale, the seller's information, and keys to the bike. I've met the seller already and know where he lives because I drove down there to see the bike so I trust him. But you just never know. Do you guys think there's a better way for me to do this? Is there any other way I can have some sort of collateral in case **** hits the fan?

Thanks for any and all input!

Eddie
 
Consider an escrow service?
 
I don't understand this..you pay the cash, you take the paperwork and the bike. The bike is the collateral. If you can't pick it up right then, take the keys and put a big-*** lock on the bike until the paperwork has cleared, or stick it in Buffalo storage.
Otherwise you are asking the seller to give you all the legal paperwork to own the bike without paying. I wouldn't do that.

The feds have set up a service to help with importation: RIV:

http://www.riv.ca/importingavehicle.aspx
 
maybe have it 'delivered' to a company like CBIUsa (at the border) and let it sit there for the 72 hrs until you can bring it over?
 
You can always send some money as deposit and hopefully he will trust you enough to complete the paperwork.

I am not sure why you need all those papers though. If it is for 72 hours notification of export from USA they just want email with VIN number in plain text and few other things like year etc (Lewiston crossing, others might be different).

They do not want to see title, bill of sale or anything else until bike is at the border.

You might be in different situation because of the broker and shipping but if it is close enough just rent trailer and go get your bike....
 
One thing though, in PA they have to notarize transfer of title, that obviously can not be done on the side of the road...
 
I'm pretty sure its the "Hanspree" CBR600.

My advice: dont.... its an accident repaired bike.
 
Eddie_600RR said:
I'm buying a Honda CBR 600RR privately from across the border (Buffalo, NY). The problem I'm facing is all the paperwork and complications associated with importing a vehicle across the border.

I'm going to be using a broker to handle all the paper work and a transport company to pick up the bike and bring it across.
Click to expand...

Lol... This sounds a lot like the Kijiji scams.
Stay local bro, there are deals to be had if you're patient.
 
Mina said:
Lol... This sounds a lot like the Kijiji scams.
Stay local bro, there are deals to be had if you're patient.
Click to expand...

If you bought local and paid local retail, it doesn't mean that other people are not allowed to do their homework and save some hard earned money.
http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforu...-Motor-Vehicle-To-Canada-(the-be-all-end-all)

OP, since the bike is so close (i.e. Buffalo), why don't you go pick up the bike and drive it to the broker's warehouse for transportation? When I was buying my CBR in Rochester, seller was more cooperative - she rode it to Buffalo for demo, I left the deposit, she gave me a copy of all the paperwork, but I didn't need the actual documents because I was importing myself and only needed basic bike info to provide to the US export side.
 
ViperZ said:
If you bought local and paid local retail, it doesn't mean that other people are not allowed to do their homework and save some hard earned money.
http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforu...-Motor-Vehicle-To-Canada-(the-be-all-end-all)

OP, since the bike is so close (i.e. Buffalo), why don't you go pick up the bike and drive it to the broker's warehouse for transportation? When I was buying my CBR in Rochester, seller was more cooperative - she rode it to Buffalo for demo, I left the deposit, she gave me a copy of all the paperwork, but I didn't need the actual documents because I was importing myself and only needed basic bike info to provide to the US export side.
Click to expand...

I'm all for saving a dollar, but how much are you really saving after your time, gas, truck/trailer rental, border fees, etc.? Just curious because I actually thought about it myself but could never justify the hassle.
 
Opportunity costs are different for everyone.

Sent using Premium Unleaded
 
Thanks for all the responses!


Most of you guys are right. The only reason this has become a bit more complicated is because I am going through a broker so they require the documents ahead of time. If I was doing this on my own then I guess all I need to do is email the customs agency the bike info and the rest will be done right at the border. However, I don't any experience with strapping down a bike and driving it across so I don't want to take the risk and would rather use a transport company to do that for me.


I know this isn't a scam because I actually took a drive down to his place already and had a look at the bike myself. Seems like a good family man (couple of young kids) and just needs the funds for moving on in life. That being said, as a buyer you can't always trust your gut, which is why I'm here seeking some alternatives to how this exchange is working.
 
You don't need to companies to do it for you. I brought the bike over last year from NY state. Piece of cake OP.

1)Start a folder with all the paperwork that you're going to bring with you.

2)Print out the add.
Bring that printed add (craigslist?) with you when you're picking the bike up.

3) Email boarder bike's info (make, color, VIN). They have a special email, I can't remember it right now. You will get the responce email withing a day. It will say that you're now able to bring the bike over after 72 hours.
Bring that printed email with you when you're picking the bike up.

