World Regional requirements for Big Dog Motorcycles

KnotSo · Feb 24, 2015

This is going to be an interesting thread

:2thumbs:

mzinna · Feb 24, 2015

WOW.... I have to say... I hate the regulations in Australia! If I were to relocate to another country... I'd leave Australia off my choices..
Nothing bad to say about that country, Just wouldn't want to RUIN my bike's Great looks, sound, ride and feel.... YUCK!!

Brew · Feb 25, 2015

I think the one that sucks to me is the hard tails extending the rear fender. I think they look bad azz as they are...

francoblay1 · Feb 25, 2015

I am sure I posted this before but can´t find it...

Here ya go:

European laws.

Drinking and driving. The UK actually has some of the highest blood alcohol limits in Western Europe so, although beer & wine is cheep and readily available, the only answer to drink driving is, don't do it.
Speed limits

Speed limit information is available here Driving abroad, speed limits in europe, driving in europe, with Drive-Alive.

Remember that France has a different motorway speed limit when it's wet. (110kph rather than 130kph)

French town speed limits start at the sign with the town name on it and end at the sign with the town name crossed out.

Many European countries will issue on the spot fines. If you can't pay (cash only) they may confiscate your bike! Get a receipt. (If you don't have cash it has been known for plod to escort you to the nearest cash point.)

You can get an instant on the spot ban in France for excessive speed. While this may not currently effect your UK license, it does mean you will not be able to ride your bike from where you were stopped to the French border!

Note that not all of German autobahns are de-restricted and they can be quite enthusiastic at enforcement on the restricted sections.

There is currently no ability for any of the European countries to put points on your license but they can levy substantial fines against you. As our UK government is happy to sell the DVLA vehicle registration details to any and all who will pay, it is becoming more common for fines to arrive through the post after your trip away.
Filtering

Filtering (lane splitting) is accepted in most European countries when traffic is stopped or moving slowly. In France it's illegal and the police on the “Peripherique” around Paris have been using some dirty tricks to catch bikers out. See here: Traffic filtering in France: Police dirty tricks lead to racket | UK France bikers.com
however, most French bikers filter so we just "go with the flow"

Documents and equipment.

Make sure you have your passport, license, V5, and insurance certificate with you at all times. If you are stopped and don't have them, your bike can be confiscated. (See the Hints & Tips page for advice on how best to carry your documents.)

If you have a photocard license then the photocard bit is the only part that is actually required. However, we suggest taking the paper section as well.

There is no requirement for motorcycles to carry a warning triangle (as there is with cars)

France, and we assume some other European countries, require motorcycles to carry a spare bulb kit.

There is no requirement for motorcycles to carry a full high vis. jacket (as there is with cars) for French AutoRoute's but the French now insist that all motorcyclists wear some reflective material. It has to be no smaller than 150 sq cm or 10cm x 15cm and be visible.

It's not compulsory, but carrying a small first aid kit is a good idea.

If you require prescription glasses then it is a legal requirement in Spain and France (possibly other countries as well) to have a spare pair with you. (We presume this also applies if you are wearing contact lenses.)

If you plan to visit the Nurburgring, do check your insurance small print. Most UK insurance will NOT cover you! This means that if you have an accident, you will have to pay, but also means that, as the 'Ring is a public road, you are breaking the law when riding without insurance!

Helmets are compulsory in all European countries. That applies to pillion passengers as well.

Asymmetric headlights should be masked on the dip beam for use on the other side of the road. (We don't bother and have never had any problems but we avoid riding much at night.).

GB stickers should be shown. With bikes it's actually much easier to get a newer "Euro standard" number plate with the built in GB details on it. (You can get smaller than standard versions - strictly for show use only!!!)

While not yet compulsory in all European countries, it is in some, including France and Germany, so leaving your headlight on all the time is a good way to help avoid attracting the attention of local plod.

From July 2012 it will be compulsory to carry a breathalyser kit in France. This applies to motorcycles as well as cars. However, while compulsary to carry one, there is no penalty for not carrying one!!! (Only in France!!!)

Radar/laser detectors are illegal in many European countries.

France does not allow the use of sat. nav. based speed camera detectors/warnings. Note though that 'le Plod' is not allowed to turn your sat. nav. on if it is switched off when they pull you over!

