Importing motorcycles?

[Guzzinuts]

Hi! Please bare with me - this is the first time I have ever written to ANY forum - so, hope I get the "formula" right?
Ok - in a nutshell - I am married to a Filipina (3 years) & we will be moving out from the UK to the Philippines, semi-permanently very soon. Probably early next year (2010). I have a Guzzi EV1100 Cali ('02 plate) & would dearly love to import it into the Phil's! Now I know there are a lot of scare stories around about the customs in the Phil's & things "getting lost" in the docks etc. BUT - does anyone know of a reasonably hassle-free OR relatively "cheap" way of getting my Guzzi into the Phil's - please!?
We presently have a family home in the Cabuyao area but are looking to buy a place in Santa Rosa Heights - soon! (great place to cruise around Tagaytay etc?? Cheers - John & Bing. :)

[Frank Woolf]

The only way to import a bike into the Philippines without the risk of massive taxes plus corruption payments is if you know somebody who knows the right people either high in government or in the customs department where you will have it shipped to.

Any other way is a gamble. Last time I checked the legal taxes and duties were about 56% of what they consider is the value of the bike plus all shipping costs. In practice it depends on who the assessor is, whether he fancies the bike for himself, if he thinks you will pay 100% or more (most goes in his pocket), etc.

You could be lucky and pay the 56% of the value plus shipping costs or maybe even less. You could be unlucky and they demand 100% or more. Its a gamble.

[Guzzinuts]

Ok - thanks for that Frank. I thought it might be a tough nut to crack - but I will persevere as they say? Probably better to research this from within the Philippines? Meanwhile, can you suggest any alternatives to importing my treasured Guzzi? You seem to have a nice collection of big bikes? Did you buy them all there or...?

[Frank Woolf]

I bought them all in the Philippines except the Valkyrie. I bought that in Hong Kong and a friend who knew all the right people shipped it in for me. All the prices were fixed and agreed before it was shipped.

Unfortunately I have lost contact with the guy but he didn't really like doing it except for his own business anyway.

Whatever you do you must get all the forms and submit them before the bike is shipped otherwise it is almost sure they will confiscate the bike.

There are some pretty good bikes around in the Philippines so I would check to see what's available before you ship your bike.

[Guzzinuts]

Hmmm... seems like I'm going to struggle with my hopes of getting back onto 2 wheels once we're settled back in the Phil's anytime soon? Perhaps a more general question is needed to all you other "Franks Forum" bloggers out there?
OK, if it's such a struggle to bring your own bike into the country - are there ANY importers of LARGE bikes, say over 1000cc in the Phil's? I have been doing some surfing around on Phil' websites, trying to find ANY bike manufacturer who supplies bikes with engines larger than "tricycle" power?
I do love my Guzzi's transverse twin pots & even some of the larger Japanese twin cylinder bikes, & yes, even Harleys (!?) but the price of the latter has always put me off!
So, all you kind fellow bikers & friends - I'm well open to ALL ideas & suggestions & yes, I did find a couple of Guzzi's even on the used ad's dept', but it seems one way or another, I will end up paying top dollar for a machine in ANY state of age or condition? Hey - & a LARGE single wouldn't go amiss in the garage too - right!? Cheers! :cool:

[Frank Woolf]

Try contacting these two. They will remember me and maybe give you a better deal.

Access Plus
102 P. Tuazon St., Cubao Quezon City
Tel: 7246704 / 4141184/ 4119843/ 7246740
Fax: 7250897
Email: accessplus@vasia.com
Contact Person: Toti Alberto
Website: Ducati.com.ph
Philippine distributor for Ducati with full warranty and after sales service. Good range of Superbikes, sports bikes and cruisers in stock. Distributor for a number of accessory manufacturers. Will import bikes to order.

OR

Caloocan Sales Center, Inc.
340-342 Rizal Avenue Extension,
Between 7th & 8th Avenue,
Kalookan City,
Metro Manila, Philippines 1400
Tel: (63)2-3643652/(63)2-3647967
Fax: (63)2-3616941
Email: csci@skyinet.net
Contact person: Philip Ang
Parts Dealer of Honda, Yamaha & Kawasaki

[Guzzinuts]

Frank - your a Gem! Seems I owe you a San Miguel or two - cheers!

[Frank Woolf]

Good luck :)

[shawmike]

heh, if knowing the right people seems to what it takes I would take your wife along with you and try to find someone in costums who can perhaps make things easier. 56% seems outrageous though. :(

[Frank Woolf]

It usually takes a lot more than a pretty wife. But there is hope on the horizon. I heard recently that customs is now computerized so they just charge according to the rules. I hope its true. Even with excessive taxes you will at least be able to decide if it is worth shipping soothing in or not.