The Top 10 Motorcycles to Import from the US into South America

The motorcycle market in South America presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and investors focused on classic and vintage motorcycles. With growing demand across countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, importing vintage motorcycles from the United States can offer significant price arbitrage advantages and access to models that are scarce or unavailable locally. What makes this particularly attractive is the "30-year rule" that many South American countries have adopted, providing substantial tax benefits for motorcycles over three decades old.

Understanding the 30-Year Advantage for Vintage Motorcycle Imports

When importing motorcycles to South America, those over 30 years old enjoy special status and significant tax advantages. According to Brazilian legislation, "it's possible to import new (0km) and used vehicles, as long as they're more than 30 years old, which fall into the collection vehicle category." This regulation creates a perfect opportunity for importing classic motorcycles manufactured before 1995.

The benefits of importing 30+ year-old motorcycles include:

• Complete exemption from import duties in many countries

• Reduced Value Added Tax rates (similar to Germany's system where VAT drops from 19% to 7% for classics)

• Simplified import procedures with fewer regulatory hurdles

• No emissions compliance requirements for motorcycles over 25 years old

This preferential treatment can result in thousands of dollars in savings compared to importing newer motorcycles, making vintage models particularly attractive for import.

The South American Vintage Motorcycle Market

The classic motorcycle scene in South America has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. Countries like Brazil have developed a strong culture around vintage motorcycles, with enthusiast clubs and restoration specialists catering to this growing market.

Market Trends Driving Vintage Import Opportunities

Several key factors are creating lucrative opportunities for importing classic motorcycles to South America:

• Rising collector culture and premium prices for vintage motorcycles

• Growing motorcycle enthusiast community focused on classics

• Limited availability of well-preserved vintage motorcycles locally

• High prices for the few classic motorcycles available in local markets

These conditions create a perfect arbitrage opportunity where purchasing vintage motorcycles in the US and shipping them to South America can result in significant profit potential, especially when leveraging the 30-year rule tax advantages.

The Economics of Vintage Motorcycle Imports: Cost Structure Breakdown

Before diving into specific models, it's essential to understand the cost components of importing vintage motorcycles from the US to South America.

Shipping Costs and Methods

The cost to ship a motorcycle overseas typically ranges from $1,480 to $2,025 for transport, plus approximately $500 for proper crating or boxing of the motorcycle. Two primary shipping methods are available:

• Container Shipping: More economical for standard shipments, with transit times of 25-35 days

• Air Freight: Significantly faster but considerably more expensive

For South American destinations, container shipping is the most cost-effective option for most importers. The estimated transit time to ship your motorcycle from the USA to South America ranges from 25 days (to Montevideo or Buenos Aires) to 45 days (to Chile or Colombia).

Import Duties and the 30-Year Exemption

The 30-year rule creates significant financial advantages when importing classic motorcycles:

• Brazil: Motorcycles over 30 years old are exempt from standard import duties, though you must be a member of a club affiliated with the Brazilian Federation of Vintage Vehicles (FBVA)

• Argentina: Similar exemptions apply for vintage motorcycles, with approximately 20% VAT still applicable

• Other South American countries: Most follow similar patterns with reduced duties or exemptions for vintage vehicles

Understanding these exemptions is crucial for calculating the total landed cost and determining the arbitrage opportunities for specific classic motorcycle models.

Top Vintage Motorcycles to Import from the US to South America

1. Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide (1982-1994)

Model Overview: The FXR Super Glide represents one of Harley-Davidson's most respected chassis designs, offering better handling than many other Harleys of the era while maintaining classic American cruiser styling.

Scarcity & Demand: Harley-Davidson motorcycles from this era maintain premium status throughout South America, with the FXR specifically developing a cult following among knowledgeable enthusiasts.

Price Arbitrage Opportunity: A well-maintained FXR from the late 1980s or early 1990s can be found in the US for $6,000-$10,000, while in South American markets like Brazil, these models can command $15,000-$20,000 when properly restored, creating substantial profit potential even after shipping and applicable taxes.

2. Harley-Davidson Shovelhead (1966-1984)

Model Overview: The Shovelhead-powered Harleys represent classic American motorcycle engineering with their distinctive engine design and iconic silhouette.

Scarcity & Demand: These vintage Harleys are increasingly rare in original condition and highly sought after by collectors throughout South America.

Price Arbitrage Opportunity: Shovelhead models in good condition typically sell for $8,000-$15,000 in the US market but can fetch $18,000-$30,000 in countries like Brazil and Colombia where American vintage motorcycles command premium prices.

