Importing a bike from abroad?

[BenR]

Hi I have been looking at lots of bikes we don't get here in the UK on google, finding out info on them, but I can't find a site that tells you what's involved in importing a vehicle from abroad. Does anyone know what's involved & what costs are incurred? I take it that once the vehicle lands on UK soil there'll be VAT & other fees incurred? What about registration? Would it have to go through SVA & go on a Q plate? Cheers!
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Current bikes: suzuki RG125UN wolf. Yamaha MT-07

[Chriss]

Not entirely sure about the fees, but I know as long as you can prove the vehicles age, it shouldn't be given a Q plate, it'll be given a plate relative to the age.
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TheShaggyDA: I've got 3 or 4 pairs that predate my wife, so at least 11.5 years old.

[strag]

https://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/ImportingAndExportingAVehicle/DG_071781
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carbon bling

[BenR]

Cheers Strag! According to that site the bike would have to have a speedo that reads both MPH & KPH if not then just MPH? That can't be right though as all the 400 imports I've had have always had KPH speedos?
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Current bikes: suzuki RG125UN wolf. Yamaha MT-07

[Fahd]

Out of curiosity, what bikes that aren't for sale in the U.K are you so interested in that you're willing to go through the hassle of importing them?
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I Ride: Honda CBR 400RR.
I Drive: Audi S3.

[MarJay]

[Kickstart]

Hi

Depends on the age of the bike, and also when you registered it.

Used to be the case that you just MOTed the bike before registering it, but now anything newer than a certain date (early 1990s) it will need to be SVAed. SVA could be a pain.

You DO need a speedo that shows both mph and kmh. And also it will need to comply with loads of minor rules. SVA is not that expensive but 2~3 times the price of an MOT. And they will charge you (a reduced fee) for a retest.

If it is old enough not to need SVA then it is a lot easier.

You will need proof of age. Quite a few places can do this for you (eg, North Leicester Motorcycles).

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[BenR]

Cheers Kickstart! I was only wondering what you have to do really. @Fahd I've been looking at the honda NSR150sp, looks good & sounds interesting plus for some reason you can get loads of parts for them here in the UK.
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Current bikes: suzuki RG125UN wolf. Yamaha MT-07