Buying A Big Bike!

[aka_jack]

O.k i am looking on buying a big bike, i have been looking about and have done a bit of research on it, i was wandering if anyone out there has bought a bike with invoices for import tax paid on parts and have had it registered, any problems getting it registered?? where do you legally stand. i have heard some storys and know that people import these bikes in parts to pay less duty on them, has anyone done this, i mean bought a bike with invoices for tax on parts and got the bike registered?? any feed back would be greatly appreciated!!

[ajahnlau]

Look for the same bike with a book. You're getting into something that might cost you your investment. They have been cracking down on these types of import.

[ray23]

You know I'm curious about that myself, the rumor is it can be done, but it does seem very illusive finding somone who has done it. Of course it is better to buy a registered bike. But is the other really possible? Whats involved if it is?

I will put this on a bikers forum and see if we can find out and if I do find that out. I will share it with you. But I wouldn't hold my breath on this one.

[Berty]

I get my bikes registered with "Invoices". Costs a few quid though.

[ray23]

Is it possible to get a brief run down on the process?

Or maybe a good service to gte it completed.

I keep hearing 70K baht is that accurate?

I have seen some great buys on bikes like this even with the 70K so it might be worth the trouble.

[ray23]

From the biker forum:

"Done this twice and had no problems. The invoice must be correct. Paid 80 tsd. Baht and waited around 2 1/2 month. Both been Hayabusas. Saved around 120tsd. each, compare to the motorcycle shop prices."

[aka_jack]

I have been in touch with somebody in bangkok recently about buying a harley, he has invoices for parts for the bike and he assures me it can be registered although it will cost about 70,80000 baht which for the price of the bike aswell is not to bad, my wife has phoned the registration place and they said it should not be a problem and gave her another number to ring to make sure of this but she has not contacted them yet but i will let you know what they say. I also looked on the customs website and it gives you a run down on the cost for import taxs for motorvehicles ie, if the vehicle is new the more tax you pay and the older it gets you get discounts for every couple of years older it is all the way down to about 11+ years and after that it is blank which to me says that if it is over a certain age then you are duty exempt I think !! i have tried emailing them to clarify this but have had no reply so might get the mrs to phone them today to see if she can get a answer. I will keep all posted.

[aka_jack]

any idea on what a correct invoice is??

[smartecosse]

whatever the thai guy behind the desk says that it is on that paticular day

same with any govt dept in Thailand

you are at their mercy

[H2oDunc]

If you want to import a bike into Thailand then they hit you with up to 300% import tax. To get round this they import the bike in as seperate parts. These are invoiced as used spare parts. Once the parts are here in Thailand you the put the bike back together. As long as the invoices have the engine numbers and frame numbers you can then apply to have the made up bike registered in Thailand. Had it done twice now and is the cheapest method. There are lots of big bikes out there also with books so look about and save yourself the hassle. Cost to register between 70-80,00 bhat time 2-4 months Safe riding.

PS. since joining my local motorcycle club, Chumphon superbike, Ive met lots of contacts for big bikes. If you want to PM me I can maybe point you to what you are looking for, Cheers Dunc

If ya cant dive, Ride!