Author Topic: New Bandit and MT-01 ... I want! How? (Read 5383 times)

Desolation Angel · « **on:** November 26, 2005, 10:00:23 PM »

Seems like someone asked this once, but I can't find it...

Supposedly there are companies out there that can get you bikes that aren't imported by the various manufacturers. Supposedly, if I wanted a 2006 Bandit 1200S, there is a way to get it. I don't mean me going to Canada or Austria to pick it up, either!

Anybody got any scoop on this? I'm clueless. There's a couple of "across the pond" bikes I'm interested in, but how bad of a premium do you pay?

Some accurate info and maybe a couple of company names would be great! Or, maybe a dealership can arrange it?

solman · « **Reply #1 on:** November 26, 2005, 10:38:28 PM »

I don't have an answer, but I saw a MT01 at the Honda Hoot this last year. I was actually really impressed with the styling and how it was setup up. I don't know how they got it here, but they did.

Red01 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2005, 11:15:22 PM »

There used to be several companies that dealt in this sort of thing, but since gov't regs have gotten tighter, I'm not aware of anyone who does it anymore. While searching to see if I could find anything new on this, I did come across a couple of pages of guys who brought SV650S's into the US from Canada before US Suzuki offered them here. Sounds like they didn't have too much trouble, but that's likely becuase the naked SV650 was already here and there's no real difference between the two bikes beyond the plastic and handlebars vs clip ons that the gov't would care about... so you MIGHT be able to get a CDN '06 Bandit into the US, but the MT-01 might be more difficult.

Here's what I found:

http://userdata.acd.net/stratten/sv_import.html

http://www.geocities.com/beevert/renn.html

Bazza · « **Reply #3 on:** December 01, 2005, 04:35:25 AM »

I do know that on this side of the border, its quite easy to import a cycle. I had a friend who imported a Moto Guzzi from the US and claims it was not a problem.

Here is where it does become a problem. If the vehicle is not on the approved list. You probably will not be able to import it for on road use. I understand it would have to meet emissions & safety standards.

A new Bandit from Canada may not meet California emissions standards for instance.

While importing it may not be a problem, registering the vehicle for street use might be.

However, for the right price I will package up a new Bandit & ship to anyone!

B6mick · « **Reply #4 on:** December 01, 2005, 06:07:47 AM »

I seen one the other month in the flesh, was doing relief courier work so I pulled up and had a close up look. The owner came out of the factory the MT01 was parked at. Started the baby up, awesome..... Then handed me his helmet and said take it for a blast............
But 20 gorillas +, it will be on the wish list for quiet some time to come.

jeepskate99 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 01, 2005, 08:13:02 AM »

Just check your local Yellow pages for importers. Then find the ones that do auto's. I found a good one here in Buffalo to get me the Toyota Supra from Canada when it comes out. You may have some problems with the emmissions though since IIRC only US bikes will be required to have cats on them.

Lmario · « **Reply #6 on:** December 01, 2005, 08:43:49 AM »

Hey guys!

Come on, read te reviews of the "empty-one".

All looks, no performance.

So, please stop using faul language on this beatifull bandit-BBS and don't mention the empty-one anymore.

OK, now on import,... well lets look at it from the export side:

http://www.motorrad-gebhardt.com/ (swiss shop, german language)
and
http://www.motorcycle-brokers.com/mypage.html?pg=StreetBikes

could help you out, since it is their daily work.
But I guess, that registering will be the main challenge.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #7 on:** December 01, 2005, 09:09:23 AM »

Quote from: "Bazza"

...However, for the right price I will package up a new Bandit & ship to anyone!

Wow, a martyr for the cause!

PeteSC · « **Reply #8 on:** December 01, 2005, 11:05:53 AM »

For the Bandit, Canada is (was?) the way to go. Like Paul, I heard quite a few people picking up the SVs in Canada, and bringing them south.
I'm pretty sure Doublenaughtspy, who's on this board every once in a while, bought his Euro spec 12 bike in Canada, and rode it home to GA.
I think the Bandit will be easy...UNLESS stuff has changed dramatically in the last few years.
Maybe something to look forward to for next spring? A cheap flight up to Canada, and a nice ride back?

solman · « **Reply #9 on:** December 01, 2005, 12:31:20 PM »

Quote

only US bikes will be required to have cats on them.

Not all States require emmissions. Where I live in Texas, emmissions isn't required.

rider123 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 01, 2005, 02:31:42 PM »

Well I'm not sure if this may help you guys out. But if you buy a bike in Ontario new you can get a brand new plate with sticker on it on any new bike.Or alternatively a 10 day temperary permit. I had my plate and sticker even before I had to show insurance. You need insurance to drive in Ontario but it doens't have to be Canadian Insurance. I'm sure you could call down to Texas and get Allstate or whatever to insure the bike then drive down on Ontario plates then transfer it once you get to Texas. Considering that Canadian Bikes are now harmonized with the US emmisions I doubt it's going to be a problem(Damn EPA plugs!) The only problem I see is that the speedometer would be in Kms not Miles, however it is electronic so it may have a function to switch to Miles or you could buy one or install one yourself to make it legal(a bicycle pedometer is probably a good solution) On the plus side you can get the new Bandit in all Black which is the fastest colour

lots of people buy back and forth on the GSResources all the time. You could also maybe have a friend buy it for you in his name then immediatly transfer it to you for $1, that way it now becomes a "Used" bike and I think the rules get a little laxer. You could aslo Maybe hire a friend or someone to drive it down for you(or just over the border) under his name then sell it to you for $1 in Texas or just over the border, you may get around paying duty then because you're not officially owning it untill it's sold to you "Used". However State taxes would apply still.

Red01 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 01, 2005, 09:57:55 PM »

Quote from: "solman"

Quote
only US bikes will be required to have cats on them.

Not all States require emmissions. Where I live in Texas, emmissions isn't required.

Most states don't test bikes for emissions - but ALL new bikes do have to meet federal emissions standards... That's what you have to prove to US Customs & the EPA to bring in a non-US market bike (or car, truck).

ciso · « **Reply #12 on:** December 15, 2005, 04:43:34 PM »

I live close enough to Canada to seriously think about the solutions that have been mentioned so far.
But since I will not be really looking to up grade until 07, I think I will wait and pray that the US will get their own "New Bandit" but then.

Bazza · « **Reply #13 on:** January 06, 2006, 06:07:27 AM »

Realistically I would bet if you contacted any Canadian dealers close to you, they would have no problem shipping you a new bandit. I would just check with your state Motor Vehicle branch to see what would be required to get one licensed.

If you were serious I would just go to the Canadian Suzuki website & search for a dealer closest to you and give them a call.

You can find Suzuki Canada here..

http://moto.suzuki.ca/En/

Red01 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 06, 2006, 06:46:57 PM »

A state could not issue any license on a foreign vehicle without the paperwork from Customs.