importing a new or used motorcycle

[wizemen2]

Originally Posted by kermit

i have friend in zam he takes bikes apart then ships them as spares then puts them together here and reg them like multi cabs bring any bike in as spares

Kermit
Would ya happen to know what the import tax rate is on the spares if any?
Any regs, conditions or limitations?
Ta

[Turbota]

Like others have said, importing a big bike over to the Phills is really out of the question. The import taxes are way too much, and the Customs people (crocodiles) at the dock in Manila will attempt to get everything out of you they think they can ... there are lots of horror stories about guys getting there bikes impounded there because the taxes and "various fees" where just too much to pay.

I can tell you for a fact that many bikes (to include lots of Harleys) have come into the PI, shipped in pieces in Balikbayan boxes. You have about a 95% chance that Customs will not check the contents of your Balikbayan boxes.

The problem that comes into play with this senerio is since the bike arrives with no import papers, you just can't go down to the LTO and get a new CR, OR and license plates for the bike (since no import taxes were ever paid on the bike).

There are ways around this problem, but to tell you the truth, it's better to just buy a bike right here in the PI that has good papers to start with ...

BTW ... There are used Harleys for sale here too, but there are [NO] Harley dealers in the PI for support, so getting parts is a real pain in the ass.

[Pedro]

Thats why I am glad I never aquired a taste for Harley's.

[Turbota]

I got one over here ...

[bikerdave]

There are no Harley dealers here in the philippines you are correct. Luckily your bike is new and hopefully wont have any problems. There is a harley mechanic from Germany in Bayawan though. He's very good. By the way nice sporty

[Turbota]

Thank you Dave ... It's an a 04 XL1200R, so it ain't too young anymore.

I do have an extra drive belt and a new rear tire, but if anything of importance brakes, I guess I am screwed.

I do all work on it myself, so that helps ... In fact, I have had 3 different sets of cams in it and 3 different sets of heads on it so far.

Pistons are 11.0 to 1 compression ratio forged ... the only problem is that I get some detonation when it gets hot using this Filipino gas. That Petron Blaze 96 octane gas seems to run the best.

[bikerdave]

If you need parts I can put you in touch with people who can find them.a lot of things can be found but takes some time to arrive

[Turbota]

Thank's ... The next time my daughter in the US sends me a Balikbayan box, I think I will give her a list of parts she can put in the box too.

To tell you the truth, I don't ride the bike hardly at all anymore since moving down here from AC to Bacolod ... Just have this inner fear of hurting myself real bad on that bike because of the horrible traffic and bad drivers here.

The bike is fun, but probably a bad choice for having here in the Philippines.

[Pedro]

I know the feeling, I keep dreaming that I will bring my 80' 4sp Vette when I make the move but I know that is not the practical nor wise thing to do. I always felt a 500cc bike was big enough for me so I quess I will have plenty of rice burners to choose from and even be happy with.

[Teacher]

Pedro, it would be wonderful to have a big bike, but they are not very practical in the Philippines. They are just too big to get around no need for speed there. The roads are not in kind of shape for speed then the way they drive. The Filipino 110 and 125 are perfect for the place you can ride though tight places in between cars. There is always some place to go with one of those kinds of bikes. The big bikes have lots of horse power that you can’t use and they are too wide for those tight places. Then people have an issue with being jealous of what you have this may bring unwanted attention or trouble to your door. The best way to live in the Philippines is simple.