Importing my Ducati

Hi All, I am coming home and bringing my Monster with me.

So I know I need to import the bike via the customs, this is ongoing, forms filled.
Then get an MOT, for this I need a new headlight, might get something fancy/modern(any recommendations)
Also I need to get MPH on the speedo(any ideas?)
Then to get the number plate, do I just get one from the DVLA?

How does this sound, or did I miss something?

Many thanks

Nothing in MOT about kph or mph: http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual/mc_contents.htm
DVLA has instructions on getting a plate: https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicle...ported-vehicle

[Dukedesmo]

I imported a bike from Italy last year.

The procedure is really easy; get the bike here, register with NOVA (custom & excise) to see if any VAT due, it won't be if it's a second hand bike but you need to do this first (it's all about the money).

You then need to insure it on the frame no. (maybe your current insurance is valid?) and MOT it; grey areas are Km speedo - maybe OK as they don't actually test the speedo? headlight should dip the correct way but a sticker should be OK?. The MOT is issued on frame no.

You then fill in the form (V55/C IIRC?) which you get from the DVLA, not all the boxes are applicable so just fill in where you can and send it off to the them with: Proof of insurance, MOT certificate, Original registration document - for age related no. plate, proof of ID and the registration fee + road tax fee.

I didn't need a certificate of conformity as my bike was more than 10 years old, I'm not certain whether you will need this, if so I believe you need to get it from Ducati?

I got a V5 with UK age related no. plate in around a week.

Thanks for that. the Ducati is over 10 years.

[Darkness]

Originally Posted by Marcustheanimal

Then to get the number plate, do I just get one from the DVLA?

DVLA allocate the number as part of the process already described.

You need to buy the actual plate from someone like Halfords, who should demand to see proof of entitlement to that number before they'll provide it. That's part of the crack-down on fake cloned plates that some dodgy folks use to avoid paying speeding camera fines or the London Congestion Charge.

It's ineffective though as you can still buy UK spec plates from overseas via the interweb without that restriction/check. That is also where folks buy non-standard bike plates with smaller size or different fonts or layouts. Another law that achieves nothing other than to inconvenience the law-abiding.

I think bikes have vertical dip ,not left or right as in cars .
So headlight should be fine .

[Dukedesmo]

Originally Posted by Darkness

You need to buy the actual plate from someone like Halfords, who should demand to see proof of entitlement to that number before they'll provide it. That's part of the crack-down on fake cloned plates that some dodgy folks use to avoid paying speeding camera fines or the London Congestion Charge.

Plenty of UK online plate sellers that don't want any documentation and they'll make you a 7'x5' (or whatever size you want) plate and for less than Halfords etc. So really it was another absolutely pointless 'compliance' law...

[Darkness]

Originally Posted by Drumnagorrach

I think bikes have vertical dip ,not left or right as in cars .
So headlight should be fine .

I've got two standard Bosch monster headlights: one of each, so they are different.
You can get a replacement lense and change just that. They are usually advertised for 1970s or 80s BMW R Series boxer twins.

That can be cheaper than a whole headlight from Ducati.

[Dukedesmo]

Originally Posted by Drumnagorrach

I think bikes have vertical dip ,not left or right as in cars .
So headlight should be fine .

All mine have a 'handed' dip but although I have now changed the headlight, the MOT tester was happy to have a 'beam deflector' (strategic piece of sticky tape) fitted.

By the way once you go through the procedure the DVLA will send you a new MOT showing the no. plate rather than frame no.

I stand corrected , I went out and checked mine and ,yes it dips to the left .
When did that become the norm on bikes ?

[bigredduke]

Make sure you declare it as LH drive for insurance purposes.

[Dukedesmo]

Originally Posted by Drumnagorrach

I stand corrected , I went out and checked mine and ,yes it dips to the left .
When did that become the norm on bikes ?

My 36 year old Guzzi dipped to the right, so probably a while back...

Why do I have to state it is LHD for insurance, when it is MOT in the UK, with a UK headlight?
I swapped the headlight with a friend who just brought his Ducati to Switzerland. straight swap, job done.

MOT is booked in. Still waiting for the import company to provide the papers for their actions.

[Darren69]

I had my '78 Laverda on the road and MOT'd for 3 years before they realised that the headlight was a euro one which dipped the wrong way. Speedo in KPH is not an issue. Just bring it over and ride it most of the Polish and eastern europe do it would seem, how do the keep track of all of those cars/bikes etc?

So finally getting on with this, it has had 2 MOT's now but still not registered. HMRC are happy so filling in the form ready togo, hopefull over 10 years old and not MPH will mean its OK.