Forum

[Bobw]

After building one of Mr H,s special bike conversions how do you get the log book changed to identify the 'new bike' and what's the best way of getting it insured? Do non-standard indicators and extreme back lights etc cause any problems? Thanks for your help.

[Adrian]

In what way is it a new bike? If it still has the original frame or most of it, it ought to keep its existing registration number. Just have a look at the changes section of your V5C and fill in any that are applicable, eg change of engine and/or engine capcity, colour, fuel, and send it off to Swansea for a replacement with the amended details.



Anything else significant which you have done, but which is not on that V5C list still needs to be declared to the insurance company, you may have to change to a more specials-friendly policy or insurer.



Having had a bit of a struggle before Carole Nash would accept my current project on their vintage policy, I do wonder with hindsight whether we might be advised to make a few enquires with existing and potential insurers about their attitude towards customized bikes BEFORE we start placing big orders with our hosts!



A.

[papasmurf]

If you have only modified an already registered bike, and used bolt on "goodies" from our hosts, unless otherwise stated in their catalogue they will be CE compliant.
Photographs to an insurer should be sufficient any changes that vary from the details in the log books means the DVLA should be told. (Like a complete change of colour.)
If you have installed any major engine power enhancements you will need to inform the insurance company.
However since power and Royal Enfield is somewhat of an oxymoron compared with something like a non learner Aprilia 125 some of which can poke out 40bhp I can't see you having a problem.

[Bobw]

Thanks for the reply guys much as I suspected. I just seems amazing that an imported or new bike has to have a certificate of conformity and or an SVA but once registered you can carve it up, bolt on anything you like, approved or not and its ok and that the MOT only checks for operation and function not approval. 612 GT here I go!

[PeteF]

Yes Bob, it's rather nice that we are allowed to alter and customize machines in this way but I wonder for how much longer? I fear there are moves afoot to stop this, at least as far as the power train is concerned. Do tell your insurers about all alterations though or you could well void your policy.

[Bullet Whisperer]

On the other hand, perhaps the less said the better. Your average Plod will probably not spot any giveaway signs of any changes and just about no two Bullets are the same in any case. It was probably nearly 20 years ago when I fitted a Hyde 850 kit to my Trident. My insurers at the time told me to keep it as a '750', they weren't bothered about the increase in capacity and to also leave the V5 unchanged, as no one other than a Brit bike enthusiast was likely to ever notice - their words, not mine. Currently, our 500 Bullet racer has a V5c, it is registered as a Royal Enfield Bullet 500, which is what it is, the fact it will top 125mph is totally irrelevant. If you offer information not requested, you risk digging yourself a bigger and bigger hole. Each to their own, but there are many Triumph 3TA's, T90's, Bullets, AJS's etc out there with larger capacities than stated on their registration documents, harmlessly going about their business without making waves. I am now going down to my bunker in anticipation of a good flaming! Regards, Paul.

[Adrian]

Hi Paul,



this is not a flame, this is just my concern/nightmare. If I WERE to be involved in a serious accident, and an insurance company assessor were to seize upon some undeclared modification, they could declare my insurance void and leave me absolutely stuffed on several levels. Not only could I be totally on my own regarding personal injury compensation and/or motorcycle repair/replacement, BUT ALSO I could be taken to the cleaners and hung out to dry for third party injury or damage claims, think ambulance chasing lawyers.



If having to spend extra time wrangling with my insurer and having my premium loaded (because I have changed my gearing by fitting the NotaFury with a 5 speed gearbox while trying to insure on their vintage bike policy) is unwelcome, it is still preferable to the above scenario.

.

I am not trying to be alarmist, it's just one of those "world we live in" situations. (



A.

[ric]

Apparently if you increased your engine capacity and as a result enter a higher taxation class and fail to notify DVLA it's called evasion of excise duty
Such common examples would include converting a 350 into a 450/500, or converting a 500 into a 612...
I imagine a void insurance policy would be the least of anyones worries considering the maximum penalty available.

[PeteF]

I agree Adrian, they will find any excuse to void cover. On a brighter note, I declared every modification on my trail Cub, which was quite a list, but the insurers didn't want any extra premium.