View Full Version : Rider moving to NW UK from Charlotte, NC
I hope this is an ok question to post here. I am an SV rider in the US and will be moving to the Manchester area in early 2005, on a several year work visa. No offence, but I wont be moving there permanently! I have has a liscence here for 20 years. I want to bring my bike, but have no idea where to find info on liscences, max cc requirements, insurance, inspection, etc. Any suggestions on where to start? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Gabby :)
Cloggsy
10-12-04, 12:25 AM
Try here (http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/exptimpt.htm) first Gabby - This is our Driving & Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) :wink:
nuntius
10-12-04, 02:32 AM
Also Motorcycle news (www.mcn.co.uk) is a good general resource for bikes in britain.
Moving to Manchester? 8)
Don't forget your waterproofs, you'll need 'em :lol:
timwilky
10-12-04, 07:15 AM
My understanding of UK requirements is that you must pass a UK test within 12 months. However during that time you are not subject to learner restrictions, which means you can ride any bike unaccompanied without learner plates and on motorways etc. However, after 12 months you step down to a learner.
Should be interesting as in order to pass test you must have undertaken a compulsory basic training course (1 day and is training not a test) plus a theory test (extreamly easy) then the practical test (approx 40 minutes ride accompanied by an examiner, who is looking for safe riding you demonstrating observation, compliance with road regulations, etc.)
Only silly part is a requirement to do a uturn on a narrow road without putting foot down (exercise in slow speed manouvering really clutch/brake) and an emergency stop where you must not lock up . But I can imagine their faces when you turn up at test centre on own bike bike without L plates etc. Even better if you should fail you still can get on bike and ride away.
Might be advised to borrow a bike for test due to SV crap ability to turn in a slow tight circle
There are a few of us here from the Manchester area and some good biking roads once you leave the city. But avoid north wales as the police there are facist *******s.
See you on the rideouts early next year then!
Professor
10-12-04, 11:51 AM
You will indeed need to take a UK test within 12 months.
UK tests, both car and motorcycle, are notoriously difficult. I moved to the
UK in 1991 and passed my UK car test in 1992. Despite having extensive
driving experience I had to take driving lessons. I realised that without
lessons I simply won't know the things the UK examiners are looking for.
And things have become much tougher since 1992. I know one elderly
gentleman who drove a car all his life, but having moved to the UK
couldn't pass the test despite spending a year doing lessons.
Professor
10-12-04, 12:00 PM
PS. The "Long way round" documentary is a good illustration of the
difficulty of the UK motorcycle test. Their cameraman, who, apparently,
had been riding a bike all his life, failed his UK motorcycle test on the
first attempt. Really sorry to bring this all up, but it is better to know the
situation in advance.
Prof, you'll put the guy off!!! If I can pass, anyone can.
Cloggsy
10-12-04, 12:22 PM
Prof, you'll put the guy off!!! If I can pass, anyone can.
Is she transexual now :shock:
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Scooby Drew
10-12-04, 01:48 PM
I am South African and when I moved here and as long as I applied before a year was up, my licence was converted to a UK licence with full entitlement without having to be retested. This was done in Oct 2000.
The law may have changed so see the DVLA website on this.
Carsick
10-12-04, 02:03 PM
This (http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/drvingb.htm) looks like the relevent page.
Scooby, the reason you just had to exchange yours was because you're from one of the 'designated' countries.
Canada is on the list, but not the US.
All, Thanks very much for all of your replies and suggestions. I really appreciate your help. And no, I am not trans-sexual! You must not have too many female riders over there..... All that said, it sounds like the drivers test should be lots of fun too. We should be on the south side of Manchester, so hopefully that will keep us out of too much city traffic. Hope to meet you next year on the roads. Gabby
See the section on foreign drivers (http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/drvingb.htm) for the exact requirements, but it wold appear that as a US license holder you'll have to sit a UK driving test withing 12 months of coming here.
I've sat a US driving test (in Florida) as well as over here and I can assure you that the test is much more rigourous over here, so you'll probably need to invest in some lessons to prepare you for the test.
You should also weigh up the pros & cons of bring a US spec bike over here. Firstly there's the cost which ain't going to be cheap. Secondly it'lll have to be fit for UK roads and to pass a UK MOT. I don't know what differences there are, but again this could involve cost.
Have you considered buying a bike over here? The depreciation over a few years will probably only amount to much more than the cost of transporting a bike from the US.
