Importing a HMS (European) spec bike from Malaysia to the USA

[ABL]

Guy's

I live in the USA but am working in Malaysia and have Feb 2009 HMS manufactured to European spec, I am planning to ship it back to my home in South Dakota USA at the end of the year.. Ducati say this will be a problem as they will not provide assistance concerning one of there dealerships assisting in the conversion process to make the bike US compliant..

My understanding is that the bike meets the E3 emission which is the same for Europe & USA requirements but will require general modification changes such as,, Lights, turn Signals, stickers, decals?? (Possible VIN number issue that DMV would reject)

I also have a 2008 MV Augusta Brutale 910 R Italia but this has also been an issue with MV saying to sell & buy in the US?? (Biggest issue was that the VIN number would not comply to the DMV system ??

I may sell the MV but not the HMS so it may be a suitcase of spare parts if required..

I like the Frame swap Idea (Anyone have some idea of how much this might cost?)

Not sure what the local DMV licensing will say but its SD so no emission issues etc but still require to have this bike road legal

Appreciate any assistance

Many Thanks

Allen

[v12gte]

I do not know your local state laws, but you are probably asking for trouble. I would just sell the HM locally and get a new one in the US. It would take considerable expense and effort to either convert, or hunt for loopholes to register your bike. Not to mention that you would be creating a legal exposure if you did something creative like a frame swap. The DMV is not exactly consistent, and navigating that agency in the age of budget shortages and fuloughs is not pleasant.

[08hyper]

I would contact the DMV in you state, and give them your VIN# and see what they say, DMV's vary from state to state, some states its so easy that you can register a dirt bike for the street!