Greetings folks I have some questions as I’m considering a bike project. I have read extensively on EF but cant really find conclusive answers.Said bike is 39 yrs old and expertise as veteran in 2014. I understand this gives lower tax on a limited mileage arrangement with a Longer duration between tests.

The bike is totally standard however an ideal donor for a cafe racer and is an unfinished project. Basic painting and mechanical has been done however purchase also includes a number of modified parts in box’s yet to be fit. So this raises a number of things to clarify:

To achieve veteran status doesn’t the bike have to be totally original? So can you even modify this classification. Or do people achieve this classification in this scenario so they can illegally make the changes only once every six years then revert back to stock for the test.Then of course there are legal ramifications and fines if you are stopped etc. that could be serious and expensive.

I’m guessing the parts are new and from Switzerland so will come with the appropriate paper work from the importer so I would have to find a garage to OK the installation and then have it inspected.

Here is a list of intended modifications:

Tail Light
Saddle
Possible weld in U to reduce seat length of frame
Headlamp
Indicator lights
Exhausts

If all the above are Swiss sourced with paperwork is this doable? Are there other issues that I haven’t thought about. I appreciate any help.

Just put it on normal plates.

Tom

Please read the ASA Guidleine 2b on modification of bikes.https://asa.ch/it/biblioteca-online/direttive/
It is a must read for any wannabee bike modder as it explains the law and regulations. Some modification mus be shown, certified, and will lead to an entry in your gray card. The ASA is the assoiaction of the Strassenverkehrsamt. The very places where you have to bring the bike for inspection.

The welding part is the most tricky one as it must be done by a certified welder and can not be easily undone. Losing veteran status is not much of an issue, except the slightly higher tax and the 2 year inspection period.
Worst part is that the bike may lose value in long term. More and more "Cafe Racer" less and less Bikes in Original condition. If you keep the original parts and only do modification which can be reverted you have the best of both world. A collectible in the future and a hippster bike now.

__________________
"Okay, I just hope we don't wake up on Mars or something surrounded by millions of little squashy guys."

Thanks for the quick responses. Really useful information. I'll take a read of the asa directives. I'm thinking I'll ride it is for the rest of the summer and then next year look at making some modifications. As it's low mileage I think I can live without cutting the frame that way it can be easily returned to stock. Great advice thanks.

Other than cutting and welding (though I do have some repair/strengthening welds due to cracked/broken frames), all of that has been done to my bikes, albeit on normal plates, three of which are old-timers (soon to be four).

In most cantons you can legally remove the blinkers.

Tom

Thanks Tom I think I read all your posts on EF!you certainly helped a lot of people thanks for your input. Any ballpark ideas on annual tax value is 2k 850cc. Another post was useful on insurance hoping to be around 400chf.

CHF 263 / year
https://www.vd.ch/themes/mobilite/au...es/motocycles/

I now its been a while but hopefully its OK to resurrect this thread.

So last summer I got the cash, made arrangements to view and collect the bike and the seller changed his mind. Bike prices peaked for the summer and then dropped over winter and I decided to take the plunge last weekend.

A 1984 BMWR80ST scrambler with only 7000km. The price was super keen because of a bad advert but also the modifications with lack of paperwork.

5yrs ago it was expertised as veteran, with only 1500km on the green card! The owner then took it to a shop in Geneva and it was heavily changed into a scrambler. I have all the original parts but am not sure about the best way to proceed. This is what they did

Powdercoat the spoked wheels black
Powdercoat front forks black
New LED Headlight (have CE paper work)
New minispeedo and tell tail lights
Same handle bars but new clutch lever, break lever and break reservoir.
Motogadget switches
scrambler tyres
BMW K100 tank
Motogadget V2 ecu
New indicators front and rear and stop lights
New rear bolt on subframe and seat (no paperwork)
New exhaust (no paperwork)
New cone filters although the old box remains in place.

So it was a different canton (German Part) and I will need to have it inspected in the French part. My end game is to have it in its modified state and get paperwork for the seat (800CHF) and buy a compliant exhaust with paperwork (1000CHF). I am also new to the inspection process.

I think the easiest option is to register the bike as a none veteran, get the seat paperwork and new exhaust. Can I take it myself with these modifications and the paperwork I have. I understand a lot of the minor work will be OK. Ironically everything has been done (at considerable costs) by bike garages. Do I need any of their paperwork or support, or does it not matter who made the modifications.

Alternatively I can return everything to factory for ease and enjoy the bike for a bit until I figure everything out. This would be a fare bit of work as the weak bit of the build is the electrics (although this is a strong area for me)

Or I could change the subframe seat and exhaust to original and go for a in-between option.

I appreciate any help and insights.

Thanks all