Importing a Kawasaki Z900RS to the USA
The retro Z900RS is duty-free; Japan-spec colours are the reason to import.
By Priya Nair, Motorcycle import researcher · 5 min read
At 948cc the Z900RS is duty-free.
JDM-exclusive paint schemes are the main draw over the US model.
The full cost breakdown
Plug in your own purchase figure — everything below the vehicle scales only modestly with value. All amounts are researched 2026 estimates in USD.
| Vehicle (purchase price) | $11,000 |
| Export agent & de-registration | $500 |
| Professional crating | $400 |
| Ocean freight (crated, LCL) | $1,400 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $165 |
| Duty-free (948cc) | $0 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $410 |
| EPA / DOT entry & compliance paperwork | $150 |
| Inland transport & registration | $750 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $14,775 |
Compliance & the fine print
EPA/DOT entry; a US equivalent exists, smoothing conformity.
Frequently asked questions
Duty?+
0%.
Why import?+
JDM-only colours.
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