3. Indian Chief (Pre-1953)

Model Overview: As America's oldest motorcycle brand, vintage Indian motorcycles represent heritage and exclusivity. The Chief model offers distinctive styling with its valanced fenders and iconic head lamp.

Scarcity & Demand: Original Indian motorcycles from the pre-1953 era are extremely rare in South America, with minimal historical importation. This scarcity creates exceptional demand among collectors and museums.

Price Arbitrage Opportunity: While these motorcycles command high prices in the US ($25,000-$40,000 for rideable examples), their value in South American collector markets can exceed $50,000-$75,000, creating substantial arbitrage potential despite their age and shipping requirements.

4. Honda CB750 (1969-1978)

Model Overview: The Honda CB750 revolutionized motorcycling as the first modern superbike, featuring a transverse inline-four engine with overhead camshaft and front disc brake—technologies that set the template for decades to come.

Scarcity & Demand: First-generation Honda CB750s are highly sought after worldwide, with increasing collector interest in South America where few original examples exist.

Price Arbitrage Opportunity: Early CB750s in good condition typically sell for $8,000-$15,000 in the US market, while in South American countries they can fetch $15,000-$25,000 due to their historical significance and rarity.

5. Honda Gold Wing GL1000 (1975-1979)

Model Overview: The first-generation Gold Wing represented Honda's entry into the luxury touring motorcycle segment, with its flat-four engine and shaft drive offering unprecedented smoothness.

Scarcity & Demand: Early Gold Wings are becoming increasingly collectible worldwide, with few examples available in South America.

Price Arbitrage Opportunity: First-generation GL1000s in good condition typically sell for $4,000-$8,000 in the US but can fetch $10,000-$15,000 in South American markets where large classic touring motorcycles are exceptionally rare.

6. Kawasaki Z1 (1972-1975) and KZ900/KZ1000 (1976-1984)

Model Overview: The Kawasaki Z1 and its successors represented the pinnacle of Japanese superbike engineering in the 1970s, with their powerful DOHC inline-four engines establishing new performance benchmarks.

Scarcity & Demand: These models are highly sought after by collectors worldwide, with few original examples available in South America.

Price Arbitrage Opportunity: A well-maintained Z1 can sell for $15,000-$25,000 in the US market, while in South American countries, these rare Japanese classics can command $25,000-$40,000 among serious collectors.

7. BMW R100RS (1976-1984)

Model Overview: The R100RS was the world's first production motorcycle with a full factory fairing designed in a wind tunnel, offering unprecedented comfort for long-distance riding.

Scarcity & Demand: These classic BMW airhead models have developed a strong following worldwide, with limited availability in South America.

Price Arbitrage Opportunity: R100RS models in good condition typically sell for $6,000-$10,000 in the US but can fetch $12,000-$18,000 in South American markets where classic European motorcycles command premium prices.

8. Yamaha RD350 (1973-1975)

Model Overview: The Yamaha RD350 represented the pinnacle of two-stroke street performance, with its lightweight chassis and powerful parallel-twin engine offering exceptional performance for its time.

Scarcity & Demand: According to market insights from India, RD350 models are commanding increasingly high prices worldwide, with similar trends in South America.

Price Arbitrage Opportunity: RD350s in good condition sell for $4,000-$8,000 in the US market but can fetch $8,000-$15,000 or more in South American countries, as evidenced by similar price trends in other developing markets.

9. Ducati 900SS (1975-1982)

Model Overview: The Ducati 900SS represented Italian sporting excellence, with its distinctive bevel-drive desmodromic V-twin engine and aggressive styling.

Scarcity & Demand: These classic Ducatis are extremely rare in South America and highly prized by collectors worldwide.

Price Arbitrage Opportunity: A 900SS in good condition typically sells for $15,000-$25,000 in the US market, while in South American countries, these rare Italian thoroughbreds can command $25,000-$40,000 among serious collectors.

10. Triumph Bonneville (Pre-1983)

Model Overview: The classic Bonneville represents the golden age of British motorcycling, with its parallel-twin engine and timeless styling.

Scarcity & Demand: Original Triumph Bonnevilles from this era are increasingly collectible worldwide, with limited availability in South America.

Price Arbitrage Opportunity: Pre-1983 Bonnevilles in good condition typically sell for $5,000-$10,000 in the US market but can fetch $10,000-$18,000 in South American countries where classic British motorcycles are exceptionally rare.

Case Study: The Unique Value of Japanese Vintage Motorcycles in Brazil

The vintage motorcycle market in Brazil offers particular insight into the potential for classic motorcycle imports. As one market expert notes: "Prices for classic and vintage motorcycles differ across states, but it's clear that the market is currently thriving, particularly for two-stroke models. In Bengaluru, a well-maintained RD350 with the right paperwork can fetch over 5 lakhs ($6,000+)."

