Importing a bike from UK to the Netherlands

[jkrijt]

Is there anyone who has experience with importing a bike from the UK to the Netherlands ?
What do I need to know when I buy a bike in the UK ?

[horse27]

Not sure about the 'import' bit but as we are all within the same 'economic union' then I assume there isn't import duties, etc. But then I am not certain.

As for buying a bike - new bikes come with 17.5% VAT (value added tax) included in the price that goes to the government. Usually 12 months road tax and usually a 2 year manufacturer warranty.

Road tax in the UK is currently £60 a year for a bike ... but it goes up every 3 to 4 hours ;o)

Any bike older than three years needs an MOT (yearly safety check). Bike is not road legal without one so make sure it is valid. They cost about £30 and there are testing centres all over the place.

All bikes come with a V5 (vehicle identification and ownership document). Shows registration, make, model, engine and chassis numbers, current owner, etc. Make sure it all matches the bike and don't buy without one. All data is stored on the DVLA database (based in Swansea). You can call or write to them for info on the bike and they keep records of stolen bikes, etc.

You can also run HPI checks through various companies which check for outstanding finance on any vehicle. There is a charge for this (about £30) but it's nice to know if someone has £3000 outstanding on the vehicle you are buying, etc.

All the best.

[Walkabout]

Originally Posted by jkrijt

Is there anyone who has experience with importing a bike from the UK to the Netherlands ?
What do I need to know when I buy a bike in the UK ?

I have not bought a bike except in the UK and for use in the UK, but some years ago I bought a new car on the continent and brought it back here - a practice which seems to have all but died out as new car prices in the UK have become more sensible.

Apart from the advice in the last post, the potential problem is that the bikes here are set up for driving on the correct ( ) side of the highway.
So, you would need to switch over the headlight for the dipping beam - cost me a fortune on a car with two headlights but easy enough for a bike.
A digital display is really useful because it can be switched between metric and UK units - otherwise, you may need new clocks as well.
Ultimately, it depends on what rules the NL have.

[Hustler]

Originally Posted by jkrijt

Is there anyone who has experience with importing a bike from the UK to the Netherlands ?
What do I need to know when I buy a bike in the UK ?

The posts above explain how to buy in the UK but it's also down to the rules that apply in the Netherlands.
I don't know what they are there but here in France there are certain bikes that would be very difficult to import and register.
Problem bikes here would be high powered > 103 (I think it is) bhp and a UK grey import could be totally impossible to register.
I think a bit of homework is called for to make sure it is possible but secondhand bikes are much cheaper in the UK than France so can be worth the import hassle.
Good luck.