Problem with expired temporary imported motorbike

[timpel_800]

Helle guys,


Back in 2007 I shipped my Moto Guzzi NTX to New Zealand to ride it around the Islands while I was here on a working holiday.
But my dad passed away and I had to return home to take care after my family. I left within 24 hours and left everything at a friends house. Including the bike.
Now I've come back to complete my trip, we have got three months, of which I spend two weeks working on the bike to get it back on the road, and I now want to register it, but I'm running into problems.

The bike was when I first got it here on a Temporary Import Entry. This would last for a year.
This as you understand is now expired. I've paid the duty and now the bike is fully imported according to customs.

The bike is in very good condition, so I don't expect any problems regarding WOF and REG, but the paperwork is the issue.
The guy at VTNZ was not very helpfull (I was there more than a week ago and he said he was going to ring me back).
He said the bike has to be vinned, but since it is only for two months, it might not be worth it (he reckons it's gonna cost $800,-).
This half what the bike it worth.
Time is also slipping away from our precious holiday time and I'm getting a bit frustrated. I went back to VTNZ and asked if he had made the call to Wellington but he only said: I was gonna ring you wasn't I?

We have now come to the idea of swapping number plates of a friends bike but I'm not really into that actually.

I would not mind spending some time to get it Vinned, but 800 dollars is out of my reach.
Anyone knows what it really costs? Or other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Tim

[JimO]

We have now come to the idea of swapping number plates of a friends bike but I'm not really into that actually.

do it.........

[ellipsis]

do it.....

[Hashbandicoot]

do it...

...also you could try the AA instead of VTNZ. In my area when I was trying to get my license and some lessons sorted VTNZ were almost useless, AA sorted it in minutes.

[BoristheBiter]

The cost is around $800 for the check and vinz #, plus WOF and reg cost.
The fine will be $150, plus demerits, but they might be a dick and make you get it towed.

But that's if you get caught.

Just speak to them in Nederlands or some other language, pretend to not know, and they will more than likely let you off.

[timpel_800]

Thanks for the replies.
I also made that calculation Boris, that is indeed a good way to think about it.

I will definitely consider the numberplate swapping. Thanks, that's got my mood up again !

[macka77]

Thanks for the replies.
I also made that calculation Boris, that is indeed a good way to think about it.

I will definitely consider the numberplate swapping. Thanks, that's got my mood up again !

So if you get a ticket for any reason would the cops remove the plate from the bike? if so you would be screwed

[timpel_800]

If we are swapping the plates, we are also going to fix a little aluminium frame plate on which we stamp some things like the year and the model

[Madness]

Do it.

The Dutch have always been good forgers.

[FJRider]

After looking at the police programe on TV they only prevent unregistered and warranted vehicles from being driven if they are found to be unsafe as well. Is there a fine for vehicles being unvinned as we'll?

To get Registration it needs to have current Vin check. To get a WOF ... it needs a current registration license label.

The applicable fine for not displaying either is (I think) $250 for each offense.

Actions of the Highway Patrol Officer roadside rely a lot on his/her discretion at the time.

Having plates fitted that are not applicable to his bike ... will not enhance this discretion in any way. And possibly drop his friend in the shit too ...

[Ocean1]

If we are swapping the plates, we are also going to fix a little aluminium frame plate on which we stamp some things like the year and the model

Wouldn't bother. As I understand it you've got a plate but it's registration isn't current?

In which case while your chances of being caught are the same with the expired or swapped plate the cost of being caught with the swapped plate are much higher.

If you don't misbehave unduly you'd have to be very unlucky to be pulled over, and if you are you're on your way again with no more than a slap on the wrist.

[Madness]

To get a WOF ... it needs a current registration.

That is actually quite incorrect. To get a registration licence (rego) it needs a current WOF, not the other way around. Early start today FJ?

[timpel_800]

Maybe I should've been more clearly. If we are swapping plates, I'm going to get a new WOF and Rego for the bike! Should be not a big problem I guess. It's a moto guzzi and the bike were I get the plates from is also a Guzzi. Different model but still hard to tell the difference.

[Robbo]

Maybe I should've been more clearly. If we are swapping plates, I'm going to get a new WOF and Rego for the bike! Should be not a big problem I guess. It's a moto guzzi and the bike were I get the plates from is also a Guzzi. Different model but still hard to tell the difference.

You will need to get the WOF issued while the plate is on the original bike as they will check the VIN to see that it matches the paperwork. Once that is done then swap the plate over and update the registration, if necessary, at the AA.
Because both bikes are Guzzis i can't see you having a problem unless you are involved in an accident. If you ride safe and carefully you should be ok.

[BigAl]

Do it esp if the plates belong to same make of bike & you'll have rego and wof for plate.

Don't ride to attract attention & you'll be sweet.

Anyway what's the worst they'll do? Deport you