USA v UK Prices

ChicagoSammo · May 8th 2015, 12:16 PM

Wow, there is a big discrepancy between the cost of a 1299S or 1299R between the USA and UK. (e.g. US R MSRP + 7.25% sales tax is $36,459 whilst UK R MSRP + VAT is the equivalent of $44,812)
It's looking likely that we'll be moving back to the UK in 2017 so I am very tempted to buy an S or R here and then ship it back when the time comes.
I know that I have to own the bike in the US for 12 months to avoid paying UK tax when I ship it over but is there anything else I need to be aware of?
Is the Ducati warranty US specific or Worldwide coverage?
Any major model differences other than headlight beam bias that would make servicing an issue at a UK dealer?
Shipping costs will have to be borne in mind but as we'll be shipping a house load of stuff it'll be incorporated in a cost i'll be bearing anyway.
It's been lovely riding around in 80f in Chicago this week but I can't help looking forward to riding on roads with corners in 2017.

fzr100098 · May 8th 2015, 12:24 PM

Check out the Aussie prices

Roads with corners, we have that in spades in the "mountains" of western NC - come on down

Mutt1979 · May 9th 2015, 12:30 AM

Emissions might be worth looking into? I keep hearing about a charcoal canister installed on US bikes. Nothing like that on mine.......

Chaotic · May 9th 2015, 12:36 AM

Originally Posted by Mutt1979

Emissions might be worth looking into? I keep hearing about a charcoal canister installed on US bikes. Nothing like that on mine.......

It can be removed easily and quickly. My RSV4 had one also, they removed it before I took delivery (for free).

990Glen · May 9th 2015, 01:27 AM

Could be worth just checking out european market prices and exchange rates at the time and then just buying from another european network.
I live in Sweden, and with the exchange rates as they were at purchase time, I saved more than 10% against a UK panigale R.

Big thing to be aware of with the UK bike lifestyle is the robbing insurance bastards.
For no reason other than liking to ream the public at every opportunity, non UK bikes can be costly and difficult to insure. The bikes you are mentioning are already a real ball ache to get reasonably priced insurance for. Trying to do it for an unofficial import could be an absolute nightmare.

fzr100098 · May 9th 2015, 04:34 AM

Originally Posted by Chaotic

It can be removed easily and quickly. My RSV4 had one also, they removed it before I took delivery (for free).

Doesn't it throw a code when removed? My dealer seemed to indicate this, but may not know what he's talking about

Charliem90 · May 9th 2015, 04:43 AM

No. It doesn't throw a code to remove the canister. Your dealer may be reluctant to remove it since, well, it's illegal to do so.
But easily done. Search forum here and you'll find it.