France requires that motorcyclists have reflective stickers on their helmet. The rules state "All helmets must have four reflective stickers: one on the front, one at the rear and one on each side. The surface of each sticker must be 18 cm2 and, within each sticker, you must be able to draw a 40 mm diameter circle, or a 12.50 cm2 rectangle with a minimum of 20 mm length". Some of the Old Gits don't bother!

English Translation of the French Highway Code may be found here.

Useful number.

You can dial 112 from any mobile phone in any country in Europe and it will connect you to the local emergency service.

Essentially subdivided into two categories (leaving the mopeds out of the equation for the moment).

Bikes suited for the restricted license (sub 25kW bikes)
Full power bikes (notable exception here is Germany which subdivides these again into Amax 100hp and actual full power bikes)

Bikes that fit into the first category are, amongst others:

all 125cc bikes,
250-400cc bikes, as long as their power output does not exceed 25kW or 0.16kW/kg/kg,
selected larger models that have been detuned. (For the posers, a few years ago a Kawasaki ZZR1100 could be bought which only produced 25kW, the looks of a big bike, but......)

All other bikes are considered Full Power.

NB: If the engine size does not exceed 49.9cc, and 3kW the bike is classified as a moped. Thus you can have a 50cc motorcycle.... Mopeds are further classified according to their maximum allowable speed. If it is restricted to 30km/h (in some countries 35km/h) you are allowed to ride it without a helmet. With speeds restricted to maximum 50km/h a helmet is required. If it goes faster it is classified either as a motorcycle or if it does not sport a license plate it’s illegal. (NB: countries like the Netherlands require mopeds to only have an insurance plate, motorcycles require to be insured and have a license plate)

In France motorcycles are limited to max horsepower limit of 106bhp. Tuning is illegal if it takes the bike above this.
Licensing

Has already been mentioned above, but to list them separately:

16-18 years:
moped or maximum 125cc (the Netherlands, allows only moped. Until a few years ago only insurance was required, now one also requires a moped license)
18-21 years:
maximum 25kW or 0.16kW/kg (A list of bikes that comply has been added at the end of this document)
21+:
unrestricted license (Germany's motorcycle manufacturers had a voluntary restriction to 100hp, but that has expired. In Germany, and perhaps under the new UE rules, the age for an unrestricted license is 25. Between 18 and 24 you're limited to 25kW for two years, or get approved training and you're unrestricted.)
21+ with only a car license:
maximum 125cc (the Netherlands does not allow the operation of any motorcycle (50cc+) without a motorcycle license)

In the UK, 16 year-olds can’t ride 125s. If you’re over 21 you can take your test on a bike bigger or more powerful than 33bhp and go straight onto bigger bikes.
Helmets

All the European countries require that a helmet be used which meets the required regulations and standards as set by the EU. In other words a DOT only helmet may not be legal in every country. Also helmets meant to be used on mopeds do not have to meet the higher standards required for motorcycle usage.

There are some countries, Italy and Greece come to mind, that do not enforce helmetless riding very much. Sometimes giving you the idea that helmets are not required. This is not the case. Also not wearing a helmet may invalidate your insurance. Be warned.
Apparel

Aside from common decency rules only a helmet is required. So theoretically you can ride wearing nothing but a helmet, and you’ll only get ticketed for indecent exposure.
Lights

Pre-1997 motorcycles with double headlights are only allowed to have one light burning on the dim setting. Post-1997 motorcycles may have both lights burning.

Some countries (the Netherlands, Luxembourg) and parts of others (northern Belgium, northern France) allow daylight running lights others tolerate it (oncoming traffic may signal though....) In all countries it is recommended to ride with your lights dimmed. Running with the high beam on blinds oncoming drivers and is not appreciated by the local authorities.

In France and Germany, bikes must have their headlights on.

If you ride in England and your motorcycle's headlights have an area to the right where the bright part of the beam is raised up to illuminate roadside signs, put black tape on the part of the headlight that makes that.
Insurance

Liability insurance is mandatory.
Taxes

Most European countries don’t require additional taxes to be paid. A few, like the Czech Republic and Switzerland, require you to pay a tax by way of buying a so-called Carnet. It may be easier to see it as a toll as you are required to have a Carnet if you want to make use of any highway class of roads, such as a motor way. As long as you stay away from these you may be exempt from buying a Carnet, it is advisable to check up on the requirements for such before traveling to these countries, as a Carnet costs quite a bit more if you have to buy one at the border.
Lanesplitting

Most countries allow lanesplitting, as long as the speed difference does not exceed 20km/h (12MPH) and traffic in the lanes is not traveling faster than 40km/h (25MPH).

