Modern Vespa

There's a very very small chance I might move to Japan for a year, in the event it goes through is it possible to ship my vespa there title and insure it etc? I know it will be pricey but I'd like to explore all the options.. Whats the deal with M drivers license there? will I have to pay taxes both ways (shipping there and back). Is there a decent availability of vintage Vespas in Japan if I wanted to buy one there?

Any general info is greatly appreciated

You can get an international driver's license through AAA, maybe elsewhere, that will be good. You need to make sure you get the motorcycle endorsement stamp.

There are quite a few vintage Vespas and Lambrettas in Japan, although they are usually expensive for the desirable and larger capacity models. Japan had a smallframe market well into the recent past, so small frames 50s should be cheaper and more plentiful.

I don't know what the requirements are to import a motor vehicle, but I'd imagine there are some inspection fees, etc. so you'll need to price that out vs. purchasing there.

There are a number of great Japanese shops, I'll see if I can dig up some links. Maybe there are some lurkers in here who are closer to the ground and have better info.

The prudent thing would be to contact the Japanese Consulate in New York.

If you are going to be in Japan legally as a student, for employment, etc, there might very well be a legal way to use your personal vehicle temporarily there. They can also answer driver licensing questions for you.

I'm sure the consulate can provide more accurate info than any of us.

Al

At the least a Carnet to assure that you don't sell it while you are there. It's almost not worth the trouble. Buy a Honda while you are there.

Bringing it back to the US should be no problem, so long as you properly documented it with Customs when you left...

- Eric

aahhh

excersizing my yin and yang around all threads

remembering not to break the rice paper

better to break the rice paper than the toilet paper.

ive seen some vintage rides on a few trips there, so there must be some service around there. if you are going to be in Tokyo, check out Ueno, that was pretty much the motorcycle/scooter district.

Check out this form: http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_4457.pdf

Not sure if it can be used on vehicles, but you may want to fill it out for any expensive personal items you will be taking with you. That way you can avoid the possibility of being taxed on your own items when you return. You will need to fill it out and take all items to your local US Customs/HLS location and have the items verified and form signed and stamped. You might find some other info one the site as well.

Getting it back into the US is no problem if you have filled out the forms. The real problem is that Japan wants to know if you are going to sell it while you are in the contry. If not they will want a guarentee or bond, called a Carnet, that you are going to take it back out when you leave. You must get the Carnet here in the US before you leave. A customs house/broker can help you. You pay them for their service and put down a certain amount that is held until you return the item.

If you don't have a Carnet Japan will collect a tax upon entry just as if you were importing new Vespas. You can apply for a refund upon leaving with the Vespa, but good luck dealing with the Japanese bureaucracy getting it back.

You really, really need to talk to a customs broker here to get the straight scoop; sooner rather than later.