Prof, you'll put the guy off!!! If I can pass, anyone can.
Is she transexual now :shock:
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Oooh, sorry Gabby, I just typed it without thinking :stupid:
It's fairly typical that folks think all riders are boys.
timwilky
11-12-04, 07:47 AM
Once you are here, check out the pennine massive (http://forums.sv650.org/viewforum.php?f=21&sid=8399f08f6e2ad627ad516133f91f4fd9) section
wheelnut
11-12-04, 09:55 AM
I am South African and when I moved here and as long as I applied before a year was up, my licence was converted to a UK licence with full entitlement without having to be retested. This was done in Oct 2000.
The law may have changed so see the DVLA website on this.
I think that is still the case. No need to do a retest unless you are a lorry driver.
A car and Bike licence can be exchanged here, no problem. :D
The lorry test requires another test immediately and that works both ways.
If I want to drive in the states, I have to do my CDL, so americans have to take our Class 1 or C + E test
Carsick
11-12-04, 01:24 PM
I am South African and when I moved here and as long as I applied before a year was up, my licence was converted to a UK licence with full entitlement without having to be retested. This was done in Oct 2000.
The law may have changed so see the DVLA website on this.
I think that is still the case. No need to do a retest unless you are a lorry driver.
It's true for a list of about 20 countries, America isn't one of them.
Might be advised to borrow a bike for test due to SV crap ability to turn in a slow tight circle
Not true. It can be done.
Professor
11-12-04, 07:20 PM
Might be advised to borrow a bike for test due to SV crap ability to turn in a slow tight circle
Not true. It can be done.
Is there anyone on this website who succeeded in passing the test on
an SVS? :shock: :?:
You should also weigh up the pros & cons of bring a US spec bike over here. Firstly there's the cost which ain't going to be cheap. Secondly it'lll have to be fit for UK roads and to pass a UK MOT. I don't know what differences there are, but again this could involve cost.
I'd say off hand that the only thing that'll need to be changed will be the headlight, so that it dips the right way(ebay ;) ). Everything else should be fine. I think US bikes have their headlights wired ON, but so do some recent models here.
Might be advised to borrow a bike for test due to SV crap ability to turn in a slow tight circle
Not true. It can be done.
Is there anyone on this website who succeeded in passing the test on
an SVS? :shock: :?:
I did mine on the BMS loan CB500 (the shame of riding a Honda) but anybody who wants to watch me do the same U-turn on my SVS is welcome to watch. :lol:
Professor
11-12-04, 08:11 PM
You should also weigh up the pros & cons of bring a US spec bike over here. Firstly there's the cost which ain't going to be cheap. Secondly it'lll have to be fit for UK roads and to pass a UK MOT. I don't know what differences there are, but again this could involve cost.
I'd say off hand that the only thing that'll need to be changed will be the headlight, so that it dips the right way(ebay ;) ). Everything else should be fine. I think US bikes have their headlights wired ON, but so do some recent models here.
The headlight unit is quite expensive: the official Suzuki price is £182.31+ VAT
for an SVS K3. And on ebay there are not easy to find, and when you
manage to find one it usually turns out that it has some defects.
I know this from personal experience. Last year I scratched the lens
on one of my headlights while parking at work + later added to the damage
by covering the headlights with very sticky black tape during a funeral.
In the end I decided to bite the bullet and bought a new headlight unit
paying the full price.
All, Thanks very much for all of your replies and suggestions. I really appreciate your help. And no, I am not trans-sexual! You must not have too many female riders over there..... All that said, it sounds like the drivers test should be lots of fun too. We should be on the south side of Manchester, so hopefully that will keep us out of too much city traffic. Hope to meet you next year on the roads. Gabby
Remember, our roads have bends in them ;);)
650newb
12-12-04, 02:21 AM
Remember, our roads have bends in them
yeah lots of em, but i think theres more potholes in the roads than there are bends
What's with this MOT thing? Checking the angle of the headlight dip, you must be kidding! Selling a bike with the original exhaust, just to pass MOT once a year, again, you must be kidding! Really, are you guys serious??? Confused in rural North Carolina.
Oh yeah, I am not below riding a Honda, really. What is the deal with loaners to pass the test? Actually, I will ride just about any brand motorcycle, but I am not sure I can go from my 1000cc bike here to a 125cc learner permit without feeling cheated! Gabby
timwilky
12-12-04, 07:57 AM
What's with this MOT thing? Checking the angle of the headlight dip, you must be kidding! Selling a bike with the original exhaust, just to pass MOT once a year, again, you must be kidding! Really, are you guys serious??? Confused in rural North Carolina.
