Buying a bike second-hand abroad can be a money saver but, says John Wheeler, be prepared
Whilst there was a time when, in a few cases, buying a new bike in another country could produce a worthwhile saving, these days it is not worthwhile, unless the model you must have is not imported here.
When it comes to second-hand machines the picture can be different. There can be worthwhile advantages and savings. Relatively near at hand, particularly Britain, where there are roughly 18 bikes for every one here, there is much more choice.
British dealers tend to allow less on trade-ins than Irish dealers. A UK dealer probably regards a 17,000-mile machine as "high mileage", here many think that is just a run in!
To what extent you could make worthwhile savings depends on a host of factors. Simply going over to Britain, or say Germany, on spec is unlikely to be viable. The cost of travelling around, perhaps a few nights accommodation, even a fruitless trip, could easily wipe out any savings.
The best way to start is to know exactly what you are looking for and then study the adverts both in the motorcycling press and, particularly, using the Internet. One site www.loot.co.uk is particularly good.
Loot tends to have more private sellers. It has a useful search engine and you should find several machines which come close to your ideal.
Next step is to phone the advertisers. Ask lots of questions; exact condition, service history, state of tyres, defects and blemishes, accessories and so forth. The answers will help you refine your short list.
Assuming that your first choice sounds ideal, work out how much it will cost you to import the bike. VRT is payable on all machines. The starting rate is €2 per cc for the first 350 ccs, plus € 1 per cc for all ccs from 351 upwards. That is the base rate, but there is an age allowance, as follows:
Over three months old, but not more than one year - deduct 10 per cent
Over one year old, but not more than two years - 20 per cent
Over two years, but not more than three years old - 40 per cent
Over three years, but not more than four years - 50 per cent
Over four years old, but not more than five years - 60 per cent
Over five years old, but not more than seven years - 70 per cent
Over seven years old, but not more than 10 years - 80 per cent
Over 10 years old, but not more than 30 years - 90 per cent
Over 30 years - 100 per cent.
Therefore the VRT payable on a 749 cc machine just over two years old would be € 439.60. No VAT is payable, provided that VAT was paid in the country of origin. There is no duty payable for machines from within the EC.
Allow for the cost of getting to see the bike and bringing it back on the ferry. Over the past eight years I have bought five machines in Britain. Thanks to very careful prior research, knowing exactly what to look for and being able to give the machine a thorough trial before finally deciding to buy, each one proved to be a bargain. Private sellers proved to be reasonably honest, if not always thoroughly knowledgeable about their machine. Most have agreed to meet me at the railway station or airport.
I usually have taken a bank draft for 80 per cent of the asking price, and the rest in cash. If, on inspection, the machine has undisclosed defects you have a 20 per cent haggling margin. If you are buying from a dealer his price will include an element of warranty. This side of a total meltdown, which if you have thoroughly checked out the machine is unlikely, the warranty is of marginal worth. You can negotiate a lower price if you agree to forego the warranty.
Make sure that you receive the registration document. This is essential in order to prove the date of first registration which determines the VRT payable.
It is one of those laws of motorcycling that when a pre-owned machine comes under new management it will, to test the relationship, throw up some fault. Batteries come high on the list. Always allow a margin in your calculations. Make sure before you set out that you have arranged with your insurer to cover the machine from the moment you buy it, before you start the ride back. I have never had a problem getting a bike on the next Irish-bound ferry without an advance booking, even in the height of summer.
Sometimes a dealer or private seller will agree to meet you with the bike at the British port. Twice I have come back with the "new" bike on the same ferry I arrived on.
When riding back, take it easy. You may have got a bargain but be careful. One machine I recall, in perfect condition in every other respect, had been unused for a year. The tyres which looked good had gone "hard" and lost their resilience. The test ride showed that. It was a case of restrained riding on the way home.
The rules require that you should take the bike to the Revenue office to pay the VRT and get your Irish registration number on the "first working day after entering the State". Payment can be made in cash, by bank draft or laser.
Cheques or credit cards are not accepted. All you have to do is to complete a simple form. The official will look at the bike and check that the frame number agrees with the registration document.
You now have an Irish registration number, order a number plate and take the documentation the Revenue have given you, with an insurance certificate showing the new, Irish registration to your Motor Tax office, pay the road tax and the job is done.