RX1, US vs Scandinavian versions

[valmet440]

Guys
I'm in trouble!

I recently bought a very nice 03 RX1 LE in Wisconsin. It was shipped to Sweden (where I live). So far I've paid less than half of common Swedish prices - including shipping, tolls and taxes!!!!!

However, to use the sled I need to get it registered. I thought I only needed previous US registration and a toll certificate since the 03 RX1 was sold in Sweden as well. This was wrong.

The Swedish registration office says I need to verify that my sled is identical to the ones sold (and already registered) in Sweden. Only the manufacturer or the official agency (Yamaha Scandinavia), can write such a statement. For obvious reasons, Yamaha Scandinavia will not do that for me...

So I turn to you guys. Does anyone know how I can prove that my sled (the US version) is identical to the Swedish ones? Anyone with a contact at Yamaha Motors? Is there a website that lists VIN's and specifications? Any other ideas?

Thanks
/gustav

 

[jimmie d]

Send an email to "viper 34" perhaps he can help you. Next time find a country in the EU without strong protections on imports, import there and transfer to Sweden. Find a dealer that is not pissed and see if he will certify,

Jim

 

[Mighty]

I buy a junk one and use the info from that sled.

 

[valmet440]

Thanks a lot greenmachine
I PM'ed Viper34.

I believe all European Union countries (as well as US) have the same protection on import….. Finding a less pissed dealer however would be nice. What country should have the friendliest snowmobile dealers? Germany? – probably not…. Perhaps France or Spain, they always seem kind of relaxed…

MightyWarrior
Thanks, the only problem is there are no wracked ones to buy. I’ll keep looking though.

 

[Mighty]

There's bound to be a wrecked one somewhere over there. Contact an isurance company and find out where they send the carcasses.

 

[valmet440]

MightyWarrior
I'm a little worried insurance companies will not sell me a sled ID. After all, I could use it on a stolen sled..... But it's a good idea, and worth checking. Thanks.

Meanwhile - any other suggestions on how to make my sled legal?

 

[jimmie d]

I shipped 100s of 4 wheel drive vehicles thru Italy first than to the old Common Market countries.

If you know a Customs Broker talk to him, he may have some ideas to expedite and save some bucks.

Talk to a car dealer who imports from North America, he may have some ideas.

Jim

 

[Roadrunner]

Did you get an owners manual with the sled ? Specifications should be listed in the back, find someone local and compare with his manual. Then you will know if the specifications are the same, or if you will have to find some other way to register it. Good luck.

 

[valmet440]

greenmachine
You seem to have done this a lot, so I'll continue to ask silly questions.... Thanks for helping.

As far as I know there is no difference in registration procedures throughout Europe. Most vehicles (including snowmobiles) need a CE-certificate. This is a European "standard", and the registration should be the same anywhere. Do you have other information?

There are still differences in taxes between EU countries. However, when it comes to vehicles, most ones (including snowmobiles) must be taxed in the country where it will be used.

In my case I didn't experience any trouble with the customs. I've already paid Swedish toll (same as European) and taxes (the very high Swedish ones).

My problem is with the registration. I need Yamaha to prove that my sled is identical to the ones originally sold in Sweden (Europe). I don't think this fact will change if I do the registration anywhere else in Europe. Do you have another opinion?

My understanding is that some Yamaha representative (Yamaha Motors or any European agency) must verify that my model is OK for the European market.

Or, I could prove that my sled is identical to the ones already registered in Sweden/Europe.

 

[valmet440]

Roadrunner
Thanks for your suggestion. Yes, I have got the owners manual.

You would think it would be an easy task comparing my sled with one already approved for the European market. Now this is not the case. I’m dealing with bureaucracy of the worst kind. They do not care about the sleds being the same – they need a piece of paper proving it…..

I thought it would be easy to register the sled since the model was already approved and sold here……

 

[Riceburner]

Well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If the Bureaucrats want a piece of paper, Give them what they want.

Get creative !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mikey]

I agree fabricate something with known facts as in two owners manuals or service manuals try to obtain a copy of a service manual from your dealer and compare specifications I and many others have a 2003 owners/service cd and could send you a copy or the pages you need .

 

[RedRX1]

Goverment working for the good of the people gain!!!! Could you register it as a home built custom sled?

 

[jimmie d]

Based on what you say you have no choice other than getting, Yamaha, a dealer or another party recognized by the government to certify the sled as compared with European models. I would suggest you contact Yamaha to writ you a letter that the sled is identical. There would be no reason for them to decline while a dealer is going to be protective.

As you have come to realize the import motor vehicle market in Europe is tightly controlled by the distributors and many of the distributors are owned by the manufacturers, buying anything direct is a taboo unless you have contacts or lots of pull (cash).

I am surprised customs would allow it in the country but on the other hand it is of Japaneese origin so whether shipped via North America or Japan direct it is the same sled unless there is a difference in Euro models, From Canada some vehicles cannot be imported into the U.S. without thousands od dollars in Polution mods, i.e. Volvo 740 turbo.

Talk to Customs and Yamaha.

Jim