While this example comes from India, similar demand patterns exist in Brazil and other South American countries, where enthusiasts are willing to pay premium prices for well-preserved classic motorcycles, particularly Japanese two-strokes from the 1970s and early 1980s.

The Growing Trend of Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Collecting

Vintage Japanese motorcycles have seen tremendous appreciation in value over the past decade. Models from Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki that were once considered disposable are now highly sought after by collectors worldwide. This trend has extended to South America, where local supplies of these classics are extremely limited.

The most valuable vintage Japanese motorcycles for import include:

• Honda CB series (CB750, CB550, CB350)

• Kawasaki Z series (Z1, KZ900, KZ1000)

• Yamaha RD series (RD350, RD400)

• Suzuki GT series (GT750, GT550, GT380)

These models benefit from both the 30-year rule tax advantages and strong collector demand, creating ideal import opportunities.

Documentary Requirements for Vintage Motorcycle Imports

To qualify for the reduced taxation under the 30-year rule, you'll need to provide proper documentation proving your motorcycle meets the age threshold:

• Original title and registration documents

• Vehicle history documentation

• Proof of age (build date certification)

• Original manufacturer specifications

• Purchase agreement with clear pricing

For Brazil specifically, membership in a club affiliated with the Brazilian Federation of Vintage Vehicles (FBVA) is often required to import vehicles over 30 years old, as this helps authenticate the collectible status of the motorcycle.

Price Arbitrage Analysis: Making the Numbers Work

The financial viability of vintage motorcycle imports depends on carefully calculating all associated costs and comparing them to local market values. Here's a simplified arbitrage calculation example for a 1978 Honda CB750:

Honda CB750 (1978) in Brazil:

• US purchase price: $8,000

• Shipping cost: $2,000 (including crating)

• Import taxes (under 30-year rule): Minimal or exempt

• Registration and other fees: $1,000

• Total landed cost: $11,000

• Local market value in Brazil: $18,000-$22,000

• Potential arbitrage profit: $7,000-$11,000 (63-100% return)

This simplified example demonstrates why vintage motorcycle imports remain attractive despite shipping costs. The 30-year rule creates a significant tax advantage that dramatically improves the profit potential compared to importing newer motorcycles.

How West Coast Shipping Facilitates Your Vintage Motorcycle Import Process

Importing vintage motorcycles internationally requires expertise in logistics, documentation, and customs procedures. West Coast Shipping specializes in international motorcycle shipping, offering comprehensive services tailored specifically for classic and vintage motorcycles:

Specialized Vintage Motorcycle Handling

Vintage motorcycles require special care during transport. West Coast Shipping offers:

• Custom crating designed specifically for fragile vintage motorcycles

• Climate-controlled container options for valuable collectibles

• Extra padding and security measures for irreplaceable classic parts

• Detailed condition documentation before shipping

Documentary Expertise for 30-Year Rule Compliance

Proper documentation is critical for ensuring your vintage motorcycle qualifies for the 30-year rule benefits. West Coast Shipping assists with:

• Age verification documentation

• Historical vehicle certification

• Customs declarations specifying collector vehicle status

• Import permit applications specific to vintage motorcycles

Secure Shipping Methods

Your vintage motorcycle will be carefully prepared for international shipping using industry-leading methods:

• Professional wooden crating for maximum protection

• Secure mounting within shipping containers

• Complete tracking from pickup through delivery

• Insurance options specifically for vintage motorcycles

Destination Services

Upon arrival in South America, your motorcycle will be:

• Collected from the port terminal

• Cleared through customs with 30-year rule documentation

• Unloaded from the container with specialized equipment

• Made available for pickup from a secure warehouse

Seizing the Vintage Motorcycle Import Opportunity

Importing vintage motorcycles from the US to South America represents a compelling opportunity for enthusiasts, collectors, and investors alike. With significant price differentials across many desirable classic models and the substantial tax advantages provided by the 30-year rule, strategic imports can yield substantial financial returns while bringing sought-after motorcycles to markets where they remain scarce.

The key to success lies in understanding the complete cost structure, selecting models with strong collector demand, and working with experienced shipping partners who can navigate the complexities of international vintage motorcycle transport.

Whether you're considering importing a single classic motorcycle for personal use or exploring larger-scale vintage import opportunities, West Coast Shipping offers the expertise, infrastructure, and support to make your vintage motorcycle import successful. Get your instant motorcycle shipping quote today and begin your South American vintage motorcycle import journey.