Import Motorbike Insurance

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.

Frequently asked questions about Imported Bike Insurance

Please note that these Frequently Asked Questions are not a substitute for the policy wording. For full terms and conditions please see the policy documentation.

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.