Headed To Japan

[bodpod]

Greetings All - I just found out that I will be moving to Japan starting next year and I really want to take the new to me '10 K1300 GT with me to get in some fine Japanese touring while I'm there for a couple of years. I checked with the local shipping agency and they forwarded an email they had received from the government of Japan (GOJ). Anybody had any experience with any of this?
From what I read the (GOJ) is very strict on emissions and braking as well as overall engine size. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[hankhoward]

I thnk that your best course is to get in touch with their Consulate and find out from an official what the official rules are. It has been a few years since I was there, but I do not believe that they sell anything larger than 750cc domestically. There are some larger bikes there, but they have been imported (even if originally manufactured in Japan). I'm thinking that they may demand some assurance that you won't sell it while there, and that you will re-export it when you leave. But I am not sure of that. Good Luck!

 

[TomDac]

I spent two years there in the 80's while in the US Navy and all motorists get taxed like crazy. Bikes over 400cc's pay a HUGE tax.. I saw the occasional Harley while I was there and it was always the uber-successful businessman riding it.. a bigtime status symbol. Roads are VERY narrow.. Lots of traffic. Lots of scooters and bicycles. Be very careful..

 

[bodpod]

Thanks, Hank and Tom for your posts. I think I may have to sell that New K1300GT I recently purchased. Sounds like the (GOJ) is all about taxing it's foreigners and it's own people. I plan to get a definitive answer soon and will see what what happens. Could be a kymco people S-250 might be a better choice once I arrive there.

 

[petemiko]

BMW Service in Japan

I have visited a BMW dealer in Tokyo (Akasaka district, near US Embassy). They sell the full line of BMW bikes plus offer parts and service. Prices are higher (taxes and cost of doing business in Tokyo).
If you are in country for a long time (non-military) you will most likely need to get a Japanese license. This is a long and involved process, expensive, and not big bike friendly.
You don't see any big bikes in normal daytime traffic, but on the weekends they are out of the city touring the countryside.

 

[mika]

A quick search yielded this information: http://www.japanvisitor.com/index.php?cID=443&pID=2127

There are many options for bikes in Japan. There are so many models available in the 'homeland' that never make it to our shores that could a fun once in a lifetime kind of ride.

Japan is the home of some great Euro-phile shops such as http://www.ritmo-sereno.com/ one of the best I have seen anywhere. Their builds are not cheap but in comparison to importing yours or buying new they would be fun. An airhead from their shop would be a great souvenir from you tour of duty.

Check out the http://www.bmw-motorrad.jp/ site and see if you want to buy a new one there.

With so many choices you should have a ball deciding.

 

[beckgr]

Japan

I rented an R1150GS there this past November. Japan Bike Rentals were their name and you can find them on the web. I think they would not mind an email at all as they were very helpful.

As for riding in Japan it was a pretty awesome experience. I rode from Tokyo to the Izu Penisula. Took the Hakone and Izu Skyline rides. As traffic is so bad I think you'd need to get comfortable with lane splitting. I am not so I did not attempt although all bikes did it. Saw many bikes of all types including a few beemers and ducs. I travel there a couple times per year and will try to ride there annually now, but the tsunami, etc may interupt my plans. I think it would be a riot to haul up to the northern island Hokaido if time permitted one day.

I believe you only need an international driving "permit", not an international "license." That may be different for a 2 year resident, but for a rental I was okay.

Good luck to you!

Greg

 

[mika]

Forgot to mention this site:

http://www.bmw-clubs-international.com/en/index.html

This is the home page for BMW sanctioned motorrad and cage clubs. You can creat a login without much trouble. I didn't check but I suggest you check it out and see if you can find a BMW club over there. It could be a good way to get information, help and meet some fellow Beemer fans.

 

[statdawg]

Boyd RT

Contact Klaus, he resides in Japan and is a big help to the overland travel community. Furthermore he once worked for the military.

Chris Lockhart is another person you may wish to contact. Review his site.
http://www2.gol.com/users/chrisl/japan/

All the best

 

[johns3]

Just to resurrect this thread, Jim Davis (http://www.easternbeaver.com/) might also be a good resource for info. He lives in Shizuoka, Japan.

Great products and a nice guy too.

 

[bodpod]

Thank you all for all the good information and contacts you have provided. Well...after having my 2010 K1300GT on the auction block and getting some really good and not so good offers, I've decided the KGT is going with me to Japan. I will be there for three years and from what I have seen and read about the alpine touring in Japan it is worth the opportunity. Since I am AD military I won't be totally broke after the bike arrives there. From what I have been able to find out the BMW will have to go through some stringent testing to meet Government of Japan standards for braking and emissions. BTW BMWNA was absolutely no help at all trying to get documented evidence to show this motorcycle meets or exceeds Japanese standards. So, the plan is to ship my bike over with my household goods to the North dock in Yokohama and then trailer it to Tokyo where it will go through required testing. In the mean time, I can proceed with getting the Japanese motorcycle drivers license (which consists of a 10 question T or F test on a computer) and a practical exam on a closed course similar to the MSF course. From what my friends with Gaujin Riders say it should run me in the neighborhood of $2500.00. Not so terrible considering the joy I get from riding my GT. You know some things in life you shouldn't put a price tag on. It would be interesting to hear from some of you if you were in my situation right now. Thanks!

BoydRT