Thu, 18 Mar 1999 20:26:59 -0500 - Message No. 5280
From: "Shawn Bryan"

Subject: More on importing to USA


The US import saga continues.  One lister suggested that perhaps there was a
chance that if I could get my hands on the testing Honda did on the XRV for
European markets I could provide it to the US authorities and they could
accept it if it was close to what is required here.  I posed that question
to the US expert on motorcycle imports.  Here is the government's response:

"I know all about EU and ECE type approval,
The U.S. DOT doesn't accept European type approval,
and Honda wouldn't allow such information to be disseminated.
American Honda is the responsible party, and I have letters from
all japanese manufacturers, stating that all motorcycles imported into the
U.S
by anyone other than the manufacturer must go through the U.S. DOT
Grey market Registered Importer Program, and the EPA ICI program.

I get 40 calls a week from individuals wanting to import vehicles into the
U.S
. that are not sold here by the manufacturer, several issues--which people
do
not think about are extremely important.  Parts and service, U.S. dealers do
n
ot source parts for vehicles which are not sold here, insurance--motorcycles
w
hich are illegally imported will not be covered in the event of accident or
th
eft.  Manufacturers would be responsible for product liability for a motor
veh
icle they did not intend to market into this country.  Truth, Justice, and
the
American Way have been beaten to death by lawsuit, lawyers, and people who
su
e manufacturers.  We're lucky that Congress has not outlawed motorcycles,
due
to pressure from the Ralph Nader Safety Nazi's."

My thanks again to all the listers who have offered condolences and offered
thoughts and ideas.  I guess that for now I'll have to try to find an
alternative, perhaps the KTM Adventure or Kawasaki KLR 750.  The KTM looks
pretty good for a single...
Shawn Bryan
VFR750F, Red, AMA, HRCA,
sbryan@tds.net




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