All vehicles (cars/bikes) over 3 years old are subject to an annual test( MOT or Ministry of transport) What is actually checked is well defined but includes for a bike
(cut for gov site)
Lights - condition, operation, security, and correct colour of headlamp(s), rear lights, indicators and reflectors. Also the headlamp(s) will be checked to see if the aim is correct
Steering and suspension - condition, security and operation including: forks, mountings, controls, bearings, etc
Horn - correct operation and the right type
Exhaust system - complete, secure, correct type and not too noisy
Side car - includes checks on: attachment, suspension, wheel bearings, wheel alignment, lights and tyres
Wheel alignment - correct alignment of front and rear wheels
Frame - free from cracks, damage, distortion or corrosion which is likely to affect steering or brakes
Wheels and tyres - wheel condition and security, tyre condition, size and type, and tread depth
Brakes - condition, operation and performance (efficiency test),and brake controls
General items - condition and security of final drive, footrests and seat.
Oh yeah, I am not below riding a Honda, really. What is the deal with loaners to pass the test? Actually, I will ride just about any brand motorcycle, but I am not sure I can go from my 1000cc bike here to a 125cc learner permit without feeling cheated! Gabby
so long as you take your test within your first 12 months you don't need to do it on a 125, you could simply turn up on your normal bike. so long as it is greater than 35kW. As you would have to go through the cbt (1 day training not a test) as a requirement for the test you would have been exposed to a riding school. They are mostly geared up for providing DAS (Direct Access Scheme ) which is designed to train you to an acceptable level to pass the bike test. I know my local school advises people on taking their cbt, how much extra training they require to pass the test. Thier costs normally work out about £100 a day to include bike hire/ insurance/ instruction etc. but I am sure most would reduce the cost to provide instruction only whilst you used your own bike. Normally when you sign up for a DAS course it would also include the bike hire whilst you undertook the test.
However, the best way forward is wait until you get over here. Meet up with a few of us and let us advise you of the bike schools, laws etc at the time. Seriously their are a few goverment imposed restrictions over here in our lives. Personal view,some good some bad.
Good
Drink/drug driving
Driving whilst using cell phones (Still a problem)
Bad
National speed limit is 70mph on motorways. Harks back to the 60s. should be at least 90 as thats what most people actually do if they have clear road ahead.
control of licencing hours (When you can buy alchol)
private ownership of firearms. (Cost me when my legal guns became illegal overnight)
Safety cameras (speed cameras used for revenue collection purposes)
Inland revenue (just been hit by a tax assessment, ouch) :(
Gabby
Do you know where abouts your moving to? There are some notorious districts south of Manchester if you are going to be close to the city. Much better further out. There are a few of us from that area on here if you are looking for advance info on the area.
Ratty
I will be working for AstraZeneca in Alderly Edge, so I hope to move close to there. My husband is a BMW Master Technician and will look into possibly working at a BMW dealer. I know there is one in Handforth. I expect we will be very surprised but the rental prices there compared to here. Gabby
Alderley Edge is very very nice.
mudge32
14-12-04, 09:53 AM
Alderley Edge :shock: Blimey verrrrry posh :D
Gabby,
not sure if it's already been said, but don't bother to bring your motorcycle. To insure it here, it must be registered in the UK, certainly on the timescales you're talking. To do this it must have certain certificates that you may find extremely difficult to obtain (they are usually issued at manufacture). Then it must also pass an MOT, which it will fail in its current state. Lots of hassle...
You'd save yourself time, money and hassle by selling up in the US, and buying something here in the UK. Tough I know, but you are talking long term here.
Professor
14-12-04, 01:56 PM
Gabby,
not sure if it's already been said, but don't bother to bring your motorcycle. To insure it here, it must be registered in the UK, certainly on the timescales you're talking. To do this it must have certain certificates that you may find extremely difficult to obtain (they are usually issued at manufacture). Then it must also pass an MOT, which it will fail in its current state. Lots of hassle...
You'd save yourself time, money and hassle by selling up in the US, and buying something here in the UK. Tough I know, but you are talking long term here.
I imported a foreign car to the UK in 1991 (actually my family and I
moved to the UK in this car) and I drove it with foreign license plates for
18 months before it had to be destroyed due to customs regulations. In
my case it made sense because the car moved us and our stuff here +
the car itself cost me £250 (!!!) brand new. But I agree with BillyC that in
Gabby's case importing a bike isn't worth the hassle.
