View Full Version : Frame swap ?
Dabteacake
19-08-14, 07:12 PM
Hiya guys. I currently have a German bike and was thinking would it be easier to do a frame swap than register it. Seen as it's an engine swap, then forks as a unit and then swing arm. Would this be a lot of work?
Red Herring
19-08-14, 07:18 PM
Why would it be hard to register it? If you're bringing it to the UK then surely all you have to change is the headlight to get it through an MOT. To do a frame swop you would have to buy a frame with a V5, and they tend to be relatively expensive (and you would still have to find a UK headlight)
Kinda have to aggre with the above.
But it would teach you a good bit about the bike.
And you can do some tactful mods along the way
Dabteacake
19-08-14, 07:44 PM
Bike is here already and has an mot just can't get a straight answer on what to fill out on the forms
Modded the headlight to a flat beam so it passed the MOT
contact the DVLA and ask them, with it being a Euro bike it will be straight forward.
Dabteacake
19-08-14, 08:46 PM
One operator told me I need a certificate of conformity and the other said I do not
Plus I have to insure it to then hope I can get the v5
:( pita
Your have to go via
https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk/vat-and-tax-vehicles-from-within-the-eu
So might be a bit of hassle and your vat
no vat if second hand. so looks like you have to go threw NOVA to register it then go to the DVLA.
Dabteacake
20-08-14, 06:08 AM
This is why I was thinking frame swap and grease all the bearings up. Then I can just tax and insure it lol
It's not as bad as you think.
If you can hang the frame from a stand. (like the ABBA with the frame adaptors) or simply from the roof beam with straps.
Dabteacake
20-08-14, 10:18 AM
Work in a garage. So have access to a 2 post lift so can suspend the frame off that 1 on each side and swap stuff straight over
Jayneflakes
20-08-14, 10:21 AM
If you have a Pointy, buy a curvy main frame and build it up with pointy stuff for a special. With out checking I am sure that parts like Swing arms and forks will be a direct swap, how much effort can it be? :rolleyes:
If you have a Curvy, just drop it in the sea and buy a Pointy! :laughat:
The curvy has a much nicer frame than the pointys extrusion.
But the shock and links are not the same. Maybe why a stock curvy handles better
yorkie_chris
20-08-14, 11:52 AM
not too hard to swap IF everything comes off alright.
Might affect resale value if you care about such things cos frame and engine won't match. Sure if you tell the tale it won't hurt too much. Having paperwork for original bike with engine number helps.
The curvy has a much nicer frame than the pointys extrusion.
But the shock and links are not the same. Maybe why a stock curvy handles better
Yeah linear link rather than progressive.
Is pointy even extruded? Looks like a load of cheap die cast ****e to me...
i would rather do the paperwork.
Jayneflakes
20-08-14, 12:03 PM
Is pointy even extruded? Looks like a load of cheap die cast ****e to me...
How very dare you Sir!
It is clearly very precisely cast, by a nice man in a hat. :laughat:
It does sadden me a little that the Pointy frame is that cheap cast c-section beam when it could have been made from a lovely box section tube, but needs must when the accountant drives. I do love the tubes of the curvy, but that is about it, the plastics and tail are uglier than a pig in make up and trust me I have lived in Devon... :smt112
Grant66
20-08-14, 12:34 PM
Bikes can't be different than importing cars.
When I imported by German registered Audi this is what I needed to do.
UK mot. (you've done this bit)
UK insurance, insured on the chassis number.
Certificate of conformity (it's in the front of the owners handbook).
Talk to DVLA, go to the local office it's easier. Confirm what they need for your circumstance.
Apply to Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), just fill this (http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@motor/documents/digitalasset/dg_071777.pdf) in and send it off. They need proof of UK headlights, speedo in MPH.
Go back to DVLA with your certificate, MOT, Insurance and register it.
Get issued a reg number, inform insurance, tax, deregister with German authority (this was tricky bit as you have to return the plates), done
All done in a couple of weeks with only a couple hours of effort. Back in 2006 road offenses were not linked to the German system so all those flashing cameras and parking tickets just got ignored :)
Biker Biggles
20-08-14, 12:48 PM
i would rather do the paperwork.
Far too easy:?
Is pointy even extruded? Looks like a load of cheap die cast ****e to me...
I was being tactful.But it's a rough old cast.
Working in a garage so have a hot spanner and taps and dies for things that snap.
Engine number can be easily re dressed with the V5
Red Herring
20-08-14, 02:40 PM
I've been keeping nice and quiet in the background after my first post just waiting for someone to venture down a particular path.....but given nobody has I will.
There are only two reasons people would want to change a frame, one is that the one they have is bent (as in damaged), the other that the whole bike is bent, and I don't mean damaged. If you have a straight German bike then it is the simplest thing in the world to re register it over here, provided you have all the right paperwork.
Dabteacake
20-08-14, 05:57 PM
Bike was registered with BFG when I got it. So definitely not knicked lol so I have a BFG form for the bike
Grant 66 all local offices are shut now so can't even get face to face with anybody :(
Red Herring
20-08-14, 08:46 PM
If it was a BFG bike is it already UK spec? You may even find it is already on the DVLA database and all you need is to find the original registration number. Just be aware that if it was registered with BFG from new there may be tax owing on it if you bring it back to the UK, but I think that depends on how old it is.
21QUEST
20-08-14, 09:02 PM
PM the member 'Richie' and have a chat with him.
He did have to re-registered a VFR400 that was originally German registered.
andrewsmith
20-08-14, 09:17 PM
PM the member 'Richie' and have a chat with him.
He did have to re-registered a VFR400 that was originally German registered.
This!
If it's BFG it can be registered. It will need to go to a VOSA station for a full test
sent with the power of thought, through the medium of magic marker
Dabteacake
21-08-14, 06:13 AM
The bike is euro spec as my colleague bought it from a German chap. Them me from him.
andrewsmith
21-08-14, 06:17 AM
Speak to Richie. Sounds similar to the vfr.
You put a UK specification head light on?
sent with the power of thought, through the medium of magic marker
Dabteacake
21-08-14, 06:39 PM
No I modded my euro one to a flatbeam
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