steps to import motorcycle from usa to uk?

Question

Hi
I have my eye on the kawasaki 250r ninja which is not available in europe for some reason, which is very annoying as it looks like a fantastic bike , so with the exchange rate so good I was going to import one from usa , however even after many phone calls and googling I am still pretty confused
1 about how to actually ship it - any recommendations of the cheapest company to ship the bike
2 how do I pay my import tax , does the shipping company deal with the taxman or is that my responsibility , how do I pay this ...
3 once the bike is here I am guessing I have to do a vehicle conformity test , but am not sure of the cost , someone said it was £1000 which seems a bit much ... how much is this and is it possible that I would not have to do this as it is a modern kawasaki brand new bike
thanks

Answer 1

1) Shipping a bike from the USA will cost around £500-£1,000. If you can 'bulk' the bike in a shipping container with other goods, it works out cheaper than shipping it as an individual item.

2) Import duty and VAT is solely your responsibility. The shipper will get charged by Customs when the bike lands, they will then charge you (plus a 'brokerage fee' for doing so). Reckon on adding about 30% of the bike's value for that little lot.

3) Any privately imported vehicle brought into the UK must go through an SVA test to get registered - the age of the bike is irrelevant. And yes, the SVA test costs about £1,000.

Having said all that, the 250R can be found as a grey import from specialist UK dealers (check out MCN or any other bike trade papers/websites). It will be a whole lot cheaper than importing one yourself...

Answer 2

Import Motorcycle To Uk

Answer 3

1. Prices will vary between companies, but you're looking for a company that has experience shipping motorcycles and shipping between the US & UK. Here's an example, though there are several out there http://www.a1autotransport.com/ship-car-to-uk-united-kingdom.php

2. Taxes are your responsibility, but the company you hire to ship the bike should be able to help you figure out what's necessary. Things are pretty friendly between the US & UK so it shouldn't be too expensive as far as import taxes are concerned.

3. You'll still have to deal with the conformity test regardless of the year since it's an import. I couldn't find a figure for the cost, but I'm sure you could find it here somewhere https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk/overview

Answer 4

Contact some of these companies they are ocean freight carriers I use all the time.

Crowley-1-800-276-9539

Penbroke Marine- 1-800-227-8096

Tropical shipping- 1-800-638-8767

You will be responsible for paying the duties and taxes on the shipment. Customs make hold the bike until the taxes are payed on the shippment

Answer 5

You can't get parts for it here, it would be better to buy a brand NOT made in China.... Here's a re post I read recently. HERE'S ANOTHER SHOP REFUSING TO REPAIR THIS JUNK...SPEND A LITTLE EXTRA AND GET A BIKE THAT ANY DEALER CAN FIX ATTENTION! We are SORRY but Scooter Therapy can no longer repair some mopeds, as they are made with such poor quality that they cannot be properly repaired. Some examples are BIG CHIEF, JALON, JBWCO, GEELY, FASHION, MEITIAN, F+J MOTO, GVWR, QUINCI, OMNI, SCORPION, DAZON, TANK, SUNDIRO. WE cannot get parts for these bikes. Scooter Therapy will NOT sell these brands. This is not a complete list. There are many others. If you have purchased one of these brands we suggest you get rid of it and buy a quality moped. Scooter Therapy Inc.

Answer 6

why not just buy a bike from you local dealer or have them bring you one in... as a dealer they take care of all the "Hidden" costs associated in getting your butt attached to a saddle and the tires going round and round...