Anyone moved from Canada to California with their R1200GS?

[timo]

Hi all,

I'm a new 1200GS (Triple Black) owner in Toronto.

Turns out I may have to move to California for work.

I've read that Canadian spec BMW's are not compliant with California's emissions laws. I've received mixed messages regarding if a Canadian 1200GS can be brought in as an existing personal vehicle (slightly different rules than importing something new I think).

My understanding is it is compliant with the 49-state rule and can be imported at the border crossing under federal law. I've read that then, as a new resident to California, I can bring it in 'grandfathered' as a 49-state vehicle I had registered in another jurisdiction.

Another option could be (as the move is likely just 2 years) to keep it plated with my Ontario plates (I will be maintaining a residence here and paying Canadian income taxes) and just get local Californian insurance as Canadian insurance won't cover more than 90 days in the US.

I had no idea there'd be so much red tape between Canada and the US. I'd hate to have to sell my brand new dream bike - yet alone contemplate the financial loss. In fact I'd rather leave it in storage here!

Has anyone else had any experience with bringing a 1200GS from Canada to California?

[marc]

BMW does not make a 49 state bike and a California bike. All their bikes imported into the US are 50 state bikes.

However... I am not sure that applies to Canadian bikes. Does your bike have the evaporative charcoal canister? All US bikes do and I *think* it is required for California.

There is also the 7,500 mile rule. If the vehicle has more than 7,500 miles then it does not have to meet all of the California emission requirements.

[timo]

It's all very confusing. Canadian spec bikes do not have the charcoal canister, but that rule (and the 7500mile one) apply to existing California residents trying to register a vehicle.

If you already owned the vehicle and had it registered in another jurisdiction and you move to California it's apparently grandfathered in.

Seems more art than science the more I read and the more folks I talk to.

DMV said as long as you have a letter from manufacturer (not dealer) stating that it meets all US emissions and safety regulations then you're good to go.

BMW said they no longer do the letters but you can get one from a Registered Importer.

Registered Importer said it's down to luck of who you get at the DMV

DMV said can't use Registered Importer letter. Must have manufacturer's letter.

And now I'm caught in an endless circle of bureaucratic red tape, when all I want to do is ride my motorcycle from Toronto to LA when I move in September and not sell it at a massive loss, only to have to re-buy the same one in LA.

[ca1ic0cat]

I was going to buy an RT from the BMW dealer in North York but when he realized I'm from Rochester he told me to forget it. I said why, Motorcycle Consumer News imported a Suzuki and wrote an article about what you need to get the bike registered in the USA. All I need is this, and that, and a letter from BMW...

That's when he stopped me and said "and you'll never get that letter from BMW. I have a customer who had to move to Atlanta and his bike has been sitting in Toronto for six years waiting."

That was over a decade ago and I see things haven't changed. If there is one thing I've learned about BMW it's that they do not support their customers. You can find good dealers and the rider community is great but factory support is nonexistant unless the government goes after them for a recall.

Hate to say it but you'll probably have to sell the Canada spec bike and buy one in California.

[timo]

Originally Posted by ca1ic0cat

Hate to say it but you'll probably have to sell the Canada spec bike and buy one in California.

That's my conclusion after a frustrating week. I was so close to signing that dotted line... phew! I'll buy one in California in a few months. Those at least can be bought back into Canada in a few years when I move back.

Only frustration now is selling the F650GS I was getting a wicked trade-in on at a loss. (Unless I find an eager private buyer before riding season ends).