Harley's Enzo

Importing

Importing a Harley or motorcycle from the USA: the 5 key questions

Importing a Harley or another motorcycle from America is less complicated than many people think. There are far more Harleys for sale in the United States, often in good condition and at a sharper price. Still, you’ll have questions: can I do it myself, what does it cost and how long does it take? Below we answer the five questions we get most often.

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Harley-Davidson op de laadbak, onderweg in de Verenigde Staten

Can I import a Harley from America myself?

Yes, you can. You buy the bike in the US, arrange transport to the port and have it shipped to Rotterdam in a container. Then come customs, import taxes and the inspection and registration in your country. The tricky part is mainly in America: viewing the bike, paying an unknown seller and arranging transport. That’s why many people buy through Harley’s Enzo. We view, buy and film every bike ourselves in America, and arrange the shipping.

What does it cost to import a Harley from America?

The total cost is made up of the purchase price, transport, shipping, unloading, the customs declaration and taxes. With our bikes, shipping to Rotterdam is already included in the price. After arrival you still pay for unloading, customs and import taxes. How much tax that is depends partly on the age of the bike. Read the full explanation on our page about the cost of importing a Harley.

How long does shipping from America to Europe take?

From New York it takes about 4 weeks. From Los Angeles it takes about 2 months, because the container then sails through the Panama Canal. After arrival in Rotterdam the bike is usually ready at the unloading company within a few days.

Do I pay import duty and VAT on a motorcycle from America?

Yes, in most cases. America is outside the EU, so you pay import duty and VAT on import. For bikes 30 years or older, more favourable rules often apply. On the cost page we list all the amounts.

Is my bike insured during shipping?

Yes. Every bike we ship is insured during transport. You also get the container number as soon as the bike is sold and loaded. That way you can track the container yourself until it arrives in Rotterdam.

Want to know more?

Also read how to register a Harley from the USA and what you need to know when buying a Harley in America. Is your bike 30 years or older? Then read importing a classic from the USA. Want to bring over a car? See importing a car from the USA. View our current bikes for sale or ask your question on WhatsApp.

Frequently asked questions

More questions about importing a Harley

After customs, the bike is inspected and registered in your country. The rules differ per country. Read all the steps on our page about registering a Harley from the USA.

Before you buy, you get the damage report or Carfax. After the purchase you get the US Title and the customs papers. Read more about it on buying a Harley in America.

Yes. Let us know on WhatsApp what you’re looking for and we’ll search for it specifically on our next trip through America.

Questions about a Harley from America?

Send us a message on WhatsApp. We’re happy to help, also after the purchase.

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