Importing a CB1300F into the USA from the UK

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 4:00 pm

Not strictly 7/9/11F related but the Bigger even more handsome younger brother....

Hi all,
just over a year ago I married a lovely lady from Ohio we set up home in the UK but we are very probably going to hop the pond to set up home near Akron, now I own a rather lovely 2004 CB1300F with lots of mods (all reversible if required) that gives just over 140 rwhp and 101ft/lb, I know through research that there seems to be some draconian legislation that means it would be difficult to modify the big 13F, I adore the bike and would love to bring it with me, is there anyway this bike could legally be imported? I understand there's a 25 year rule, so if I had to garage it for ten years I would, but that's not what I want...

Over to you guys,

Regards
Rob..

Also anyone based in the Cleveland/Akron Ohio area i'd love to meet up when settled probably early 2020

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 5:25 pm

It's simpler than most think. Not necessarily easier, just simpler. You will need to replace the metric instruments to US. And, this is the most important, you must provide certification from Honda that this bike complies with US emission laws. Seeing how Europe is stricter, it will comply. The problem will be that since Honda does not export this model to the US, getting it in writing may prove problematic.

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 6:16 pm

UK bikes have mph clocks, so that's good news, I wonder if Honda UK can help with certification...

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 6:29 pm

Since you're bringing it with you rather than a citizen here importing it, I think it will be allowed. Try to get in contact with the customs and border patrol. https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car
There are brokers that can help, for a fee of course. But I'd rather pay a broker than lose it somewhere in customs.
Getting it plated in Ohio is a separate issue...

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 7:07 pm

To import a vehicle you must show it meets EPA (emission) regulations and DOT (safety) regulations. Since Honda never did either so I would guess it is very difficult which is why mere mortals wait for it to be 25 years old and exempt.

That said every once and a while a newer vehicle shows up, this CB1300 was posted for sale earlier this year here in the US and claimed it had a title:

http://www.cb1100f.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=87480&highlight=cb1300

So there is hope and if not in Canada it is 15 years before it is exempt.

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 9:27 pm

DOT is pretty simple, I went through it when I brought my 900F over from the UK. (I’m also an expat and live in MI just north of Ohio). It’s mechanical stuff like lights, wheels marked DOT etc. EPA is the issue as the bike has not been sold in the US and I don’t believe was ever certified. You would need to pay epa to do this and give them two bikes to destroy I believe (not practical) I have heard of 1100R’s sneaking in prior to the 25 year cut off by claiming they were 1100F’s. Honda sell anything similar to the 1300 you could disguise it as?

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 10:12 pm

1994 1995 Honda CB1000F "Big One"

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 10:46 pm

swiftnick wrote:

DOT is pretty simple, I went through it when I brought my 900F over from the UK. (I’m also an expat and live in MI just north of Ohio). It’s mechanical stuff like lights, wheels marked DOT etc. EPA is the issue as the bike has not been sold in the US and I don’t believe was ever certified. You would need to pay epa to do this and give them two bikes to destroy I believe (not practical) I have heard of 1100R’s sneaking in prior to the 25 year cut off by claiming they were 1100F’s. Honda sell anything similar to the 1300 you could disguise it as?

If you it is 25 years old it is exempt so there is no requirement to change anything, at least not to import. I have brought bikes in from Canada and spent just 10 minutes at the border getting the paperwork needed to have a state title issued, as long as the DOT/EPA forms have the exempt box checked it is easy.

Start here and see what can be done, it doesn't say you can't but it does say it is difficult:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/297/~/permanently-importing-a-motorcycle

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 1:30 am

Yeah once over 25 it’s easy. Cost me $9 import duty to bring in my R from Germany and zero DOT or EPA.

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 10:19 am

swiftnick wrote:

Yeah once over 25 it’s easy. Cost me $9 import duty to bring in my R from Germany and zero DOT or EPA.

...and get good insurance?

Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2019 5:10 pm

Any ideas guys, I really don't want to give the bike up...