What about bringing in parts?

[flyingtiger]

Has anybody ever tried dissassembling a running motorcycle somewhere and shipping it in as used parts to reduce the duty? What would the duty be?

[CrazyCarl]

This a good question for ChinaV or Jimbosidecar who understand more about exporting n' such.

CC

[ZMC888]

I'm sure it could be done, but you'd never be able to register or insure it.

Although it might be worth importing the 'real thing' of something that is cloned and register-able in China. Such importing a real Honda CMX250 Rebel in parts and switching over some of the parts with a Chinese clone bike. That way you stay legal and have Japanese quality too!

Even on my bike I could use CMX 250 front wheel, front brake, brake lever clutch, tires carb (depending on country) battery and so on.

[ChinaV]

Reminds me of the M.A.S.H. episode when Radar shipped an entire Jeep home piece by piece.

Not sure I understand what you're trying to do. Why ship it piece by piece and pay duty when you can just smuggle the whole thing in one shot and pay no duty. Regardless of how you get it here, you're still left with an unregistered and uninsured vehicle.

The standard duty on Automotive parts is 25-35% depending on the category. If you have a registered company, you could bring them in without paying duty by declaring them as R&D samples.

What bike are you trying to get?

Cheers
ChinaV

[flyingtiger]

Dunno which one exactly. Something not puny and able to handle a big load for touring. Maybe a KLR or maybe a Hog, but if it can't be registered... if one could find a big North American basketcase, it might be worth it.