Hitchcocks Forum

I am proposing to take my 2088 Royal Enfield 350 Bullet to France and ultimately register it there. I am aware I need a Certificate of Conformity for the authorities in France. Prior to Watsonian Squires withdrawal as importer I believe that I could have obtained one from them. I also know that most of the information required for French registration does appear on the UK V5C registration certifiate, in particular item K type approval number.

However absent from the this document is the french fiscal power code and other information required for French registration. As a consequence the French authorities don't accept the V5C. A Certificate of Conformity would have all these bits and pieces of information to keep the French registration authorities happy (and me!).

I'm okay on the process of registration to be undertaken in France and as a backstop I can have a physical inspection of the bike in France - bit like a super MOT where they look for all the E numbers which will confirm that the bike does comply with European standards. However this comes with a not inconsiderable fee.

Being inventive, I was wondering whether anyone out there has a Certificate of Conformity for a Royal Enfield 350 which I could have a copy of so that I can glean the missing information I need, eg ficscal power, decibel ratings, etc. etc.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Oops I meant 2008!!

A 2088 model? I know there's speculation about Enfield making a Twin, but a Time Machine... wow!
REgards, Mark

I suggest you register with bikeclubfrance.com There is a lot of info on there about importing a UK bike into France. Different departments often seem to have their own interpretion of the rules but I was under the impression you need a COC in French which you can usually obtain from the French distributor. Check out the web-site though - The info is quite detailed and if you're a UK biker in France you may find the site useful anyway.

Thanks Mark, I keep thinking I find the warp drive in between 3rd & 4th but I know I am only dreaming and it's only one of those false neutrals.

Many thanks Mustapha, I'll check out the website link you provided. I had heard that some Departments accept the V5C for registration purposes but I wanted to be fully prepared in case Perigueux is not one of them.

I thought the whole point of the V5C (recently introduced red topped registration document) was to bring it into line with other EU countries? Or is this not the point at issue?
REgards, Mark

You would have thought so Mark M, unfortunately when it comes to bureaucracy France is in a class of its own. It has to keep its small army of civil servants employed somehow and they all have their own interpretion of the rules. Don't even think of arguing with them. Once they've dug their heel in they will not give in even when you've proved they are wrong, especially if you're not naturally French speaking.

Having lived in France for 23 years and speaking almost perfect French, I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately, the system will never change. How's that for pessimism????? Let's hope it doesn't spread over here - or anywhere! Gros bisous... Yorkie Sheila

Thank the gods the ancient Brits had the good sense to build the English Channel!
One of the best books I've ever read - and I keep for reference purposes - is "1000 years of annoying the french" by Stephen Clarke. It should be compulsory reading for every English school kid!