Get the right documents
The original title and the bill of sale are the documents that matter, along with any ownership history. Make sure they come with the bike.
Importing an American motorbike
Harley-Davidsons, Indians and the rest. A motorbike follows the same broad path as a car — collection, shipping, customs, approval, registration — with its own approval scheme where one is needed.
What to know before you buy
MSVA where it is needed
Motorcycles have their own approval scheme, Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval, which applies where a bike needs approval before registration. We handle whichever route your bike takes.
Modifications
The usual changes are the headlight and, on some bikes, the speedometer, along with making sure it meets UK requirements for the road.
Container or RoRo
A container gives a bike more protection in transit; roll-on roll-off is the more convenient option for a running machine. We will quote whichever suits.
Tax and approval at a glance
- Duty and VAT
- Coming from the USA, import duty is charged first at 10% of the vehicle value, then VAT at 20% on the value plus shipping plus that duty. See the worked example.
- Approval route
- MSVA where the bike needs approval before registration; we handle whichever route applies. How approval works.
Quote for a specific model
Pick the closest match and the quote form opens with it filled in. Not on the list? Any bike is fine — start a blank quote.
Common questions
Can I import a Harley-Davidson from America?
Yes. A Harley is collected, shipped, cleared through customs and then goes through MSVA where needed before DVLA registration. Make sure the original title and bill of sale come with it.
What documents do I need to import a motorbike from the USA?
The original title and the bill of sale are the key ones, with any ownership history you have. Make sure they travel with the bike.
Importing something else?
Found the right bike?
Send us the vehicle and where it is. You get an itemised landed cost — shipping, duty, VAT, approval and registration — usually the same working day.