sha

Is it worth shipping over a motor Bike or is it just best to sell it before we go?
We where going to try to fit it in our crate.
Any advice?????????
Ta!!

Jackier

No easy answer to this one - you need to weigh up lots of options:

What sort of bike is it?
What would it cost to buy the same model in Aus?
Do you qualify for an import licence (ie have you owned it for at least 12 months)?
Are your shippers likely to take good care of it if they don't specialise in vehicle shipping, and if not, what would it cost to go with someone who knows what they're doing?
You need to take into account the costs of:
1) Import licence (around $60 I think)
2) shipping (ours was GBP 750, but I've heard of quotes between 300-1500!)
3) insurance (talk to the shippers)
4) GST/Customs duties (10% of valuation)
5) RAC Valuation ($75)
6) AQIS (Quarantine) Cleaning (we got away without it, but think it can be around $500)
7) Any modifications to make it Australian road legal (if a relatively standard bike you should only need to add a reflector to the back mudguard if it hasn't already got one, and watch out for noise levels - may need to change the exhaust system)
8) Personal Import Plate ($36 plus courier)
9) Licensing & Registration ($58 for inspection, $12.50 for moving permit to ride to inspection, approx $250 for rego)

There's some red tape but if you get a good shipping company they'll help and the licensing office are very helpful once you're getting ready for inspection & registration.

BTW, we're in WA so I can only speak for the rules as we found them in this state - the eastern states may be different.

Centurion

Honestly ? Wish I hadn't bothered. Sell it and buy something here and save yourself the grief. Its not that hard but it takes time, it costs a bit. So unless its something worthwhile I would just buy another when here.

CnG-OZ Bound

My wife & I had a 2004 Yamaha R1 each. They were extensions or our right arms ! I researched the prices here in NSW & got a really good price for 2 new R1's (Latest Models) Awesome ! we Didn't have to wait for shipment of our old bikes. No Red tape nightmare. No shipping costs & more. & we could get out motoring so much sooner on the Oxley Highway (Port Macquarie to Walcha & beyond) Miles & miles of twisties ! One of Ozzies best.
Unless you have that special 1 off bike that you've built or similar. Move on. We certainly don't regret it.
But remember when purchasing. Haggle, Haggle & when your done....... Haggle some more. It does work.

sha

Sounds like its best to sell then.!!

Thanks For your help on clearing that one up!