Importing a motorbike?

Author
Discussion

Fats25

Original Poster:

6,260 posts

229 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
So I had the shipping company out yesterday, and he believes there is space in my 40ft container for my motorbike to be crated, and put inside, if I decide to bring it with me. I am just waiting on a price for crating from the shipping company to see if it is worthwhile or not.

As far as I can tell it will cost me 5% of bikes value, which is determined at customs in Dubai where they will give a valuation of the bike (I will have to bring proof of ownership, a valuation for depreciation, and will need to have my residents visa, passport, and appropriate driving licence).

Aside from that it all looks too easy! What am I missing here?

I am still undecided whether I will actually do this or not, and have the bike advertised for sale now (sure it is ok to post here, as is not likely anyone from Middle East Forum will want to purchase a UK bike!) http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/motorbikes/... - but if it does not sell for what I want for it, I will either ship it, or lay it up in storage for when I return.

I suppose the other thing I need to look into, is how do I get back to UK if/when I decide to return...........

What do you guys think? Is it worth bringing with me? Or shall I just forget it, and get another bike when I get there?

I just know that when I arrive, that IanUAE or Chilli, or one of my other mates over there will try and get me on the track, and I will wish I had my bike with me!

shirt

22,553 posts

201 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
you're correct on the numbers.

i'd recommend joining gulfpetrolheads.com. PH is best for general chit chat but there is far greater knowledge over there for general mechanics, impor regs etc. plenty of bikers who frequently import/export their machines.

my 2p would be it's better the devil you know, and if shipping is effectively free then its a no brainer.

any additional space in this container? biggrin

Chilli

17,318 posts

236 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
Chris,
I'd bring it if the cost makes sense. I wished I bought mine as it might have given me more motivation to get out there. Still, work dependant, I'll get one soon.
I rarely see a 675 in the classifieds here. Plenty of R1's and GSXR1000's with 15 ft swing arms though. Neon''s optional..

Fats25

Original Poster:

6,260 posts

229 months

Thursday 24th July 2014
quotequote all
Chilli said:
Chris,
I'd bring it if the cost makes sense. I wished I bought mine as it might have given me more motivation to get out there. Still, work dependant, I'll get one soon.
I rarely see a 675 in the classifieds here. Plenty of R1's and GSXR1000's with 15 ft swing arms though. Neon''s optional..
I would get a valuation of approx £5k in UK from a Triumph dealer. If £5k - it will only cost me £250 to bring in...........

The risk is what they value at in Dubai!

I am definitely going to get a bike out there. Just not sure the 675R is the right bike......... I have it advertised on Ebay, and will see what interest I get before I go. If it sells for a good price I will start again when I get to Dubai. If not I will add it to the container (which will not be being packed until end of September) so I have some time.

Chilli

17,318 posts

236 months

Thursday 24th July 2014
quotequote all
675 is a cracking bike. What would you replace it with? I can't see me on anything other than a GSXR750.

Fats25

Original Poster:

6,260 posts

229 months

Thursday 24th July 2014
quotequote all
Chilli said:
675 is a cracking bike. What would you replace it with? I can't see me on anything other than a GSXR750.
Honestly - I would probably want 3 bikes (eventually):-

1) I can't see me living without a road bike, but don't think the Triumph is the bike for Dubai. I was thinking more lazy riding, occasional trips to the office, and then just weekend riding for fun out of town. Possibly a Troumph Scrambler, or maybe even move to the darkside and try a Harley.

2) The Triumph would work as a track bike, and I would get another one. However mine is too good for frequent track work. I would probably look to get a track ready bike instead.

3) Then a Dirt bike for the sand!

However I think I need to get there first, and evaluate all possibilities.

I also have a really good 3 bike trailer that will fit in the container. I am debating whether to bring that as well, as could be handy for bikes 2 and 3 above for transportation....... thoughts?


shirt

22,553 posts

201 months

Thursday 24th July 2014
quotequote all
Ask on the above site re: values. I'm not gay so don't ride a motorbike but they look very good value in dubai. You'll get a track bike easy under 30k.

Good trailers always sell well and for decent money.

IanUAE

2,929 posts

164 months

Friday 25th July 2014
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I believe our ex-championship winning 675 could be bought for ~30K with loads of spares.

Fats25

Original Poster:

6,260 posts

229 months

Friday 25th July 2014
quotequote all
IanUAE said:
I believe our ex-championship winning 675 could be bought for ~30K with loads of spares.
That is a good price!

Do you not ride on the track over there?

IanUAE

2,929 posts

164 months

Saturday 26th July 2014
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I only ride on the track (which is about 3 times a year). The guy who bought the 675 didn't get on with it and has switched back to his R6.

Fats25

Original Poster:

6,260 posts

229 months

Sunday 3rd August 2014
quotequote all
Well the question has answered itself, as the bike sold today.....

Quite gutted to have sold it, as I loved that bike. However on the bright side I will be looking when I arrive to replace it, and that will be good!