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The 2-Stroke Garage => General Chatter => Topic started by: m in sc on September 02, 2025, 06:35:50 PM

Title: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: m in sc on September 02, 2025, 06:35:50 PM
this was the charge on a set of $1300 stainless chambers I ordered in may from Jim Lomas. UPS sent me the bill.

do not go down the political route on this,  im not and it cost me pretty dearly.  Just an FYI. curious to see what if any imprt fee is on the yambits order I placed is. Just be warned. these were stateside before I got the notice. 

Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: RDnuTZ on September 02, 2025, 08:51:40 PM
ouch! that bites, sorry to hear that. I wonder if they used the date you ordered, the date JL invoiced you, recorded the sale or? I have been holding off ordering a couple of those modified baffles and maybe a Newtronics from Yambits until I was further into my projects but maybe should have pulled the trigger earlier based on your experience here  :undecided:
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: m in sc on September 02, 2025, 08:58:15 PM
its the date it goes thru customs, hits stateside. I've dealt w this at work.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: quocle603 on September 02, 2025, 09:33:58 PM
I was going to do an order from crusin image, now I am afraid to pull any triggers.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: RDryan on September 02, 2025, 09:37:16 PM
Wow that does seem like an outrageous fee to pay though. I take it the gov't charges are simply the new tariffs?
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: m in sc on September 02, 2025, 09:43:51 PM
yup. exactly.  ill let you all know what the yambits order fees will be
should know in a day or 2. as a side note..  hvc and economy sources from a lot of the same places, so its coming from them im sure as well (to cover their costs). I don't KNOW this, but Ed toomey did a whole post on this last week about his business as well. I looked at cruzin image over the weekend as well. the shipping was insane on the few items I had in the basket so im holding off as well. need some aftermarket vm34 intakes for another project,  they had them.  it can wait though
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: RDryan on September 02, 2025, 10:06:58 PM
Yeah I'be be curious in regards to the Yambits order. I too procrastinated on getting the baffles. I wanted them but I was being a cheapskate and I now regret this as that was like over four months ago.

On a side note and part of the reason I was being cheap is I think I found a new job...don't wanna jinx myself though. I mean it's only taken me like three months doing the job hunting thing.  :sad:  :rolleyes:  This job is kind of interesting though. I'll be working for a company that specializes in heat treating metal parts mostly aerospace industry stuff and I think it maybe based in the UK as it's technically worldwide. They will train me to be a furnace operator and it's on the 2nd shift and if the clam flats ever seed in again I may be able to fit in a tide or two in the mornings or on weekends. Saying all this pending results of a background check and preliminary drug screening but I should be OK with that.

Saying all that as I just feel better spending money when I'm making it. That's all but it is kinda ironic that things are just getting so much more expensive practically day to day. Doesn't seem fair and I don't think hoarding bike parts is the answer although it sounds good. 
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: m in sc on September 02, 2025, 10:14:31 PM
lol. congrats on the new gig, hope it works out. I've been at my new job abouta year, and while I made really good money before, I make considerably more now.  luckily I was able to swallow this charge w zero issues,  but I have to think about 20 yrs ago, if I would have saved up 1300 bucks over a few mos, and then git hit w this the day before delivery... I would have been totally fucked. so, I get it.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: RDryan on September 02, 2025, 10:32:30 PM
Thank you I'll do my best with this job, there's a lot to learn. I really have no previous experience at it but I did work at one of their customer's companies as a CNC machine operator about twenty years ago and I guess I impressed them with my recollection of the job.OTOH they stated that they had a hard time finding good workers, I made a good case for why I am a good worker. At least I think I did.

Yeah those pipes are not cheap at 1300$ never mind another 600$  :shocked:  I don't know how you do it with such a  big fleet of motorcycles but it's a pretty awesome collection.

Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: m in sc on September 02, 2025, 11:04:39 PM
that was just one of those things I wanted. I don't spend like that all the time, and I do 99.9% of my own work. and I've been at it a while..  that t500 was 800 bucks as a basket case back in 2017. my lc hybrid was started in 2004. so, over 21 yrs, a lot of time and money went into it, I keep a lot of bikes for a LONG time. my 70 r5 for example, I 'paid' 1k for (was actually a partial trade) back in.. 2013 or so. Just this year I finally rebuilt the motor, and had maybe 1200 in that total rebuild. it always ran . but grand scheme of things, I have maybe 3.5k in that bike total. over 12 years? so amortize that out... I have no kids, no other bad habits, no other hobbies to speak of, and a relatively low cost of living overall.

and an extremely supportive wife. so, im lucky in that regard.  and yes, its unusual. its def not for everyone. so while the tarrif charge principally irritated me, I do realize how much of a gut punch that could be.

true story:  I had a 300 fee on a title for almost 30 years i refused to pay.  early, because 300 bucks would have been financially devastating. as time went on it was just a point of contention. so, last year as I do every year, I would bring it with me to the DMV, and the usual response was 'it has a fine'. last year, it dropped off and I re-instated it.(its a home-made bike title) .the point was the principle,  not the $ itself . at least the past 15 yrs.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: RDryan on September 03, 2025, 06:55:04 AM
LOL, that's a great a story. It's like the registry granted you amnesty from their extortion but only after 30 years of holding out you won! I love it.