Alderley Edge - Verrry nice.
Reputed to have more millionaires than anywhere else in the UK, and thats sterling millions not dollars.
But aside, there are some excellent roads around that part of Cheshire, and its an ideal base for Derbyshire, North Wales, Lake District and even....Yorkshire :lol:
timwilky
14-12-04, 02:51 PM
Alderley Edge - Verrry nice.
Reputed to have more millionaires than anywhere else in the UK, and thats sterling millions not dollars.
But aside, there are some excellent roads around that part of Cheshire, and its an ideal base for Derbyshire, North Wales, Lake District and even....Yorkshire :lol:
PLEASE PLEASE Dont advise anyone to ride in North Wales. whilst the roads, scenary etc are fantastic the same cannot be said for the local plod.
Said plod have in the past called me a f*cking english ******* and escorted me back to the English border and that was in the days before their chief constable decided that crime was too difficult so he would concentrate on speeding instead.
Alderley Edge - Verrry nice.
Reputed to have more millionaires than anywhere else in the UK, and thats sterling millions not dollars.
Ah............me old home ground 8)
Anywhere round there is nice, but as others have said, a bit posh and pricey. Prestbury, anyone? Wilmslow?
You could look at Poynton and Disley/High Lane. If you go to Disley then go in The Dandy **** pub for lunch and a beer or two - my sister is the landlady. Obviously, don't ask "Are you Jabba's sister?" :thumbsup:
But aside, there are some excellent roads around that part of Cheshire, and its an ideal base for Derbyshire, North Wales, Lake District and even....Yorkshire :lol:
Thinks..............Long Hill, Cat 'n' Fiddle, Whaley Bridge to Macclesfield via Kettleshulme..........
Thanks to all. I have come to the conclusion that buying over there will be easier than shipping over. Too bad. Also noted that the Alderly Edge area could be well out of my price range. Oh well. Have to start somewhere! It definitely wont suck if it turns out I CAN afford it!!! Gabby
vtwinner
15-12-04, 05:10 PM
Hi Gabby, I live in South Manchester, if you're working in Alderley you've got some great areas in Cheshire to look at for housing, Macclesfield, Congleton, Holmes Chapel etc are all a short distance away.
The North West also is home to a number of quality football teams and Liverpool are also nearby.
See you when you get over
The North West also is home to a number of quality football teams
Just for clarification, that will be "soccer" :lol:
and Liverpool are also nearby
Aye - Evertonians are laughing at the moment :wink:
I imagine that is only the first new word I will need to learn. Just reading this forum is big enough challenge. At least, knowing bikes means I can figure out most words. Now, the remaining question, will I be able to understand you guys through those accents??? Only time will tell. [/quote]
timwilky
16-12-04, 01:36 AM
Don't worry. We in the northwest are perhaps the most cosmopolitan of brits. We tend not to be the inbred stereotypes you find in film of visits to "the smoke".
You will be visiting arguably the best biking area of the uk and for the cudos you are just 30 minutes ride from the ferry over to the TT.
just remember life in the uk is a system of priorities
Beer, family, beer, work, beer, leisure
BTW Homer is regarded as god here :lol: but only a middle order ranker to the great god of saturday afternoon. yes you guessed it beer. no thats what you drink at half time whilst watching Blackburn Rovers, well we do need something to cry into lately
mpaton2004
03-01-05, 08:57 PM
Hi,
Financially wise, moving to Alderley Edge from North Carolina will be the equivalent of moving to NYC and renting a loft in Central Park.
I live quite close to the Alderley Edge area, and prices start from around £125k (about $230,000) for a small shed and go up to seven figures quite quickly for anything of stature. Just as a comparision I was due to move over near to the IN/IL border ( Chicago/South Bend area ) a couple of years ago and went over to look at some homes. I was amazed at what my money would buy me - a 5 bedroom place in an executive estate with double garage, pool etc.. over here that same money won't get you a 1 bedroom flat in Alderley Edge.
In that area rental wise you will be looking at about £1000-1500 a month for something half decent, which is ridiculous.
I don't think you will get much change from £500-750 a month for anywhere to be honest. I've got friends who rent tiny flats above shops in the Chorlton area who pay £500 a month.
I would advise you to look well away from the city and commute in, which is great for biking :)
Some recommended areas around Manchester:
North - Edenfield, Hawkshaw, North Bury (around the hills, stunning for biking)
West - Worsley (expensive), Bowdon (expensive), Urmston
East - Mossley, Whaley Bridge - you have one of the best biking roads in the country within distance there (the snake pass to Sheffield bast the reservoir)
South -Congleton, Macclesfield is good.
Thanks for the tips. We should be there in mid to late February, just in time for Spring! Still cant decide whether to bring or buy bikes. Seems like new headlight assemblys will cost $500 each. Oh well. Gabby
Thanks for the tips. We should be there in mid to late February, just in time for Spring! Still cant decide whether to bring or buy bikes. Seems like new headlight assemblys will cost $500 each. Oh well. Gabby
It seriously will be more hassle than it's worth...
... as for Spring... bring your waterproofs!
Cloggsy
13-01-05, 03:13 PM
We should be there in mid to late February, just in time for Spring!
:lol: :lol: :lol: You'd better leave it a month then, or maybe even 6 weeks :roll:
I am thinking about buying a new rainsuit when I get there. Surely, you guys know how to make a better rain suit that these folks here.
Cloggsy
13-01-05, 03:15 PM
I am thinking about buying a new rainsuit when I get there. Surely, you guys know how to make a better rain suit that these folks here.
Don't be so sure... :roll:
Steve H
13-01-05, 03:43 PM
I am thinking about buying a new rainsuit when I get there. Surely, you guys know how to make a better rain suit that these folks here.
Don't be so sure... :roll:
Yeah, do we actually still manufacture anything here in Britain?
..........apart from Boy/Girl bands and C class celebs? :wink:
I went to buy some rain gear a while back. Saw this gear called Frank Thomas and figured "hmmm, make in the UK, well it's GOTTA be waterproof." Well turns out that waterproof is open to interpretation. Some advice? Buy an aerostich suit (if you can figure out the true spelling you can find em on line) Waterproof, armored, reflective, allround good kit.
Best of luck in the UK. From what I read, it will be an adventure. I personally would love to visit one day. Well, we are pretty much part of the union anyway.(Canada that is) The Queen is still on all our currency, her portrait hangs in the House of Commons, hell our lawyers even wear black gowns. Ok, I am rambling now. Have a good time there and ride safe.
Carsick
14-01-05, 09:48 AM
Yeah, Frank Thomas seems to be known as not being waterproof now.
Revit isn't bad for waterproof, Spada is pretty fantastic, Richa is alright and Rukka have mixed reviews.
Not all made in the UK, but all kit I have experience with to some degree.
Funny, here "never seen rain" is a commonly used selling point for used bikes. You'd be shocked at how many people here won't ride in the rain, period. Kinda embarassing, especially when I read some of the conditions you guys (and gals) deal with daily. Then again, a large percentage of bikes here are for weekend and pleasure use exclusively so that's a big part of it.
Carsick
14-01-05, 10:02 AM
Oh, lots of people here are nancies as well.
You often see "only dry miles" on adverts here, though I don't really believe them.
Steve H
14-01-05, 10:19 AM
Carsick, Yeah, if thats true, with the weather we get in this country, they must ride their bikes about 24 hours every year! :wink:
Carsick
14-01-05, 10:22 AM
Heh, indeed.
Though, if you look at the supposed average mileage of a bike per year of 4000 miles and compare that to what more than a few people here do. Then there must be a significant number doing extremely low miles.
BTW, I will ignore anybody who tries to refute this post with reasoned logic or any form of mathematics. :wink:
I dont ride in the rain...did about 180 miles last year.... :D
Steve H
14-01-05, 11:00 AM
I dont ride in the rain...did about 180 miles last year.... :D
Whats the point of paying insurance and road tax then? :?
I dont ride in the rain...did about 180 miles last year.... :D
Whats the point of paying insurance and road tax then? :?
Just hadn't had the time last year. only 140 notes for tax and insurance anyways. Will make up for it this year though. May even meet some of you this year (..awating remark from cloggsy... 8) )
Steve H
14-01-05, 12:23 PM
I dont ride in the rain...did about 180 miles last year.... :D
Whats the point of paying insurance and road tax then? :?
Just hadn't had the time last year. only 140 notes for tax and insurance anyways. Will make up for it this year though. May even meet some of you this year (..awating remark from cloggsy... 8) )
Fair enough. But make sure you get out there and ride the Green Meanie this year! :D
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