SO YOU WANT TO BRING YOUR MOTORCYCLE TO
What the
The Government of Japan (GOJ) passed a requirement that
motorcycles/mopeds over 250cc, and manufactured 1 Apr 01 or later, must pass an
emission test. Also, motorcycles/mopeds
over 250cc, and manufactured 1 Jul 99 or later, must meet brake standards. The following
is a quick recap:
Emission standards:
* Motorcycles/mopeds over 250cc, and manufactured 1
Apr 01 or later must meet emission control standards. Owners must obtain a
certificate after passing an emission test. We understand cost for the test is
very expensive (est. $725.00). If a motorcycle/moped fails to meet the emission
standard, cost to bring into compliance depends on the type/model and is very
expensive.
* The only three emission test facilities in
* There is no mandatory emission test for motorcycles/mopeds less than 250cc, however the owner is responsible to ensure the
vehicle meets emission standards.
Brake standards:
* Motorcycles/mopeds over 250cc and manufactured 1 Jul 99 or later must meet
brake standards. One of the following must be produced:
- Manufacturer's certificate that states the vehicle meets the safety
standards.
- A document (such as a label, plate, or casting panel) that certifies a
foreign standard that meets the Japanese
standard has been met.
- A certificate of brake test result issued by either an official brake test
authority or foreign brake test organization designated by the Ministry of
Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
* If a motorcycle/moped fails to meet the brake standard, cost to bring into
compliance depends on the type/ model and is, again, very expensive (est.
$2,000 - $4,000). The only brake testing facility is located in the
Motorcycles/mopeds cannot be driven to a testing facility unless they have a temporary
registration (tag); prior to getting a tag, they must be insured. As you can
surmise, considerable costs and inconvenience to the member will occur if
motorcycles/mopeds described above are imported into mainland
USFJ is currently coordinating with GOJ on confirmation or clarification to questions
we sent them. We're also consulting with MTMC, and they will be contacting
service components for comments. One option being considered is placing an
embargo on importation into
In the meantime, we do not recommend members import the above motorcycles/mopeds.
Recommend TMOs/ITOs inform their personnel offices, sponsors to newcomers, etc.
We're working this issue as a priority and will keep you advised of progress.
Please contact me if you have questions.
Thanks.
Regards,
Al Ouellette
HQ USFJ/J40
DSN: 225-4714
More Information
from a rider with this experience:
The emissions test requires a 380EJ customs form from TMO
that is signed from the
Once they get it back they need the title, specifications from the owner’s manual
(and even then mine didn't have what they needed and another friend of mine
found what I needed).
Then, if they are doing it on their own, they have to set up an appointment at
the (emissions) testing place and I believe pre-pay for the test (and that is
about $950).
Once the testing dates are set up they have to get the bike down and
back. I don't know if you have ever driven to Yokota, but the gas and
tolls cost me between $450-550 in my van last August. Now if someone is
pulling a trailer, that could be more. The
trailer is supposed to be JCI’ed too.
If they attempt to get temporary tags and drive it down, well... 8-12 hrs on a bike
and would you really want to do that knowing it had to go for the test?
OK, with that said, the bike has to go through at least a 2 day test. One for a hot check and one for a colder check. If it passes, great. If not, you get one more chance
at it before you have to pay another $950... Like
mine needed the fuel leaned out to pass and the mechanic adjusted it and passed
the next time around.
Also, someone would have to find a place to stay down there and that would cost
some money too. I was figuring that it would have cost me around $1500-1800
anyway by the time I paid for expenses so the $2800 I paid to have someone do
all the above for me was well worth it. I gave him the paperwork and the
bike and about a month later I got the bike back (the test date could be a few
weeks away--you're at the mercy of the testing place). He is a local
mechanic here in Misawa and will come pick up and drop
off the bike on a trailer. I don't know about a price difference for
different size bikes, but you can ask him that question. I have an 800cc,
so that is a good size bike to be tested.
So if you decide to bring your bike over here remember to keep it stock!
Paper work and fees:
The Phone number for making the appointment is 042-544-1004 and the inspection center is 5~10 minutes from Yokota Air Base
If you wish to contact someone who deals with the testing center on a regular base please contact Mr. Suzuki at DSN 225-8915, fax 225-5196 at Yokota Air Base.
A close friend of mine, paid to have it done for her, you can pay a gentleman named Dante to do it for you. He just did a Kawasaki 800 classic 2004 for 280,000 yen, that included shipping the bike down to Tokyo & back, paying for his train fair, hotel, testing fee and his time. Remember this bike was stock and it passed with out trouble.
You can contact Mr. Dante at 0176-53-8221 if you wish to
have him do the emission testing for you.
He is located in
Author’s Note:
Don’t let all the above facts discourage you from riding in
In the meantime, I wish you luck and hope to see you on the road. I’d like to express my thanks to J9 and Wiley for helping put all this information together.
-Hotstick