South Africa: Importing a motorcycle question
#1
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Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Ellisras, South Africa
Posts: 10
South Africa: Importing a motorcycle question
Before I returned to South Africa two years ago I wanted to bring my Piaggio X9 500cc with me, but stupidly decided against doing so. I did not realise how ridiculously expensive cars and bikes are in SA.
My plan is to buy a bike in the UK, then ship it to South Africa. I guess that I would still have to pay import duties ? I reckon that even if I paid 100% tax, it would still be cheaper than buying a second hand model locally. I can also buy/ship from Netherlands, if that can get me tax benefit.
My question:
Can it be done, would there be any import duties ?
Upon buyng the bike I will only have the import certificate and not the two years' ownership. I do not plan to resell after import. I plan to use the bike daily as a commuter.
My plan is to buy a bike in the UK, then ship it to South Africa. I guess that I would still have to pay import duties ? I reckon that even if I paid 100% tax, it would still be cheaper than buying a second hand model locally. I can also buy/ship from Netherlands, if that can get me tax benefit.
My question:
Can it be done, would there be any import duties ?
Upon buyng the bike I will only have the import certificate and not the two years' ownership. I do not plan to resell after import. I plan to use the bike daily as a commuter.
#2
Re: South Africa: Importing a motorcycle question
Can't answer your specific question - but are bikes more expensive here? I have a CB600 -seemed to cost very little (compared to what I expected to pay). I am about to trade it for a HD - probably a night rod - are you saying this would be cheaper to source overseas and import?
#3
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,424
Re: South Africa: Importing a motorcycle question
Can't answer your specific question - but are bikes more expensive here? I have a CB600 -seemed to cost very little (compared to what I expected to pay). I am about to trade it for a HD - probably a night rod - are you saying this would be cheaper to source overseas and import?
#5
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,424
Re: South Africa: Importing a motorcycle question
Leave my park bench alone,its home!!
#7
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,424
Re: South Africa: Importing a motorcycle question
Didn't realise it was only a 600, thought at least a 1200 Fatboy!
You have any difficulty keeping ahead of the Taxi-boys?
You have any difficulty keeping ahead of the Taxi-boys?
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Somerset West RSA
Posts: 202
Re: South Africa: Importing a motorcycle question
Before I returned to South Africa two years ago I wanted to bring my Piaggio X9 500cc with me, but stupidly decided against doing so. I did not realise how ridiculously expensive cars and bikes are in SA.
My plan is to buy a bike in the UK, then ship it to South Africa. I guess that I would still have to pay import duties ? I reckon that even if I paid 100% tax, it would still be cheaper than buying a second hand model locally. I can also buy/ship from Netherlands, if that can get me tax benefit.
My question:
Can it be done, would there be any import duties ?
Upon buyng the bike I will only have the import certificate and not the two years' ownership. I do not plan to resell after import. I plan to use the bike daily as a commuter.
My plan is to buy a bike in the UK, then ship it to South Africa. I guess that I would still have to pay import duties ? I reckon that even if I paid 100% tax, it would still be cheaper than buying a second hand model locally. I can also buy/ship from Netherlands, if that can get me tax benefit.
My question:
Can it be done, would there be any import duties ?
Upon buyng the bike I will only have the import certificate and not the two years' ownership. I do not plan to resell after import. I plan to use the bike daily as a commuter.
(I brought my car back within the two years and got exemption).
By the time you've paid all the taxes plus shipping costs you will be way over what you can buy here. 2 yrs ago we sold a 900 Honda 1984 model with 11000 kms on the clock, immaculate, for R22k. You can still get brilliant buys if you shop carefully. Good luck either way.