If you have decided to get a specific second-hand bike, you could find the choice in Ireland is limited. In the UK, where the bike population is vastly larger, you are almost certain to find what you are looking for - and at your price, writes John Wheeler
Most bikes in the UK have significantly lower mileages. One UK dealer told me they regarded 17,000 miles as "high" mileage; in Ireland we would call that just run in!
It could be costly and time consuming to go to the UK "on spec" visiting one bike shop after another. You can research the market on the Internet: www.loot.co.uk and www.autotrader.co.uk are useful sites. Both have a motorcycle section and a search engine to help you find the exact model. Many machines listed are from private sellers. I have brought in several bikes in recent years for myself and friends. I talk at length to the seller on the telephone, armed with a long list of questions.
Importantly, establish the date of first registration, because that will affect the amount of VRT you have to pay. Before you set off, inform your insurance company so that if you do decide to buy you are fully covered.
If the machine sounds exactly right, I take a cheap flight over and take my riding gear with me. Often the seller meets me at the airport. So far I have not been disappointed when it comes to seeing the machine, perhaps with the odd blemish which is "negotiable". Nor have I had a problem getting a good, long test ride.
Take a sterling draft for, say, 80 per cent of the asking price and cash for the balance so that you can haggle. Do the deal and ride back to the ferry: there is no need to book in advance as there is almost always space for a bike.
Back home you have to take the machine to the Revenue Commissioners to pay the VRT and get a registration number. VRT for motorcycles is not based on an assumed value, simply on the cubic capacity. The base rate is €2 per cc for the first 350cc and €1 for ccs above - but there is a generous age allowance. For example, a seven-year-old machine gets a 70 per cent discount. You can check with your local office beforehand to get an exact figure.
Depending on the model, even allowing for a flight to the UK, the return ferry and VRT, you could save around €1,000 compared to the asking price for an identical machine in Ireland - if you could find one.
The UK, while having the advantage of proximity and language, is not the only market. Bargains can be found further afield, and Germany is particularly attractive. However, the cost of getting there and back could make the process uneconomic. Do the sums first.