Guide - Importing a NEW motorbike from the UK

So, I thought this might be helpful for anyone who is thinking of buying a new motorbike in the UK and importing it into Ireland. I've just done this myself and the process was not exactly clear...especially as the UK and Irish revenue sites give conflicting information.

Note: This guide is only for new bikes. The process for 2nd hands bikes is different.

1. Find a dealership that has the bike you want, and is willing to go through the extra hassle of selling the bike for Export. Not all are willing.

I would personally recommend www.kickstartmotorcycles.uk.com for Aprilia's, Piageo's or Vespa's.

2. Download, print and complete UK VAT Form 411. You need 2 of these.
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_Forms&propertyType=document&id=HMCE_CL_000046

3. You will need to send both completed VAT Form 411's to the UK dealer. These cannot be scans or photocopies. Snail-mail originals only.

4. You will also need to send a copy of at least 2 documents to the UK Dealership that prove where you live, and 1 to prove who you are. E.g. a scan of your Passport/License along with 2 utility bills that show name & address.

5. The UK Dealer sends these documents to Her Majesty's Revenue Commission (HMRC) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) as proof that the motorbike really is being exported. Both must approve the export and can be difficult to satisfy...especially the DVLA.

6. The UK dealership will need to register the motorbike in the UK through the DVLA as normal, but without paying VAT obviously.

7. The UK dealer will give you a UK License Registration number that you can use in Ireland until you get your Irish Reg number/plate. You may want to order temporary plates in advance of delivery as you cannot legally drive the bike in Ireland without plates. Be aware that not all License Plate sellers in Ireland can make UK Reg Plates. Their computer systems often only allow the input of Irish style reg numbers.

8. Once the bike is registered and approved for export, it can be collected. This must be done within 2 months of the bike being registered.
As the bike is sold 'for export', it cannot be legally driven on UK roads. So it will have to be collected via a van/trailer etc. The bike can be seized if this law is broken.
If you don't mind waiting a few weeks, the cheapest transport option is to use a company that specializes in Bike transport. I'd personally recommend:
http://www.motorcycletransportservices.co.uk/
http://www.gmtransport.ie/

9. Once the bike arrives in Ireland, you have 7 days to book an appointment at an NCTS center to register the bike and pay VAT + VRT.
www.ncts.ie
You have 30 days to complete the registration.
When you book the appointment, they will email you a list of documents that you must bring with you. This includes proof of when the bike arrived in the country, so keep any documentation from Step 8 above.

10. As soon as the bike arrives, you should get it insured. It can be insured on the UK Reg, but you must also provide the Chassis number. You can change it to the Irish Reg number later. Most insurance companies will required a copy of your drivers license.

And that is pretty much it. Happy driving!