Importing a Yamaha SR400 to the USA
A small-displacement single is a reminder that not every bike is duty-free.
A Yamaha SR400 costs about $9,744 all-in to import on the Japan → USA route in 2026 — a $6,000 purchase plus roughly $3,744 in shipping, 2.4% duty, compliance and registration.
- Route
- Japan → USA
- Est. all-in cost
- ~$9,744
- Duty & tax
- 2.4% duty
- On a purchase of
- $6,000
Below 800cc, the SR400 attracts a small duty rather than zero — a useful classification lesson.
It is light and cheap to crate, so totals stay low regardless.
How much does it cost to import a Yamaha SR400?
Every line below is a researched 2026 estimate in USD. We start from the $6,000 purchase price, add marine insurance at about 1.5% and ocean freight, then 2.4% 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) | $6,000 |
| Export agent & de-registration | $500 |
| Professional crating | $400 |
| Ocean freight (crated, LCL) | $1,300 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $90 |
| 400cc bikes carry a small US duty (~2.4%) | $144 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $410 |
| EPA / DOT entry & compliance paperwork | $150 |
| Inland transport & registration | $750 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $9,744 |
Into USA the duty is light, just $144, so tax is the small part of the bill. It is shipping (about $1,300), compliance and registration that make up most of the roughly $3,744 you add on top of the $6,000 purchase price — around 62% before you turn a wheel.
How to import a Yamaha SR400, 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 2.4% 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 Yamaha SR400 legal to import? Rules & compliance
EPA/DOT forms apply; small modern bikes may need conformity unless age-exempt.
Frequently asked questions
Is it duty-free?+
No — under 800cc bikes carry a small duty.
Still cheap?+
Yes, thanks to low freight.
What is the total estimated cost to import a Yamaha SR400?+
About $9,744 all-in for a $6,000 example — the purchase price plus roughly $3,744 in freight, insurance, duty, compliance and registration. Your figure shifts with the exact price, route and exchange rate.
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