I searched but could not find an obvious thread...

Researching buying a Monster down here in Chile. They use the European standard down here and they're make the beast with two backsing expensive. Eventually I'll be moving back to the US and would need to figure out if it's worth it just to sell the bike here or take it with me when I move back. How different are the standards?

It's not straightforward.

if the bike is not a) sold in the USA as an identical model or b) on the list of nonconforming vehicles eligible for importation, then it has to be run thru a Registered Importer (read: $$$$) to convert it to US standards.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/

IF there was an identical model sold in the US, then you will need to swap the gauges for MPH speedo, add side reflectors, put on the factory exhaust, remove any jetting/EFI mods, and a few other things.

It has to match same-year of manufacture specs.

Sorry to bring this up here as well, but isn't the tank material different too? (non US compliant)

SHED testing isn't one of the import requirements.  just tailpipe and noise emissions.

Might sound a little back asswards, but what would be involved in bringing a US VIN bike down to Chile as a temporary resident?

Quote from: howie on January 25, 2012, 09:49:11 PM
Might sound a little back asswards, but what would be involved in bringing a US VIN bike down to Chile as a temporary resident?

Depends on the length of the stay, and largely belongs this thing apparently called a "caret" which amounts to a passport for your vehicle.  Basically (based on ADVrider research) you have to promise to take out that which you brung in.

I ve read the importer charge a pretty penny so add that cost to the bike

My response was predicated on the number of beers I've had, and Ducatiz' response. YMMV, FYYFF, and whatever acronyms you like. 

Quote from: mergatroyd on January 25, 2012, 10:03:38 PM
Depends on the length of the stay, and largely belongs this thing apparently called a "caret" which amounts to a passport for your vehicle.  Basically (based on ADVrider research) you have to promise to take out that which you brung in.

That's correct. Importing used bikes is simply not allowed. If it's for short-term you have to get a special permit and must remove it from the country once the permit expires. I looked into bringing my Monster. Had to sell my baby instead 

Quote from: ducatiz on January 25, 2012, 02:10:25 PM
It's not straightforward.

if the bike is not a) sold in the USA as an identical model or b) on the list of nonconforming vehicles eligible for importation, then it has to be run thru a Registered Importer (read: $$$$) to convert it to US standards.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/

IF there was an identical model sold in the US, then you will need to swap the gauges for MPH speedo, add side reflectors, put on the factory exhaust, remove any jetting/EFI mods, and a few other things.

It has to match same-year of manufacture specs.

Sounds like if I buy locally, I will need to sell before my return.

Recently I read the book "Vincent In The Barn"  Some of the stories include bike finds in other parts of the world and bringing them into the USA.  One trick used to get the bike here was to ship the bike as parts and then re-assemble back in the USA.  Not a practical solution for you, likely not legal, but an idea.

Quote from: akmnstr on January 26, 2012, 06:10:49 AM
Not a practical solution for you

Enough said.

Quote from: duccarlos on January 26, 2012, 06:01:11 AM
Sounds like if I buy locally, I will need to sell before my return.

1.  What model/year of bike do you have?
2.   Can you return it to factory spec?
3.  Can you find mph speedo for it?

I will be buying a used 2011 796, but it's European specs. I have no idea what would be the difference between the US and European models.

Quote from: duccarlos on January 26, 2012, 06:58:39 AM
I will be buying a used 2011 796, but it's European specs. I have no idea what would be the difference between the US and European models.

There are only minor differences.  The exhaust and fueling setup is identical, as are the brakes and electrical system.

The main differences are:

speedo
evap container (not required for federal, only CARB)
side reflectors

i think that's it.  the best would be to get a letter from Ducati, you can try writing to them.  contact_us@ducati.com to see if they will write a homologation letter.   basically, it will say "this bike in factory form is identical to the US version except for x, y, and z".  if you can get this letter, then the registered importer will just need to certify those changes have been made (if you do them yourself) or they will send it to a dealer to have it done.  they will charge you markup, figure at least 3-5k if they do the work.  you will have to submit a 150% bond on the dutiable value of the bike (which for a used bike will be the bluebook).

i used Champagne Imports for my two bikes.

honestly, if you have the choice, just wait until you get back to buy it.  the expense can be overwhelming unless you can do all the work yourself and can get the letter -- and then you still have to pay the RI for the fees and filing. 

call around to some of the listed RIs to see what they would charge you.