Germany is the only country (as far as I know) that has a ruling about it. It is recommended that when lanesplitting to do this between the leftmost lane and the lane beside it. In case of an accident the lanesplitting vehicle is seen as the offending party unless it can be proved (witness or police report) that the non-lanesplitting vehicle or person (in the case of someone opening their door as you come along) did not apply due caution.

The Netherlands also have a ruling on lanesplitting, where, in case of collision, blame is divided 50/50 between both parties, unless reckless driving can be ascertained. Otherwise same rules as Germany.
Keep Right

All European countries (excepting the UK, which has a keep left policy) require that you keep right when traveling on public roads. In other words, if you pass a vehicle you are required to return to the right (left in UK) lane as soon as prudently possible.
Speed Limits

Every country has its own speed limits, but a general guide line would be 120–130 km/h on highways, 80–90km/h on byways, 50–70 km/h in urban areas.

In Germany, some section of every Autobahn has no speed limit. However, in areas that tend to be congested or with special circumstances such as common congestion or a long steep downhill run, there will be a speed limit. Where there is no limit, the officially recommended speed is 130 km/h. Your insurance may not cover you when riding or driving above 130 km/h on these Autobahns. It is best to check your insurance policy before you twist that throttle.
Parking

Few places have dedicated motorcycle parking areas, and they are not all easy to find. According to one source, in general the following “rules” apply:

No parking in a car parking spot unless you park two or more motorcycles in that spot.
Parking your bike on the sidewalk or road side is allowed as long as the bike does not pose a hindrance to passing (pedestrian) traffic.

According to another source, bikes may occupy car spots, as long as they pay the parking meter. They may also share car spots with a car already there, for free, assuming car drived has fed the meter, but if the meter runs out then bike will get ticketed with car (this is certainly the case in London).
Fines/Tickets

Getting a ticket in middle or northern Europe is not cheap, I haven’t managed to get any tickets in southern Europe nor any information on the subject.

But to give an example: In Belgium if you exceed the speed limit with less than 40km/h you’re looking at a ticket worth 60-350 Euros if you’re a Belgian resident. If not, then it’s 250-1500 Euros. Both depending on speed and traffic situation. Exceed the limit with more than 40km/h it’s 350-900 Euros and a revoked license for 3+ months depending on what the judge decides and depending on the situation impounding of your vehicle, if you’re a resident. If not, it’s 500-2500 Euros, and you lose your license and your vehicle. This phenomena is not limited to Belgium, but just about all the countries have different amounts depending on your residency. By the way, if you’re a resident, you get your ticket in the mail. If not, you get to pay on the spot, if you can’t pay your vehicle can be impounded or if possible you get a police escort to the nearest ATM or bank so you can withdraw the required amount.

The UK does not have on-the-spot fines, so simple speeding tickets are unlikely to be enforced (unless they're incurred in a hire car, in which case the rental agency or whoever will bill you.

francoblay1 · Feb 25, 2015

rhodes_96 said:
Franco, what did you have to do modify your bike so you could ride it in Spain?

Only amber rear indicators, number plate on fender, and a sticker showing Km on top of the original speedo so to get the WOF. (Not too bad)

I am using the Kellermann micro: (Three in one: position, brakes & indicators)

francoblay1 · Feb 25, 2015

Oh, I forgot!!! and I have to install the stock exhaust every time (two years) I go to get the WOF sticker because the V&H are too loud!

Big bikes are allowed a maximum of 90-95 db only.

And yes.... our number plates are huge, I know :bang:

:cheers:

Brew · Feb 26, 2015

Geesssh, I feel sorry for you guys! I do understand your doing what you need to do to keep them on the streets...

Sad to see the fender extension on that AIH...

Viking · Feb 26, 2015

France just sux. It is so funny how so many Americans look at Paris as a romantic city, while all Europeans look at Paris a s a dump, which it is on every level.

Once I bought a Ducati 1098R for my sister who lives in Europe. The tax alone to make it street legal would have been 3, three times the amount of the value over here.