4) Call up RIV (Mississauga), get them to run the VIN number of this Honda CBR600RR. They will check that this specific bike doesn't have any recalls. They will send you email with that info.
Honda America will not supply you with Recall paper (and you do need it) because they do not support this grey market of bringing bikes from states to Canada. It's stupid but whatever.
Bring that printed email with you when you're picking the bike up.

5) Find a good Bill of Sale template on the internet (There are tons). Print out 2 copies. One for youreself and one for the seller. When you meet the seller you both are going to fill out the papers. Identical copies. This will cover both of your *****'es.
Put that bill of sale in your folder.

6) If you're meeting the guy by the boarder, do your money transection and ownership signning. Check that VIN matches to the ownership.

7) Go to US vehicle importing office where all the angry officers sit around. Give them asked paper work. I think bill of sale is what they ask for mainly. They'll tell you to go and wait by your bike. Officer will come out and check VIN number with paperwork. That's all they did to me.
He'll say you're good to go to Canadian side.
Take all your paperwork.

8 ) Go to Canadian vehicle importing office. You will have to fill out some form. Basic stuff. They will ask for bill of sale and you'll have to pay the tax. Do not lie about the price. I heard and read that they are on top of their $-hit for that. If you're caught lying, you'll be red flagged.
They'll tell you to go outside and wait by your bike. An officer will come out and ask for all of your paper work. He will take all the paper work inside and do whatever. My guy was gone for legit 10-15min. Finally he will come out and give you all paper work. You're good to go.

9) Go to Ontario Services (MTO) and get Canadian form of ownership on this bike.

10) Go to Canadian Tire and get your bike seftied. About $50. Tow it or ride it with someone's plates. Carefully though!

11) Get insurance if you want. But it's end of the season.

Let me know if you need any more info but that should cover most basic stuff.
Good luck
 
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step 10.) bring it to canadian tire, you will need both a federal and provincial inspection (federal = kph readouts, running lights, etc), provincial is just a regular safety. Canadian Tire will submit the appropriate paperwork I believe.
 
smergy said:
step 10.) bring it to canadian tire, you will need both a federal and provincial inspection (federal = kph readouts, running lights, etc), provincial is just a regular safety. Canadian Tire will submit the appropriate paperwork I believe.
Click to expand...

Ahhh yeah, thanks! Forgot about that step.
I'll add it up.
 
UT06pZY.jpg
 
Thanks guys! Great amount of information. And thanks for the template, spaceboy!

The problem I face is the fact that I'm using a transport company (US Canada Auto Transport) and they require all the documents ahead of time before they go ahead and begin the whole process. So that's where I can't actually have the bike and papers arrive at the border at the same time. I have to provide the papers first, then they arrange to go pick up the bike once all of that is complete. So the only proposal that the seller and myself have somewhat agreed upon is to meet at the border, make the exchange (money for paperwork/keys/personal information) and then at that point I would proceed to contact the transport company/broker and have them arrange to pick up the bike and deliver it to my place. If I were to go this route, what are the dangers that you guys foresee?
 
Mina said:
I'm all for saving a dollar, but how much are you really saving after your time, gas, truck/trailer rental, border fees, etc.? Just curious because I actually thought about it myself but could never justify the hassle.
Click to expand...

If you're seriously interested, I can pm you how much I saved on my used bike, after everything was said and done, but it was in four figures, for a day worth of driving.
 
Eddie_600RR said:
Thanks guys! Great amount of information. And thanks for the template, spaceboy!

The problem I face is the fact that I'm using a transport company (US Canada Auto Transport) and they require all the documents ahead of time before they go ahead and begin the whole process. So that's where I can't actually have the bike and papers arrive at the border at the same time. I have to provide the papers first, then they arrange to go pick up the bike once all of that is complete. So the only proposal that the seller and myself have somewhat agreed upon is to meet at the border, make the exchange (money for paperwork/keys/personal information) and then at that point I would proceed to contact the transport company/broker and have them arrange to pick up the bike and deliver it to my place. If I were to go this route, what are the dangers that you guys foresee?
Click to expand...

Danger is that US vehicle exporting office at the border requires the bike information to be provided to them 2 business days in advance, no exceptions.
 
Mina said:
I'm all for saving a dollar, but how much are you really saving after your time, gas, truck/trailer rental, border fees, etc.? Just curious because I actually thought about it myself but could never justify the hassle.
Click to expand...

I saved about $1500-$2000 and I really wanted to experience this whole importing thing. It went smooth like butter. Will be doing this when I buy a car.
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