So I'm looking at where to go next and the DVT is on my longlist. But it does cross my mind that the pound has appreciated about 30% against the Euro of late, yet European bike prices haven't shifted. A little digging reveals that the VAT-inclusive price for the 1200S DVT with Touring pack is €19900 in Germany. At today's exchange rate, that's about £14,200. I believe that the two-year warranty is pan-European, so why wouldn't we buy in Europe? After all, that's what it's there for… …and yes, I'll grant you there's the building a relationship with the local dealer thing but a) they'll make their money on servicing and b) I haven't got one anyway…
But they are LHD over there I was thinking the same over the weekend. Importing vehicles into the UK - GOV.UK Need to work out what dealers would be happy to refund the VAT at their end. Plus £100 for VCA approval Vehicle Importing - information Also insure as a grey import may be tricky. Though can register as new here if register within 2 weeks of purchase and driven straight here.
No need to: Type Approval applies to the whole of the EU, so a bike bought in one country has the same spec as any other. There may be regional differences in accessories & promotions, but Ducati take one approach across Europe.
Good point - I'd plan to register as new here, so would need to watch that time limit. On the VAT, my understanding is that if you pay VAT in the country in which you purchase, you don't get charged again in the UK. As German VAT is only 1% different to the UK, it's marginal. In my case, I run my main bike as a company vehicle, so get to reclaim the VAT on the purchase. In fact, I can get the VAT taken off in Germany and don't then have to pay and then reclaim it in the UK. Which is nice One thing though: does anyone know if the DVT has a 'flat' headlight beam pattern?
