Re-registering a bike in France

Try this forum

 

I've just messaged a mate of mine with a link to this thread
He moved over a couple of years a go (I think) and re registered a KTM RC8 and a CBR600rr
I'm sure he'll be able to tell you all of the ins and outs

 

That would be me

Yes,I'm moved out about 18 months ago and so far have re-registered 3 cars and two bikes!

The most important piece of paper for you to get is the EU Certificate of Conformity for your bike. It's unique to your bike and contains elements such as the VIN, power output, noise, emissions etc. Without it you will not get your bike re-registered.

It's not the stuff that comes with the bike when you buy one in the UK, that's the type approval and is for the model. Triumph UK will be able to help. The french accept them in English and prefer them in french. A lot of manufacturers charge for them so don't be suprised to pay between £50 and £100 pounds for a piece of paper stating the bloody obvious. France thrives on paper and administration, but once you conform to what they want it is very very efficient. I got the honda one for free, ford charged me nearly £200 for one of the cars . Ktm charged somewhere in between.

You will need to go to the 'prefecture' of the region you are going to live in. I live in region 86, so my local one is Poitiers for example. They are helpful, but it's likely you will need to get a form and fill it in while you are there. You will also need your logbook and possibly proof of purchase as well as bills from your french home to prove who you are and where you live in France. If in doubt,make your passport and birth certificate as well. More is good.

The other thing to check is power output of the bike. France has a limit of just over 100hp on bikes and bikes above that can have a problem being registered, depending on the prefecture tbh. The RC8 is way over but they didn't have a problem with it, technically you can bring full power bikes over and reregister, however buy a new one of the same model in France and it will be limited. I didn't fancy an RC8 with 100hp

It's likely then they will take your documents from you and process it there and then and issue you with a temporary registration (which is the same number as your permanant one) which they will charge you for depending on engine size and age. My RC8 cost just less than €200 . This then allows you to go to a plate place and get them made up which you must do immediately. They are usually in shopping malls near big supermarkets like Aucan. Great thing about french plates is they are tiny

Don't panic when you get there as most french insurance companies will cover you on UK plates for a month or two. Beyond that it is technically illegal.

You don't need an mot for a motorbike in France bizarrely. So no need to change lights etc atm. Neither is there any road tax so once changed to french plates you can claim any UK tax back

I have heard that you can get sent away to get different documents when you first go. This is not unusual in France so go in there will a french attitude, not an English one and keep plugging away, it is easy enough if you are prepared.

If you have any other questions, let me know and Bon chance!

 

I nearly sold the RC8 before moving tbh, I'm glad I didn't but if you don't manage to register it then as long as you have a method of taking it back to the UK, it's worth a go!

Bear in mind that used bikes and cars are way more expensive in France than the UK. Unless buying new it's economically much better to buy a bike in the UK and go for reregistering IMO.

Where about in the Charente? Are you familiar with the area etc?

Glad to help. It took me ages to work it out and a few sleepless nights tbh, Al history now.

 

What excellent and informative advice. Well done folks.:upyeah:

 

I'm just south of Civray, about 15 mins in the middle of nowhere

Insurance is slightly more expensive I would say but I had full no claims etc in the UK and I'm new to france so you get some ncb but not all. I also get full euro breakdown cover and UK use for 90 days at a time for free!

When your over here drop me a line when your about and your welcome to a coffee and chew the fat about life in France if you want to. It's warmer here too so still biking weather. Clear skies and 17 deg today!

 

Thanks for replying .... Ive never known you type so much :tongue:

Good info that mate, looking forward to the France rideout :upyeah:

 

If anyone needs help, I've been living in France for 13yrs and have registered many cars and bikes over here.

The procedure is straightforward but as said previously you do need the correct paperwork.

My general advice would be to get a Certificat de Conformité from the French importer of your vehicle eg Triumph France - it will make life easier at the Préfecture.

PM me for more details.

Dave