The Golden Triangle Rider

Klaus · Posted: 21.06.2007, 21:22 Post subject: big bike imports - no problem?

Talked to a guy who told me that anybody could order any Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki or Kawasaki at their headquartes in Bangkok and they would import it - but no parts or service is available, and the buyer has to take care of the registration.
So I could contact lets say Kawasaki and order the new 650 Ninja Twin, pay a bunch of money for the registration and import tirtes and pads when I need some.
TRUE - or a bunch of horse crap? Or something in between, since we're in LOS?

tropicaljohno · Posted: 21.06.2007, 21:36 Post subject:

I was in a big bike shop in Phuket this week, and the owner told me the same story.

He produced a Japanese bike book and said he can order anything in there, and get it registered for me.

In fact he has a Honda XR650 arriving this week, for sale including rego.

harrythefinn · Posted: 21.06.2007, 22:52 Post subject:

Any idea on the price for the XR with the plate? And what year ? Assuming it is new?

tropicaljohno · Posted: 21.06.2007, 23:27 Post subject:

Harry the guy in the shop said he cant give a price until the bike has arrived.

Stay tuned and I will post details when I find out

Klaus · Posted: 22.06.2007, 19:55 Post subject:

Would be good to know the price of a bike before you order . . .
I think it's possible to get the price of the bike incl shipping and prepping charges; after that it gets a bit confusing because of thai import duties, the size of the engine, the number of wheels, the size of the gold chain around your neck and the local humidity at the time the question was asked. Then we get to the registration process . . .
But it seems to be true that you can order any bike you want if you have the right amount of dosh burning a hole in your pocket?!

Klaus · Posted: 22.06.2007, 19:58 Post subject:

I'm talking about NEW bikes, of course. Headquartes in BKK wouldn't be into used bike deals . . .

tropicaljohno · Posted: 22.06.2007, 21:12 Post subject:

The XR 650 arrives Friday June 29th

Ian Bungy · Posted: 23.06.2007, 17:59 Post subject:

Providing they are New, As soon as the XR650 arrives let me know the Price as well thanks? The Cheap Indonesian XR650's were Ghosts???
Cheers Ian.

tropicaljohno · Posted: 23.06.2007, 23:29 Post subject:

Gee, looks like I may be able to start a business down here on the bikes.

The shop is ordering me some tyres in this week, so will keep on the case to check bike out when it arrives.

monsterman · Biker Legend Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 491

Best to buy only bikes that are already here and registered.then u know what u are getting and how much,

beware .

Klaus · Posted: 26.06.2007, 18:28 Post subject:

You sure got a point there, monster. But what if you can't get the bike you want since nobody imported it yet? And what if it is possible to order your dream bike in brand new condition?

tropicaljohno · Posted: 04.07.2007, 14:41 Post subject:

Well the XR650R finally arrived in the local bike shop, not new as can be seen by info below.

2004 Imported from States
8698 kms
in Motorad trim
kick start only
water cooled
has Daytona electronic temp. gauge
with new green book, not copy
368,000 baht

Franz - Eastern Seaboard · Posted: 04.07.2007, 15:56 Post subject:

Hi Klaus, talked to customs department, you could import a bike on your own, must be NEW, import taxes would be 60% of new price, 7%VAT and another 3% for other duties. Registration is simple, for a private person THB 1.000,- and for a company THB 10.000,-. The same goes for spares altough the import taxes are here not so high. If you want toi check please have a look at Royal Thai Customs Website: http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/indexEng.jsp
You must clear first which immigration status you must have to be able to import on your own, most probably Residence Visa or Non-Immigrant yearly visa, work permit may be required.
I think this way it would be manageable, find a good shop in your home country, negotiate a price with them minus all taxes there as you don't have to pay them, shipping costs are not that high. You can also check with them for a supply of spareparts, easy sent & imported by DHL/FEDEX.... Consider it.......Rgds, Franz

JohhnyE · Posted: 05.07.2007, 15:02 Post subject:

What about the Excise Tax - did they mention that? I read that Customs web site years ago. It's utter BS in reality.
Do so at your own risk!

Ian Bungy · Posted: 05.07.2007, 20:11 Post subject:

Hi all,
Interesting comments Franz, Total different Story to the one's i have been Told and Experienced??? Read my Post on "Importing Bikes Drama"
It is all Bullshit and you don't get the 1000 Baht Rego unless you have a Homologation Certificate which is as Rare as Rocking Horse Shit!!!
Import Tax for Bikes is 84% which includes 7% VAT. But if you can do it for 60% and include a Rego give me an Email i will be the first to line up!
Like i said in the Post everyone involved in this Process you Talk to has a Different story and None of them Cooperate with each other??? Wish it was as easy as you think. good Luck all.
Cheers Ian.

PICO-PICO · Posted: 05.07.2007, 20:47 Post subject:

from my own import of only a side car I know that even if the seller abroad puts a customs friendly amount on the bill it is totally up to the customs inspector to set to final duty due.