Importing a Suzuki SV650 to the USA: Real Costs
The SV650 is the friendly V-twin everyone loves, an approachable middleweight with a torquey heart and budget appeal.
A Suzuki SV650 costs about $8,870 all-in to import on the Japan → USA route in 2026 — a $5,000 purchase plus roughly $3,870 in shipping, 3.7% duty, compliance and registration.
- Route
- Japan → USA
- Est. all-in cost
- ~$8,870
- Duty & tax
- 3.7% duty
- On a purchase of
- $5,000
The SV650 is a versatile 650cc V-twin popular with new and experienced riders alike.
Since it is under 800cc, it carries a small US import duty of a few percent.
How much does it cost to import a Suzuki SV650?
Every line below is a researched 2026 estimate in USD. We start from the $5,000 purchase price, add marine insurance at about 1.5% and ocean freight, then 3.7% US duty on the declared value, and the broker, compliance and registration fees. Change the purchase price and everything else scales only modestly.
| Vehicle (purchase price) | $5,000 |
| Export agent & de-registration | $500 |
| Professional crating | $400 |
| Ocean freight (crated, LCL) | $1,400 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $75 |
| Motorcycles under 800cc carry a small US import duty of a few percent | $185 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $410 |
| EPA / DOT entry & compliance paperwork | $150 |
| Inland transport & registration | $750 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $8,870 |
Into USA the duty is light, just $185, so tax is the small part of the bill. It is shipping (about $1,400), compliance and registration that make up most of the roughly $3,870 you add on top of the $5,000 purchase price — around 77% before you turn a wheel.
How to import a Suzuki SV650, step by step
- Agree the purchase and secure the title/export paperwork in Japan (an export agent or auction house usually handles de-registration).
- Have the bike professionally crated and booked onto an LCL ocean sailing (or share a container to cut the per-unit cost).
- Confirm eligibility from the build month — the US 25-year DOT exemption is calculated month by month, not by model year.
- Clear US customs and pay the 3.7% duty, then file EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 at entry.
- Arrange inland transport, then title and register in your state — a few states add emissions or kei-vehicle checks.
Is a Suzuki SV650 legal to import? Rules & compliance
You must file EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 at entry, and a US-certified equivalent or the 21/25-year age rules can ease the paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Does the SV650 owe import duty?+
Yes, as a sub-800cc bike it carries a small duty of a few percent.
Is there VAT on a US import?+
No, the United States does not apply VAT to imported motorcycles.
What is the total estimated cost to import a Suzuki SV650?+
About $8,870 all-in for a $5,000 example — the purchase price plus roughly $3,870 in freight, insurance, duty, compliance and registration. Your figure shifts with the exact price, route and exchange rate.
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