Any Difference in Canadian 2012 GL1800 vs US?

[LoloMikeGoldwing]

I have inherited a 2012 GL1800 from my Father in Canada and bringing to US where I live. DOT wants to know if the Canadian model comply with the US DOT safety requirements. Emissions are no problem since the sticker indicates it complies. Does anyone know if it does or who I could call at Honda to get an answer?
Thanks,
LoloMikeGoldwing

[Rambozo]

Seat belts, no problem.
Safety glass, no problem.
5 MPH bumpers, no problem.
Crash beams in doors, no problem


About the only thing I can think of for a DOT inspection would be the lights and lenses. Those need to meet DOT standards, and a lot of European models don't but I would bet the Canadian models get US spec lights. That info is often molded right into the red lenses so you can look for that.
Back in the day I did a lot of grey market import car conversions and that's all I can think of off the top of my head.

[LoloMikeGoldwing]

Thank you for your reply Rambozo.
I agree - I was thinking the same thing - what safety items on a motorcycle would/could be different?

[joeincalif]

I would agree, probably the biggest thing would be the lights, When we did a tour of the Honda plant in Marysville Ohio back in the late 90's they said that the exported bikes to some countries had different specs for lights and reflectors

[Viking]

Pretty sure the only difference is with radio and Navi functions. Up till 2010, Canada got WX radio and US got XM radio, and the US got a more updated Navigation system, which probably changed in 2012 as all the old crap they put in the Canadian bikes was used up in Marysville. With the 2012, that may not even be an issue any more, but I still don't know about the radio functions. There may be a frame label on the Honda that shows its compliance with both US and Canadian safety regs, as there is on Harley, but maybe not. A letter to Honda Canada may produce a letter stating that the bike meets US requirements. When I brought a US Harley to Canada, that is all I needed going this direction, from Harley Corporate.

[LoloMikeGoldwing]

Thank you JoeinCalif and Viking for insight. Calling Honda Canada and Honda US now.