Hi all,

I know this one has been done to death, and whilst I am aware of most of the import rules, I've had an idea and I'm not sure of the implications with regards to importation duty.

I'm going to be back and forth to the UK for a while whilst still remaining resident here. During my trips to the UK, I thought I'd buy a motorbike and store it at a mates place for when I'm there.

I then had an idea. Bike prices and general quality of used bikes seems much, much higher in the UK. So the idea was that instead of getting a cheap run around, I'd actually get rid of my CH bike, and get a decent bike in the UK. Once I've finished the work contract and am full time back in CH I'd like to bring it back and have it imported (btw, B permit not in danger as only in the UK 2 to 3 days a week).

Now I know what I'd have to change on it, and I'm aware of the MFK etc requirements. What I'm not sure about is if I would be charged tax.

I will have owned the bike for more than the 6 months that the Zoll lot look for, however I will have been resident in CH for 2 years by that point.

I've looked at the website but not found the answers, and before I give them a call I thought I'd ask if anybody else knew anything.

Yes, you pay import duties and Mwst in these circumstances.

I think You're wrong about the quality of bikes in the uk though - 2nd hand bikes in CH are much better deals IMO.

I suppose it all depends on what bike you're looking for. I'll give the example of the Triumph Sprint 955 ST. After comparing Autotrader.co.uk and Motorradhandel.ch, I have to say, the UK bikes are normally much younger, cheaper, better equiped and considerably cheaper.

The only issue is the work required to get them to Swiss spec, and the import duties...

Did I mention cheaper?

Also, the mileage is considerably smaller too. Again it all depends on the bike you're after I suppose...