Importing/registerin older bike in UK
 

Hi all - is it possible to import and register in the UK a bike older than 7 years? It's not possible in some/most EU counties. Specifically I would like to bring my 1998 Africa Twin from Croatia and register it under my name, using a friend's address.

Thanks, Mike

As I understand the legislation, the older the bike is the easier it is to register. You will need good ownership papers, and in France at least a certificate of export.

not too hard
 

I have just registered my F650GS (not 7 yrs old) that I brought from Australia inot the UK. It had to have a single vehicle approval which is Ok as long as the bike is in good condition. Make sure you have the right customs paperwork (i think 104a to customs and they send you a 386 for DVLA), proof of ownership, MOT and insurance and it is fairly straight forward.

Andrew

98 and 99 bikes a bit of a problem
 

Just as a heads up, I imported a 98 KLR in from Germany and it took months. If it's older than 10 years, you're OK and if it is younger than a 2000 I think then as long as its a standard bike you are OK. So the 98, 99 bikes are in a bit of an annoying age bracket. You will need to get it single vehicle tested and you also need to get a letter from Honda (or whatever the manufacture) to date the bike. You'll need an MOT and the proper paperwork from Croatia. It's a bit of a faff.
But if it's a good deal and you've got the time I guess it would be worth it.

MichelleS

(I've borrowed MikeS log in for 5 minutes)

I thought you would only need single vehicle approval if the bike model was never offically sold in the UK.
If the Africa Twin was avaible for sale in the UK then you should be able to get a certificate from Honda saying its complies with uk law(might need to change headlight direction and speedo from KM to Miles for MOT)
I would try and speak to a bike shop that sells imported bikes if they have any up to date information the people at the vehicle license office often tell you to get an SVA test which can be alot of trouble and expense

Speedo should not need changing for MOT as I've MOT'd several bikes in the past with kph speedometers and never had a problem.