Well I'd say you did well to get good deals on some of those bikes. I guess that makes up for the oddball expensive stuff here and there. Actually when you think about it and I think it's crazy but a lot of guys that get modern four stroke sportbikes will also upgrade to a full ti exhaust and that gets pretty pricey. I'd say 2k is kinda cheap to do that. I know some will settle on a much cheap slip on, that's what I did for my Superduke GT. The full ti system for that bike made by Akrapovic or this other company Techmo I think was maybe over 3k. Even just getting a link pipe that eliminates the catalytic part is kinda rabbit hole as it leans the bike so your then obligated to do all ecu tuning/fuel remapping to compensate.Not to mention the invitation to remove smog related stuff. I just left it as is and come to find checking out forums that the bike is pretty well optimized power wise as stock from the factory. I do like the slip on though, it's smaller and lighter and actually I got that part reasonably cheap on Ebay 5 years ago, it's made by Delkevic. I think those are made in UK. So imagine it would be much more expensive now.

Yeah I guess the answer to avoid the tariffs is to get an aftermarket exhaust  made here in your home country or if it's not then maybe it's already stocked in a warehouse somewhere in the country? Or maybe just have a friend in Europe buy it for you and then send it to you? I dunno, definitely makes me think about this stuff. Like Vape ignitions will get a bit more pricier.

I do like your 70' R5 that is a pretty bike. There's a couple of 71' R5 for sale locally to me right now on marketplace. One is more of a barn find than the other and the asking prices are 2500$ to 3k so not too cheap. The 3k dollar one looks a whole lot cleaner,nicer shape and somewhat recently revived, cared for. Fair prices but probably would need some servicing who knows.     
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: 1976RD400C on September 03, 2025, 07:13:33 AM
Yikes, I just made a $600 Yambits order.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: Striker1423 on September 03, 2025, 08:36:06 AM
Yeah, that's super lame, like I mentioned to you already about the cutoff. But for those who don't know, you can no longer import goods under $800 into the U.S. duty-free, as the "de minimis exemption" was ended on August 29, 2025. Now, all non-postal shipments valued at $800 or less are subject to applicable duties and taxes.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: m in sc on September 03, 2025, 09:29:56 AM
here's the real bitch.  if they would have shipped the pipes when originally promised, they wouldn't have been hit by the tarrifs that went into effect Aug. 1st.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: RDnuTZ on September 03, 2025, 10:51:13 AM
FWIW: the tariff issue seems to be a moving target and subject to change at any time. Original goal in UK negotiations was to get to ZERO tariffs on each side. I'm just gonna watch and wait- a US court decision came down the other day saying Trump has no authority to levy tariffs anyway- that power belongs to Congress. Lots of scrambling behind the scenes on that because the income from them is being counted on for budget and economic projections.

on Diminimis under $800.00 that one probably sticks as it allowed unlimited dumping of goods into US and was being exploited by other countries at our expense. Probably needed to go away even if temporary pain for anyone relying on affordable parts in that price range. I ordered a JIS impact driver bit set from Japan and it was shipped Aug 26th but they send untracked so who knows when it actually arrives in US. This was a cheap 1-time purchase and might cost me an extra $1.20 but it's needed so no reason to worry about it either way  :whatever:
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: busa1300 on September 03, 2025, 01:11:42 PM
Ouch... :sad:
Paying out money for shipping always seems a loss, but that is a pretty big bite...$
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: IR8D8R on September 03, 2025, 04:00:56 PM
It's not much fun being a small manufacturer right now unless there are domestic sources for your materials. U.S. corporations have outsourced too much so everything has gone up. Some parts from Asia are double last year's cost. I guess Europe is out as a substitute... I thought maybe there was an opportunity. Forget it. Low demand with high startup costs. Still cheaper to pay.
 I used to get some expensive pieces from Russia but...

IR8D8R
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: m in sc on September 03, 2025, 04:06:20 PM
yup.  as an update, the yambits order is due to arrive tomorrow.  *as of yet* there hasn't been an additional charge. we'll see.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: m in sc on September 04, 2025, 08:31:32 AM
fyi: webike japan posted this notice (if you buy from them).  this applies to Japan post: 

https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2025/0825_01_en.html


Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: Economy Cycle John on September 04, 2025, 12:30:54 PM
This is the worst year we've ever had, costs up 25%, sales down 25%, endless supply chain disruptions/delays and additional costs. The broader mc industry is in shambles, show room traffic down 40%, inventory glut, interest rates up, kids not really interested in bikes. Good news is it's a great time to buy a new bike, buyer's market.

Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: Simmons1 on September 04, 2025, 05:34:49 PM
Thanks for the heads up.

Sure am happy the Zeeltronics box for TDR showed up a couple days before the $800 de minimus exemption expired.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: m in sc on September 04, 2025, 05:45:54 PM
that sucks is john sorry to hear.

on a final note: yambits arrived zero tarrif, and the chambers arrived. im super happy w them but wouldn't pay almost 2k for them again.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: Striker1423 on September 04, 2025, 10:03:10 PM
Let me know how those pipes seal up! My JL street retros I actually sent the manifolds off to GRA2Strokes years ago to be modified so they'd stop leaking.

They still drip a bit from the second downpipe connection, but meh. Not enough to matter. 
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: 85RZwade on September 05, 2025, 09:40:43 AM
They're beautiful  :love eyes:
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: SoCal250 on September 05, 2025, 10:39:24 AM
I have a serious case of pipe envy! Those are really nice Mark. :whoop:
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: m in sc on September 05, 2025, 10:47:39 AM
thanks. I forgot how easy a piston port is to jet for pipes w no other mods, and of course fucked it up last night  :dawg:  went up too much on the main  and it just wasn't good. so basically I need to get maybe 1 larger than stock and try it. they do sound good. also, w some fanagaling I can retain the center stand. I did have to sing the pipe in at the sidestand bolt,  and will have to relocate the rear pegs. but, I like em.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: 38special on September 05, 2025, 01:00:43 PM
^^^ Let's get a sound clip of that bad boy ^^
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: 1976RD400C on September 06, 2025, 08:53:47 AM
I notice now when you view items on Ebay from foreign countries a blue banner shows up at the top of the page saying import fees will need to be paid.  :sad:
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: m in sc on September 06, 2025, 10:30:48 AM
at least its a heads up.  :twocents:
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: Striker1423 on September 07, 2025, 07:33:46 PM
So, I priced out sending the speedometer and tachometer for the GT750 and RD off to Classic Bike Meters in the Netherlands to restore them to proper readings. Shipping, even through parcel monkey, was $480 one way. No clue if that's due to tariffs or not. But, looks like my idea of comparing quotes is out the window. I'll be sending them to Joel Levine Company in Georgia for under $20 this winter.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: Brad-Man on September 08, 2025, 10:05:42 AM
When sending a motorcycle part to the UK for repair and then back to the US, you can apply for special customs procedures to reduce or eliminate tariffs. In both the US and the UK, these processes ensure you pay duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) only on the value added by the repair, rather than on the full value of the part.

For a motorcycle part sent to the Netherlands for repair and return, you can use a process called "Inward Processing" to be exempt from import duties and VAT. This special customs procedure allows for the temporary import of goods for processing or repair without paying taxes, as long as the items are re-exported within a specified timeframe.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: Kawtriplefreak on September 08, 2025, 04:19:26 PM
Brad Man
Can you provide a link or tell me who to contact? I sent my Gray Ghost oil pump to Arrow in the UK for the 421 upgrade and got hit with $73.58 in duty and will probably have to pay that on the way back. I valued it at $100 in anticipation of duty...I was shocked at the amount, nearly 75% of declared value. Thanks for your time.
Tim
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: Brad-Man on September 10, 2025, 02:43:58 PM
For goods of U.S. origin sent for repair and returned to the U.S.
If the goods were originally manufactured or in circulation in the U.S. and are being sent to the U.K. for repair before being returned to the U.S., a different process applies for U.S. customs.
What is required
CBP Form 4455: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends using a CBP Form 4455, Certificate of Registration. Before exporting the item, the shipper must bring the goods and form to a CBP office for inspection and sign-off.
Include form with shipment: A copy of the signed CBP Form 4455 should be sent with the goods to the U.K. repairer. The repairer should include this copy in the package when returning the goods to the U.S..
Commercial invoice: The commercial invoice for the return shipment should state that the items are "returning for repair". This helps clarify the purpose of the import to customs officials in both countries.
Important considerations
Application timelines: The U.K. business should apply for an Outward Processing authorization at least one month before exporting the goods to ensure enough time for processing.
Non-compliance: Failure to follow the correct procedures can result in standard duties and taxes being applied.
Expert advice: Given the complexities of international trade and customs regulations, it is advisable for businesses to seek assistance from a customs broker or trade specialist.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: Economy Cycle John on September 10, 2025, 04:04:37 PM
Tariffs on the RD Vape igntions are 52.5% $799 retail now. This is due to the high copper content of the generator and wiriing.
Title: Re: if you're considering ordering stuff from Europe...
Post by: m in sc on September 10, 2025, 04:05:48 PM
fuuuuuck.