bringing motorcycle to Okinawa

[Ducky1971]

Anyone brought their motorcycle from the states to Okinawa? Can you tell me what costs, JCI etc., we might incur. Thanks!

[htran804's slave]

Anyone brought their motorcycle from the states to Okinawa? Can you tell me what costs, JCI etc., we might incur. Thanks!

You'll have to end up shipping it to Tokyo so they can go through the inspection and registration process. There are people that have done it, but it ended up costing them in excess of $5000+ to do it. Unless you have some sort of sentimental attachment to your bike I would just sell it. It is alot easier to purchase a bike here in Okinawa and ship it back to the states than the other way around.

[htran804's slave]

Keep in mind that you are going to spend your money, and leave to go from Okinawa to Tokyo...and this is not a 1 day process.

HOW TO REGISTER AN IMPORTED MOTORCYCLE (251 CC-UP)

1. Obtain motorcycle driver’s license (temporary on base only license) at CFAY Safety’s Licensing Office. If you are E4 and below (or civilian equivalent), you must have an approved request form (CFAY 4651/1 or CFAY 5800/50A signed by your CO and the CFAY Security Officer.

2. Obtain Customs Form (380EJ) from FISC personal property office (telephone # 243-8320 or 243-7062).

- If the motorcycle was manufactured after July 1999, you have to obtain a Certificate of Conformity to Technical Standards of the brake system from the manufacturer of the motorcycle.

- If the motorcycle was manufacturer after April 2001, you have to get an emission test in Tokyo (Cost is approx 100,000 yen). Contact JATA (telephone # 0425-44-1004) to obtain an application form. After completing step #4 (below) take the motorcycle to the inspection place identified by JATA.

3. Obtain Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI) for 25 months or more and a minimum of 6 months of Liability Insurance.

4. Take Form 380EJ and insurances to Yokosuka City Hall (1st floor) to obtain a temporary license plate (cost is 750 yen). Then go to VRO if you need a temporary base pass.

5. Have the motorcycle inspected by the NEX garage.

6. Go to VRO and obtain registration paperwork.

7. Go to Yokohama LTO with the motorcycle and paperwork to register motorcycle with Japanese Government (cost is approx 5,300 yen).

8. Go to Yokosuka City Hall to return temporary license place (1st floor) and to register your motorcycle for Road Tax (2nd Floor).

9. Go back to VRO and complete registration (obtain base decals).

NOTE: IF YOU STILL HAVE AN “ON BASE ONLY LICENSE” AT THIS POINT, VRO MAY ONLY ISSUE “ON BASE ONLY” STICKERS. VRO MAY ISSUE OFF BASE STICKERS AN OFF BASE LICENSE AND THE PROPER REGISTRATION PAPERWORK.

[Ammoyankee]

I am an avid rider on the island, The process of sending your bike to mainland from only affects bikes made after April 2001 as stated above. You do not have to accompany the bike and the process roughly costs around $2500. I have seen the cost go as high as $5,000 but it is usually because the bike was modified quite a bit and parts had to be swapped for the test by the dealer.

[EmbOKJ]

I spoke to several people that looked into it and it just doesn't seem like a good idea. The time, cost, and effort are a lot more then I want to go through...and I hate the idea of leaving my bike behind... There are a lot of bikes for sale though - pretty cheap.

[Tempestuous]

It certainly is a headache!.
We had a friend buy a harely there, from the base dealer, transition it all over ($$$$).
Had it for a couple years to ride on-island, then had to convert it all back over to ride it in America when they went back.
Kinda seems like WAY more than it's worth.

A little more than the cost to convert Boost's Oki bike to US standards he got a next to new one in the states.
I am sure vice versa is true going IN to Okinawa with one.

[Ammoyankee]

There are alot of bikes for sale here used. But many are Euro and JAP spec which makes it very difficult to impossible to ship back to US. If you look, you can find US and Canadian spec though...

[okisteve]

I asked a blonde and she told me you can't import a US bike because they drive on the left here.

[mikersoft]

I asked a blonde and she told me you can't import a US bike because they drive on the left here.

LMAO. Now that's funny! :thumbup:

-Mike

[billhilly]

I hated to let my bike go when we came here. Beautiful Honda Shadow 1100. Of all the bikes I had over the years, this was my fav. Rode like a dream. She protected me...I know. Never even skidded once. But, the cost and headache was too much to ship her here. My Pops loved that bike too. So, to make ammends for taking away the G-kids, I gave it to him. Almost 80 and he rides every chance he gets. Plenty of Hondas here.

[Ducky1971]

Thanks all, for you input. Do all these rules still apply if it is shipped in your household goods shipment. There is a space particularly for it. Thanks again!

[luvshack409]

Does anyone know what rules apply to a dirt bike sent with your household goods?

[htran804's slave]

I don't see shipping to be a problem. Its getting your bikes registered.

[DoctorP]

You would do best to download the JFTR for yourself and look up the regs...always best for you to be well informed before dealing with TMO. I've had TMO tell me I couldn't do things, only to prove them wrong by showing it to them in the JFTR. Hell, when I PCS'd here, my wife was authorized to ship a POV here...I wasn't, but she was.