I have the deepest respect for Big Dog owners in Europe, they pay through their teeth to enjoy it. Well, that being said, I have the deepest respect for any Big Dog owner really. Put it in perspective and we all pay a hefty price to ride the best motorcycle known to mankind.

francoblay1 · Feb 26, 2015

rhodes_96 said:
Spain updated.

Franco did you have to change the kickstand to the european type with the kill switch?

NEGATIVE, only brand new bikes (can´t remember from what year) must have it.

Viking said:
France just sux. It is so funny how so many Americans look at Paris as a romantic city, while all Europeans look at Paris a s a dump, which it is on every level.

Once I bought a Ducati 1098R for my sister who lives in Europe. The tax alone to make it street legal would have been 3, three times the amount of the value over here.

I have the deepest respect for Big Dog owners in Europe, they pay through their teeth to enjoy it. Well, that being said, I have the deepest respect for any Big Dog owner really. Put it in perspective and we all pay a hefty price to ride the best motorcycle known to mankind.

:iagree:

Micke · Feb 26, 2015

These are the steps we have to do to import a bike to Sweden.
Below are links to more detailed information for each step.

The modification we have to do on the bikes are:
-Amber light on rear indicator
-Km/h speedo (I have the Medallion speedo so I can switch between km or miles)
-Noise level must not exceed 93dB but we do not need the original exhaust.
-We can have the license plate on the fender/sissybar or on the left or right side of the bike. The size of a Swedish license plate is 170 X 150 mm

Import from start to finish

This section provides straightforward information about the arrangements for importing a vehicle and the regulations that apply; from when the vehicle arrives at the Swedish border until the vehicle is ready to be driven.

This does not apply to:

new vehicles brought in by registered importers (including general agents)
new vehicles manufactured by professional manufacturers in Sweden.

When you import a vehicle from an EU country, this is called 'bringing a vehicle in'. When you import a vehicle from a country outside the EU, this is called 'import'. In our information however, we only use the term import, regardless of the vehicle's country of origin.

The rules for importing and bringing in vehicles differ only in some parts, depending on the vehicle's country of origin.

A vehicle that is imported from an EEA country must alwalys be cleared through the Swedish Customs Service. Besides that, you have to follow the same rules, as you do when bringing a vehicle in from an EU country.

EEA countries (European Economic Area) - countries that are covered by the EEA agreement:
Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

EU countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, the United Kingdom.

Step 1 - Clear the vehicle through the Swedish Customs Service (If you have imported the vehicle from a non-EU country)

Step 2 - Pay value added tax (If the vehicle is new and from another EU country.)

Step 3 - Take out road traffic insurance for temporary registration with a Swedish insurance company (If you are applying for temporary registration in conjunction with verification of origin.)

Step 4 - Apply for verification of origin

Step 5 - Make an appointment for a registration inspection and technical identity verification

Step 6 - Test the roadworthiness of the vehicle

Step 7 - Allocating a registration number for your vehicle

Step 8 - Activate your registration

garyb69 · Feb 26, 2015

I am not really sure over here in England to be honest. Fortunately for me i bought mine from a guy over here and although he must have had to do loads of mods to get it originally tested and approved, he pretty much put it back to how it was built from what i can see, apart from the after market exhaust system (which i know is too loud). I still have a side mounted number plate (which i know is too small). He did also put LED amber indicators front and back with built in brake lights. As for what Kim said, i have just been looking at importing another Big Dog in from the States and the costing works out something like this in US dollars:
Cost of bike $15000.00
Shipping $1000.00
Import duty at roughly 5% $800.00
Vat at 20% on cost of bike, shipping and import duty $3360.00
Cost of registering bike and mods to get it passed $1500.00

So if my calculations are right, that's $21660.00 for a $15000.00 bike.

Yes it is a lot on top, but come on, these aren't just any bikes, these are Big Dogs and would i be willing to spend all that extra dollar? Hell yeah, of course i would.

Micke · Feb 26, 2015

rhodes_96 said:
Micke, does the license plate have to be in line with the back of the rear fender or attached to the rear fender or can you have it in the original position ?

Does it require illumination ?

I have my license plate in original position as you can see in the picture on my bike. All other guys over here with Big Dogs have the license plate on the same place as me, but I remember that the inspector said it should be a bit further back (in line with the rear axle or something). but they did not care, and approved it anyway.

Yes it require illumination.

World Regional requirements for Big Dog Motorcycles

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