Bring Motorcycle??

Hey guys,
  I have a 2003 R1 here in the US. Do you think I should bring it with me to Birmingham? I am not sure about the weather/road conditions. I am a wuss when it comes to riding in weather under 55 deg F but I also like to ride hard. (IE..lean the bike all the way over)
Should I bring my bike or just look for a cheap one there to satisfy my addiction?

Thanks for any response!

I would say shipping it would be cheaper than buying a new one, so I'd bring it. 

Bring it... but be prepared that the weather will often be under 55f.

Hi there scer

My dh is a biker here and he says buy one here (used ones are pretty reasonable-check on Autotrader.co.uk and ebay-seen them here for 2500-3500 GBP). If you ship it over, there will be charges here to have it SVA'D to meet standards for road worthiness in the UK, be MOT'd as it is more than 3 years old, and then register it with DVLA-more fees.  In addition, insurance will be higher as it will be an import and you'll be on a US licence. You'll need to remember that after 1 year you'll need to qualify for a UK licence (this goes for cars as well) and if you want to ride the big bikes after the year, you'll need to do DAS training.

Be prepared to buy a new helmet as the Snell and DOT standards are not recognised here. BTW if you didn't know already, helmets are compulsory here.  And, yes, the weather here can be foul. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

Hi there scer

My dh is a biker here and he says buy one here (used ones are pretty reasonable-check on Autotrader.co.uk and ebay-seen them here for 2500-3500 GBP). If you ship it over, there will be charges here to have it SVA'D to meet standards for road worthiness in the UK, be MOT'd as it is more than 3 years old, and then register it with DVLA-more fees.  In addition, insurance will be higher as it will be an import and you'll be on a US licence. You'll need to remember that after 1 year you'll need to qualify for a UK licence (this goes for cars as well) and if you want to ride the big bikes after the year, you'll need to do DAS training.

Be prepared to buy a new helmet as the Snell and DOT standards are not recognised here. BTW if you didn't know already, helmets are compulsory here.  And, yes, the weather here can be foul. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

ok, first off, what does "dh" mean? I am assuming it is something like "devoted husband" or such. Of course "dh" can mean something entire different and not quite as endearing. I am sure you can figure it out. 
That is a such a long list of things to take care of to bring the bike over. I see what the others on this thread are saying. However, I guess due to the not so warm weather and the "to do" list to ship in a bike, I will just leave it here. Either sell it before I leave or ship it after being there for a while. Thanks for the help!! Tell your "dh" I appreciate his honesty.

Thanks for the help!! Tell your "dh" I appreciate his honesty.

Hey!  >>nudge<<  we were *all* being honest, not just Begbielass's DH!      

I couldnt have afforded to ship my bikes, so never even looked into the prospect.

Hey!  >>nudge<<  we were *all* being honest, not just Begbielass's DH!      

I couldnt have afforded to ship my bikes, so never even looked into the prospect.

HAHA! oops..I stand corrected.
I am considering that too. Saving up to a couple of grand by just leaving it here is a perk.

HAHA! oops..I stand corrected.

i'll let you off... 

Yes, I think the 'd' stands for 'dear' but there are some days when it is something less endearing as you say LOL!  Sorry for the long list, but he thought you should be prepared (one biker to another).

Kind regards

Sarah

i'll let you off... 

I appreciate it.. I would like to use the "I am not from here" excuse while I can.

Yes, I think the 'd' stands for 'dear' but there are some days when it is something less endearing as you say LOL!  Sorry for the long list, but he thought you should be prepared (one biker to another).
Kind regards
Sarah

No worries at all! I am glad you took the time to type it. It really helps to think of things in a realistic view..especially when it comes to time and money. Guess I will just have to start looking for a ride to buy when I get there. Do you have a bike yourself?

Regards as well 
Oscar

Hi Scer,

Yamaha R1's abound aplenty in the classifieds ads so if you want the same bike as you're already used to it, you should be able to pick one up no problem, even the same year and it'll save you a packet compared to a new one.
As for wet weather riding, there's plenty of riders/bikers who do so in the damp wet cold climate we have here, so you should be fine on that side of things, maybe ride some quieter roads to get used to it and then maybe tackle the bigger roads etc.

I'm not a biker - thought about it a few years ago and got to the front door of the showroom one time for a R6 - but didn't go through with it. When I do have some wonga lying around, I'll probably go for the Ariel Atom intead

Also, look in the various Biker magazines and of course the Biker onlien forums for more of a focussed picture.
Hope this helps!
Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

That Atom looks like a mini-formula car. Pretty cool. Thanks for additional info. Makes me happy that there are so many R1's over there. Not that I won't ride anything else, I just like that bike a lot. Maybe since I am a little closer and will finally make some "wonga", I could convince myself to pick up the 1098 instead.

Damp riding really doesn't bother me much. It's the cold that comes with it.  :\\\'(

Thanks again

Hence the saying, "There is no bad weather, just the wrong clothes (gear)." 

Hence the saying, "There is no bad weather, just the wrong clothes (gear)." 

Your right but a polar bear riding an R1 is a sight I don't want to make either. 

Heated vests and gloves!