According to the military personal/officials on base I have until the end of the month to get a MOT and have it registered on the base to get a U.K. Plate. I finally got my bike yesterday(just in time for the weekend) and since it's my wife and I's anniversary coming up, she mentioned why not take a ride down into the France coast using the Eurotunnel. So, my questioned is, will I have any issues, still having an American plate on the bike while leaving and coming back into England with customs or any other agencies? Or any issues in France with American plates? I have insurance on it here and have all the necessary paperwork for ownership and would plan to carry it all.
Never stopped any European driver coming to the UK and at least you have insurance . My guess is that you will need a valid drivers license demonstrating a level of competence in the country of issue and which you need to keep on you at all times, a valid vehicle registration and equivalent road tax and MOT if the bike is older than 3 years. That is all that is required for a foreigner to drive in the UK. Andy
Ok...I do have a valid motorbike endorsement from the states and have the vehicle title showing I have ownership(equal to V5 I believe). What's the equivalent to a MOT if I have a 2014 Hyper? I do not have the road tax yet, as I get this from the registration personal on base, but like I said I have until the end of the month to get this.
In the UK a bike requires a test certificate on its third anniversary to show the bike is roadworthy (on the day of issue). As yours is 2014 it's not required. Andy
Where you heading mate, landing beaches? I am off there soon, love the place and cannot wait. If you need any pointers on places of interest let us know. The French in Normandy are much friendlier than us English. As for your bike etc, just take your documents and i am sure you will be fine.
Don't know exactly where. We just thought to cross the tunnel and explore a little on the other side. Nothing that far in, just spend about 3-4 hours in France and head back. Going to be leaving tomorrow. We are trying to arrange our time line now. What would be some good things to check out for a few hours?
Head along the D940 towards Bologne Sur Mer. That should cover a couple of hours. In France the 'Departmente' roads are the best. Have fun. Keep an eye on fuel on Sundays.
if there is one thing and one thing only, well maybe two that i miss what you got down there is the ease at which you can jump on a ferry or train and be on the continent in a couple of hours.
Immigration will not look at your bike, all they will check is you status in the UK. Make sure you take your Military ID with you as well as any posting paperwork. It just makes your time getting back quicker ;-) I work in France and use the tunnel on a daily basis. The coast road west towards Normandy is nice, with plenty of small villages and WW2 museums. The Todt battery is well worth a look.
Also, there's a nice little museum very close to it, lots of stuff to look at but not too much if time is tight.
I just booked for the tunnel, so hopefully everything goes well riding down there and back in one day. Have to be back by Sunday morning as I have a job interview to work at Snetterton Circuit!
Be aware the tunnel gets very busy at weekends jn the summer! Also, UK law is that you don't need to register a vehicle if it's in the country less than 6 months in a year, so in theory you have 6 months to get it sorted? Unless it's a policy thing at your base?
Yeah some policy stuff they require at the base. Although I'm not the actual military person, my wife is, so some things might not apply to me as the dependent. IDK I'll get it shorted, but can't until next week.
Turned out to be a pretty decent day. Once we crossed we just went into Boulogne, but didn't stay and headed back East to one of the small towns and had some dinner. Boulogne did not really look like a very inviting place. Was a good learning curve traveling to France though. First time using the Eurotunnel and we were late both on departure and return. Also learned we needed to invest a little more into some different gear and didn't have to pack so much stuff. All in all, it was a good experience and definitely plan to do more rides down south and into France. Lucky for me, my wife speaks, reads, and can write French. BTW I love that you can filter. Saves so much time!
I can speak, read and write the word French too - when she learns more words she will be quite useful !
