What you need to know about Imported motorbikes
From Harley's to BMW's, our guide to imported motorbikes...
Although British motorcycle manufacturers such as Triumph, BSA and Norton have produced some of the most iconic and successful motorcycles in history, there is no doubt that imported vehicles have made a significant impact on the choice of ride of many UK motorcyclists.
Brands like Harley-Davidson, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Piaggio, Vespa and Aprilia are all household names that riders revere, and the differences in their style as well as construction gives motorcyclists more choice when it comes to choosing a model that best suits their preference.
Foreign motorcycle models began to significantly impact the market in the late 1960s and 1970s, driven by the rapid expansion of Japanese heavy industries. Their ability to produce motorcycles at scale allowed them to dominate global supply.
During this period, the U.S. government mandated that all imported motorcycles conform to the Japanese gearshift and brake pedal configuration. This posed a challenge for British manufacturers like Triumph, whose designs required costly retooling to meet the new standards—ultimately reducing the profitability of exports to the U.S. market.
How do I spot an imported bike?
There are some differences you should be aware of when deciding whether to purchase an imported motorbike or one made in Britain. Here are a few pointers:
- The clock or speedometer on an imported bike maybe in kph rather than mph. If your bike was first used on or after 1 April 1984, you are legally required to ensure the bike’s speedometer is capable of displaying speed in miles per hour. For bike’s used before 1 April 1984 a speedometer showing only kilometres per hour is legally acceptable.
- The headlight beam might point to the right instead of the left. You’ll need to fit a beam converter or mask to remove the kick up to the right.
- Bikes from some countries are limited to 100 bhp so their power outputs can be lower than UK made bikes. Machines sourced from France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and some U.S. states may have been produced to adhere to local restrictions. For example, European regulations stipulate power limits of 100bhp, and US bikes have to follow rules regarding emissions.
There are plenty of styles of to choose from if you are interested in buying imported models. You can go for heavy and large machines like Harley-Davidsons, quick and snappy café racers from Royal Enfield, a lighter vehicle from Honda, or a little Italian Vespa for casual urban riding.
The most often cited benefit of buying imported vehicles is that they can provide fantastic value for money. They may also have some innovative features that modern British bikes lack.
What are some examples of popular imported bikes in the UK?
Some of the bestselling imported motorcycles in 2025 Britain (data from Microsoft Co Pilot) include:
Honda PCX125
BMW R1300GS
Honda GB350S
Yamaha MT-07
How do I get an insurance quote for my Imported bike?
All you need to do is provide us with some information about yourself and your bike including your annual mileage, driving/riding history, your location and occupation.
Call our friendly team on 0345 872 3614 for a quote today or use our online quote portal.
Why insure your bike with Devitt?
When looking for your next scooter or moped insurance policy why not give us a try?
Here’s what you can expect from us:
Our best prices: We compare prices from some of the leading UK motorcycle insurers to find you the insurance you’re looking for at our best price.
Agreed value options: Ensure your imported bike’s value is protected, reflecting its true worth.
A variety of additional cover options: Tailor your policy with additional cover options to get a policy bespoke to you.
Multi-bike coverage: Simplify your insurance with one policy for multiple bikes.
Insurance for modifications: Cover your customisations and modifications offering you additional peace of mind.
Immediate documents: Receive your insurance documents instantly.
UK-based help centre: Speak to knowledgeable and friendly UK-based staff.
24/7 Claim Notification line: Report your claim anytime.
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0345 872 3614
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