Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Leaving a Bike in the UK Leaving a Bike in the UK
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Apr 2011
Simo's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hunter Valley, Australia
Posts: 109
Leaving a Bike in the UK
I live in Australia and would like to travel in the UK/ Europe soon... My partner is a UK citizen and I wish to ship my 2008 1200 gs over and leave it there with her family and travel back and forth and ride it on several 3 monthly trips.. I thought of buying a bike over there, and its still a possibility, but would prefer to ride my own bike as Ive spent a lot of money getting it how I like it. Can I leave the Australian registration on it, or do I have to register it in the UK.? Do I have to have it inspected in the UK, I have an after market exhaust and not sure how strict they are over there....
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Apr 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Gloucester, England
Posts: 419
Lightbulb
Hi Simo

I'm fairly sure that a vehicle has to be UK registered after a maximum of six months here on its home registration. I had a quick look on the vehicle licensing and customs websites but couldn't see anything relevant. There's almost certainly something on this site if you search diligently enough.

If it's more than three years old it will have to be tested. I don't think loudness is one of the exhaust test criteria: it just has to be leak and corrosion free. The police, however, will want to see a Kitemark if you're stopped, as racing silencers aren't road legal.

Regards, Mick
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Apr 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 235
here you go mate,

6 full months or several visits in a 12 month period, I suppose trip to France may suffice.

Here's the link............Temporarily importing a vehicle : Directgov - Motoring


Hope this helps.
__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Apr 2011
Simo's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hunter Valley, Australia
Posts: 109
Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffshing View Post
here you go mate,

6 full months or several visits in a 12 month period, I suppose trip to France may suffice.

Here's the link............Temporarily importing a vehicle : Directgov - Motoring


Hope this helps.
This is great info... thanks very much, really appreciate the link..
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Apr 2011
Simo's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hunter Valley, Australia
Posts: 109
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mick O'Malley View Post
Hi Simo

I'm fairly sure that a vehicle has to be UK registered after a maximum of six months here on its home registration. I had a quick look on the vehicle licensing and customs websites but couldn't see anything relevant. There's almost certainly something on this site if you search diligently enough.

If it's more than three years old it will have to be tested. I don't think loudness is one of the exhaust test criteria: it just has to be leak and corrosion free. The police, however, will want to see a Kitemark if you're stopped, as racing silencers aren't road legal.

Regards, Mick
Thanks Mick, things are a bit clearer now
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Apr 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mick O'Malley View Post
If it's more than three years old it will have to be tested. I don't think loudness is one of the exhaust test criteria: it just has to be leak and corrosion free. The police, however, will want to see a Kitemark if you're stopped, as racing silencers aren't road legal.
Not so.

The above does not apply to foreign registered vehicles who are in UK as tourists for a maximum of 6 months. The Geneva Treaties, which govern international use and customs matters, say the vehicle must be legal (construction and use) in it's country of registration only - not the country being visited, even if the local rules are in conflict.

Testing is only required for UK registered vehicles using UK public roads. If the silencer etc is legal in the vehicle's home country it is permitted to use it in UK while visiting under the Geneva Treaties agreements.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
leaving a bike in El Salvador Larry L Trip Paperwork 0 13 Aug 2009 03:58
leaving argentina and leaving a broken bike .. how to ? siggsy SOUTH AMERICA 4 27 Jan 2009 18:16
leaving without your bike mayhem North Africa 1 25 Sep 2007 22:01
Leaving a bike to fly out? Martin Alexander SOUTH AMERICA 3 28 Apr 2006 15:17
Leaving Bike in Argentina formaurbis Trip Paperwork 4 17 Feb 2006 21:18

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:33.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top