Carnet and your bike value....??
 

Hi guys,

I just got the form from the RAC and it asks for the estimated value of your bike...do they check on this and could you put a lower value therefore lowering your deposit? One other questions is if I was going to try and get my bank to guarantee the deposit how do I get them to sign the form when I have no idea what the deposit will be until I send in the form???

I little confused thanks for your input.

Mark

I've just quoted the value of the bike when I purchased it (as I still have the receipt). I sent the form off today, so we will see...

I used this value to work out he guarantee (500% for Egypt, etc). It depends on where you intend to go as to the value that has to be covered. For Africa (excluding Egypt) I think it is 200%.

It's probably easiest to contact Paul Gowen at the RAC - he's very helpful and has emailed me on several occasions, as I got very confused about the whole guarantee/insurance stuff. He's busy at the moment as Sue has gone on holiday, so he's on his own.

Incidentally it has taken me 5 weeks!!!! to get my bank to sort out my guarantee. My own branch said 'no way' - so I went to another branch and spoke to someone who knew all about it and helped me sort it all out.

Don't leave it too late - I'm sitting here waiting to go - all I need is my carnet!


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Fuzzy Duck
(I'm quackers about bikes)

Hey Mark,
I asked Sue that exact question i.e. what's to stop me saying my bike is worth £100 and she basically said that as long as it is fairy feasible then it's ok. Basically the guys at the border of wich ever country you are trying to get into will see the value of the bike on your carnet and will have to think that it is at least vaguely possible that your bike is worth that amount. So saying a nice big GS is worth £500 is probably pushing it but you can definitely give a 'modest' estimate.

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My website

In 1999, my 1989 r100gs was worth 750 quid for carnet purposes with the AA. Then, it had 40k km on the clock, but it could have been 140k or 240k km which would have made the valuation realistic.

Obviously this is not possible if you have a new bike.

My advise: If the bike is old enough to pretend that it is a high milage bike, go for a low value.

Cheers
ChrisB

I've spoken to Paul at the RAC yesterday - and we discussed this point. As long as the value you give is reasonable, they will be happy. So as long as you don't quote daft values - and stick to realistic figures (or have evidence of purchase price) - then you you should be OK. I guess if people start taking the p*ss then this will change. So it's up to us to 'do the right thing'. And just quote the value of the bike - don't get involved with adding extras for all the bits and pieces you might add.

I hope this helps.

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Fuzzy Duck
(I'm quackers about bikes)

I've just crossed Africa with a '88 Tenere, which is in very good nick.
My quoted value was 800 GBP, which is probably realistic for a slightly older model/more used bike than mine.
Although most country's customs officials weren't even interested in looking at the bike, one or two raised their eyebrows at the declared rate, as very few of them could believe the bike was 15 years old and not last year's model.
So I would suggest that you don't undervalue your bike too much.

Geoff

Hi, I have had 2 carnet's and was told that the minimum value for a motorcycle would be £500GBP as any lower than this and they assume that the bike won't make it or will be dispossed of during the trip. If people take the piss too much then the issuers will start to use one of the trade guides to motorcycle prices and we'll be stuck with what they value it at. Chris.

Thanks for your advice guys, unfortunately I have got myself a new XR650L so it looks like I am going to have to take it up the you know what...will see about getting a guarantee from the Bank.

Safe travels
Mark