Registering and Insuring a Grey Import

[thegreatpan]

Bit of a random question, but I've seen a Grey Import Honda Cub derivative CD50, that I fancy as town runabout. It's a 4 speed manual but with proper motorbike looks.

It's an I import from Japan and on the Nova system, Speedo is in kph showing 41, 000,  the motor runs well. Bike generally clean for the year.

What are the pitfalls with registering and insuring such a bike, can I insure of a VIN?

Lots of spares for the bike at CMSL, everthing still available for the engine as its the evergreen 50cc thing.

TIA
Dave.

[Rob62]

You can insure on the vin to cover against theft/fire while she’s being restored. Also you can then legally ride her for an mot without a number plate.... Not all insurance company’s will insure on the vin but i know that carole nash will.

[thegreatpan]

Thanks Rob

[SteveW]

Some insurance companies will only insure on the VIN number for 30 days and if you haven't got a number plate issued from the DVLA by then they will cancel the policy.

I went with Peter James, no limit to how long you can keep it insured on the VIN.

[Rob62]

I went through that with carole nash, its standard procedure, 30 days. But when you explain that it takes the dvla up to 6 weeks to issue a registration number let alone what time it takes to restore or repair, basically they are asking for the impossible. Then they change the notes on your policy to show that its covered for theft fire etc only, not for riding.... Just remember to notify them when its time to ride to the mot station, or if its over 40, to ride anywhere... 😄

[Rob62]

Ps,  mine is on a multi-bike policy...... not sure how it works on a single vehicle policy but i guess its a similar situation

[thegreatpan]

Thanks chaps, I have the 400 Four with Carole Nash, I'll see what they say.

[SteveW]

Other point is that if you take the bike for an mot, you need proof of age.

I took mine for its first mot and they needed a dating certificate as well, got it from VJMC.

[Bryanj]

Not sure about the 40 year bit for first registration, you may need MOT to register it

[Rob62]

Me neither... the standard situation is that in order to register any imported vehicle you need to have an mot first.... but if the vehicle is mot exempt (as mine will be in May) I’m not sure if you can just apply for registration without the mot. I will find out for sure later this year...