Hello there,

Can someone PLEASE help....rather urgently?!?

I’ve purchased a Royal Enfield Machismo (2008) and it has been fitted with a Lombardini diesel engine (2008) – here in India. We have made some modifications so that it also runs on veggie oil. It has not been registered here in India (not possible to register diesels here anymore).

I am looking to import and register in Ireland (UK is also possible if more advantageous). Can anyone advise what is required to register in Ireland (ie. checks and assessments)? I understand VRT needs to be paid, insurance and motor tax too but what checks/clearances need to be made and how much do they cost (check that it is appropriate for Ireland (mph speedo etc)? Do they do sound and emissions tests (it is a diesel)?

Even though I’ve purchased and all the work has been done on 2008 enfield, I am considering purchasing and older enfield bike (10yr? 15yrs? 30yrs?) with genuine/clear papers, and fitting the diesel engine to that while here in india…
➢ Will that make the registration process easier (and cheaper in the long run)?
➢ Would motorcycle be deemed to be modified and hence forfeit its ability to be registered as an older bike (vintage)?
➢ Obviously it could reduce the VRT significantly? (ie. new bike = 790euro, bike registered in 2000 = 79euro)

Any other advice???? Please help

I could register in UK/Northern Ireland if better option but it seemed to be more requirements?

I plan to ride it to Australia (over a couple of years)….all things going well…. and reregister there eventually

I am really unsure of what to do and don’t have a big bank balance....unfortunately.

Any advice much appreciated.


thanks, chapati

In the Republic of Ireland there is no requirement for a motorcycle to be put through an MOT or similar, there is for cars but not for bikes.
You will need the logbook/v5 or similar.
Thats it. The process is pretty simple and even cheaper if you can prove that you have owned it for 12mths prior to moving here.
No Sound or MPH test.