[big_o]

Actually registration difficulty depends on the motorcycle. I shipped mine over and had very few problems registering. I had to make some minor adjustments, but as far as shipping the bike, etc...don't listen to those that don't have bikes or don't know how to do things for themselves.

You will need a brake certification from your manufacturer if your bike is post-2000, you can get this from the customer relations section of your manufacturer. If you get this, your bike DOES NOT have to go to the mainland!! The certificate has to be from the manufacturer and must have your VIN # on it and must state that the tests have been performed and it meets Japanese specs. If your bike has a manufacture date before July 1999, then no worries, you can register your bike with no problems. The only other issues are the JCI inspection which is also easy, just make sure that you have an owners manual for your bike and your bike must meet BASIC specifications like height / width stated in your owner's manual. Other than that, engine, exhaust, light mods can be left on.

Overall, it is not a hard process...don't listen to all of the hype. I have done mine as well as 3 other people's bikes with no problems. I still see the idiots that ship their bikes to the mainland because they refuse to do any legwork for their bikes, but it is NOT required!!!

If you have any questions, contact me.

[Gadget]

Big-O,

How are you getting around the 94,000 yen emissions test required for newer bikes? I was under the impression that Okinawa does not have a test center - I know of the one near Yokota and one in Osaka. Not sure where else they test, but if they test in Oki now, that would be cool cause then you're absolutely right - no need to send the bike to the mainland.

domo,

[harrypotter]

I am trying to find out if there is a Suzuki motorcycle dealership in Okinawa, and if so a phone # if its not too much to ask! Trying to gather all the documents required so i can bring over a motorcycle.

thanks!

[htran804's slave]

I am trying to find out if there is a Suzuki motorcycle dealership in Okinawa, and if so a phone # if its not too much to ask! Trying to gather all the documents required so i can bring over a motorcycle.

thanks!

Contact Brad at www.bikeshopgixxer.com and he can help you out. He's an ex-Marine and has been here on the island for a good while. His email is gixxer94@yahoo.com

[harrypotter]

thanks again

[gherrry]

Big-O,

How are you getting around the 94,000 yen emissions test required for newer bikes? I was under the impression that Okinawa does not have a test center - I know of the one near Yokota and one in Osaka. Not sure where else they test, but if they test in Oki now, that would be cool cause then you're absolutely right - no need to send the bike to the mainland.

domo,

Did you get a respond for this question yet. I'm moving to Kadena as well and i have a BRAND new 07 CBR600RR.

[harrypotter]

so far I am only getting info for me from suzuki in usa

[Gadget]

Did you get a respond for this question yet. I'm moving to Kadena as well and i have a BRAND new 07 CBR600RR.

No so I'm doubting the fact the bike doesn't have to go to the mainland. You can find better info here:

http://ggok.com/bbs/index.php?board=5.0

[karaoke]

I am thinking about buying a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250r and packing with my HHG later this year. Does anyone know what is required for a 250 cc motorcycle? Emissions test, brake test? Thanks.

[proudtobnotpc]

Just leave your state side bike in storage, there are plenty of bike here, it really is that simple

[harrypotter]

bikes are way overpriced in Okinawa and buying annother mans rusted beater is just not what I want to do!

[OkiDude]

I am thinking about buying a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250r and packing with my HHG later this year. Does anyone know what is required for a 250 cc motorcycle? Emissions test, brake test? Thanks.


250 and below.. no problem with registration.. go ahead and ship it

[jrademacher]

I got a Yamaha 400 FZR for free from the Free section in the JU. It was a lot easier to get a bike here then to bring one from the states and go through the hassle.

[jlkerschner]

I have a 2008 Yamaha Raider its a 113 cubic inch 1900cc motorcycle around 730 pounds. What kind of difficulties would I encounter in trying to ship it to Okinawa, along with a rough estimate of the total cost?

[DoctorP]

I have a 2008 Yamaha Raider its a 113 cubic inch 1900cc motorcycle around 730 pounds. What kind of difficulties would I encounter in trying to ship it to Okinawa, along with a rough estimate of the total cost?

Drain the fluids and ship it with your household goods...no problem and little to no cost.

[DJSirkit]

I have orders to yokota ab. i want to buy 08-09 CBR600rr.
How much do they usually go for?
And What mods do i have to do to bring it back stateside when i come back?
Can I get US Spec bikes in japan?

[uriel]

bikes are way overpriced in Okinawa and buying annother mans rusted beater is just not what I want to do!

if you buy a bike from oki you're some sort of special. HELLO! BUY IT FROM MAINLAND AND SHIP IT HERE! it isn't hard. it's just like autotrader in the states. it can all be done over the internets.

[GI Fred]

He is right, and they have some pretty nice rides up on the mainland!

[DJSirkit]

if you buy a bike from oki you're some sort of special. HELLO! BUY IT FROM MAINLAND AND SHIP IT HERE! it isn't hard. it's just like autotrader in the states. it can all be done over the internets.

over the internet?
What web site can you find used bikes?

[DJSirkit]

anyone have any info on where i can look for used bikes on the mainland online