[Ducati] Importing a newer bike: Your experience with Ducati

[Alex]

hi Larry

I've spoken with two different licensed importers and the EPA.  Any 
motor vehicle imported as a non-USA version that is being converted 
to a USA version must meet the standards which were in effect at the 
date of manufacture, and those are not changed after the fact.

The EPA ~has~ tightened its regulations on emissions but they apply 
by the year of manufacture solely.

If Epa applied later regulations to old bikes, no one would be able 
to import anything!

Both DOT and EPA only require that a vehicle meet standards which 
were in effect on the year of manufacture.  Thus, if you import a 
1990 bike, it has to meet 1990 rules for both.



>---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
>From: "Webb, Larry" <LWebb at ntktech.com>
>Date:  Fri, 9 Mar 2007 13:57:34 -0500
>
> >Hi Alex,
> >
> >I think I understand why Ducati is being hesitant on releasing such a
> >letter since the EPA in its infinite wisdom has been tightening the
> >regulations for older vehicles. Thus, the original EPA parameters the
> >bike was designed to may not be met since the EPA has tightened its
> >standards (shrinking the bell curve). Lastly, and I'm sure you are
> >familiar with this but it's much easier to say "No" since the
> >consequences are minimal but if they say yes, the EPA could penalize
> >them for it.
> >
> >Good luck with your onerous task.
> >
> >Cheers, Larry
> >
> >93 888 SPO
> >
> >95 900 SS/SP #595
> >
> >98 900 SS/FE #138
> >
> >00 996 SPS #1446
> >
> >00 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport