PLus a whole bike needs a IMport approval $50.
I used to bring in High performance cars from Japan before all the IMporters got into it and screwed the market and they went Raws. Buying a bike from the US is a peice of piss, as Firko states after the first one you learn what not to do, you can save a shit load by doin gin write and by filling out the paper work a certian way. However no matter what you do it will cost you at least $900 in shipping, $200 US transport and probally the same here if you on the east coast. I still think on average on the 10 or so US bikes i have brought out the figure is around $1500 by the time its in my garage. IF you factor that in then you can easily tell if its a bargin or not. I probally wouldnt wast your time on importing an also ran or general bike, the numbers are hard to stack up with a local. BUT if you want somthing with the fruit, special and tasty you can only get it in the US for anywhere near a bargin. I only ever look at bikes now that have chrom-mo frames or offer trick internals other wise you may as well be shopping at home. ON the otherside some of the gear these boys fit as standard race kit is worth the investment price. PVL,shell, webco seem to be standard on many US buys, Au stuff usually has the flogged out 30 yr old rewires.
I agree with firko here, its easy to get carried away on a US bargin, but be warned $1500 to an also ran dont make it a bargin moreso risky, if its something unique, complete or special that the best place to be looking cause youll get more than you pay for.