Might be getting back into the FJR Saddle...need help

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A superior GenI?
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To import goods duty- and tax-free, Settlers must have owned, possessed and used the goods prior to their arrival in Canada and Former Residents must have owned, possessed and used the goods for at least six months before returning to resume residence.

OR...........If you are a former resident, the six-month stipulation will be waived if you have been absent from Canada for five years or more. Therefore, you only need to have owned, possessed and used your personal and household effects (for a period of time) before you return.

So although the bike would be under the 'single item worth $10,000' rule for taxing you won't have owned it for 6 months. But it would be waived if you haven't been resident in Canada for 5 years?!?

That's my limited understanding of it and I'm off for a lie down and a couple of beers? Totally confused!!!!

 
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But it would be waived if you haven't been resident in Canada for 5 years?!?
I've lived in the US for 11+ years. But would I have to prove that at the Border? And if so, How? (not asking you guys...it's just another question the web sites don't answer. :( )

That's my limited understanding of it and I'm off for a lie down and a couple of beers? Totally confused!!!!
Yeah - welcome to the last three days of my life. Ridiculously convoluted and even when you call them for clarification, you'll get three different answers from two different people. :(

And all of this is because I don't want to get screwed by Alberta (moving to Calgary - God help me) dealers.

Several dealers pull this crap...

They list the original selling price of the bike when it was new and then give you their selling price on the used bike. But the original selling price is NO WHERE NEAR what it actually was. Example: "2010 Price when new: $20,199. Price Reduced: $13,999.." BULL!

Even with the exchange rate in their favor, a brand new 2010 bike WAS NOT $20K+. Hell, a brand new FJR right now is only a max of $16K. So they are trying to make it seem like you're saving $6K+ but that's complete BS. I don't want to buy from someone who is ACTIVELY trying to rip me off.

There are guys claiming my 2008 bike's original price was $20K. I paid $12K for it brand new, still literally in the box.

 
Mate good to see Canada has the same idiots writing the rules for importing a bike as Australia . I bet there are three different sections of a Department publishing different ideas , go see a Customs agent ( that what we call them down here ) that organises and dose these thing all the time .

 
The RIV (registry of imported vehicles) has simply outlined the process on their website IF you are a Canadian citizen, living in Canada and importing a bike from the USA. Essentially, you make your deal and get clear title, get all required paperwork to the US customs crossing point 72 hr (I think) in advance and be prepared to take a little time at US and Canada customs on the way through. You will pay an RIV fee ($195 + tx) and GST at the border. PST will apply when you register the vehicle. As far as I know, warranty will not be honored by Yamaha Canada but you could still take a hop south of the border for warranty repair - confirm with Yamaha USA that they will do warranty service on a Canadian registered vehicle.

For some unexplained reason, there is no duty charged on a Japanese motorcycle that was not manufactured in North America. (At least there was none when I bought a used FJR from the USA three years ago) There would be for a car that was not made in NA.

This is the (fairly) simple case and it took a lot of sifting through stuff to find this. Your situation is more complex because you are a Canadian, living in the US and moving back to Canada. If you had bought the bike well before you moved back (don't know how long), I would assume that you could bring the bike back as with any other possession. I could be wrong, but don't think you would be charged tax etc before registering it???

I suspect it is different if you bought the vehicle some short time before you moved back to Canada. That's where it could get complicated although you might be able to avoid paying state tax when you purchase it (or get it rebated) if you are not going to register it in the US.

Good luck with the process and let us know how it works for you. When I bought my '07 (used) from the US three years ago, I saved at least $2500 compared to buying the same bike here - even after taxes and fees.

 
Mate good to see Canada has the same idiots writing the rules for importing a bike as Australia . I bet there are three different sections of a Department publishing different ideas , go see a Customs agent ( that what we call them down here ) that organises and dose these thing all the time .
Problem is, the only Customs agent/Border guards I can go see are actually *AT* the border - 500 miles away. :(

I've called three times and literally have gotten three different answers. At this point, I think I'm just going to have to give up and make a deal once I get to Calgary and get settled. :(

 
Do you have a close relative here in the US? like a brother, sister, parent or something? If so, put their name on the title with yours, and plate it to their address...Then your bike is just visiting Canada and the US YES warranty is good, as long as you take it to a US dealer...

Skinning cats is easy if you are willing to compromise. FWIW. I do the same thing with my camper. My sister's HOA has a huge lot for campers, boats and trailers so that people don't park them in their yards. I put her name on my title, and store my camper for $5 a month. Can't beat that with a stick!

 
For the RIV process, Canada Customs will use your purchase receipt as the value. However, Zilla brings up a good scenario. But, still advantageous to buy/own/register it in your state 6 months if you go that route. No HST is huge.

 
Do you have a close relative here in the US? like a brother, sister, parent or something?
Sadly no but it's an interesting idea. Unfortunately, the Canadian in me is loathe to do the kinds of things you suggest to get around regulations, no matter how stupid they are....

Maybe that's why I couldn't cut it in the US... :)

 
"And all of this is because I don't want to get screwed by Alberta (moving to Calgary - God help me) dealers.

Several dealers pull this crap...

They list the original selling price of the bike when it was new and then give you their selling price on the used bike. But the original selling price is NO WHERE NEAR what it actually was. Example: "2010 Price when new: $20,199. Price Reduced: $13,999.." BULL!

Even with the exchange rate in their favor, a brand new 2010 bike WAS NOT $20K+. Hell, a brand new FJR right now is only a max of $16K. So they are trying to make it seem like you're saving $6K+ but that's complete BS. I don't want to buy from someone who is ACTIVELY trying to rip me off.

There are guys claiming my 2008 bike's original price was $20K. I paid $12K for it brand new, still literally in the box."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

I don't know about the 2008 FJR for $20K (maybe with a bunch of after-market stuff on it?) but unless I got severely bent over, 2013 FJRs are not going for "a max of $16K" in Calgary. I picked mine up on Saturday, having paid a few hundred under the MSRP of $17,499.00. You have to remember, it's not just the exchange rate (which is almost a wash these days), but we always pay more for the same product in Canada, whether it be bikes, cars, books, or shoes. That said, I think there are a few minor differences between a U.S. bike and a Canadian one (ignition immobilizer key is the one that I'm aware of), which may contribute to the higher costs.

Despite our current budget deficit Alberta remains the only Canadian province without a provincial sales tax or HST, so if you do have to pay sales tax it will be only the 5% GST. As for the other charges (import duties, etc.) I can't comment. You could also look at the non-dealer used market in the Calgary area.

Welcome back to Canada - I'm sure you'll be riding through the twisties around Bragg Creek in no time - and brushing up on the Canadian spelling of your favourite words! ;-)

Hope this helps.

G.

 
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