Nova Registration help required

[Richm]

Hi
Having completed the restoration of my Suzuki T500 I am in the process of registering and getting a age related plate etc.
However having purchased the ex USA model frame and parts as a box of bits privately prior to the NOVA database rules being brought in I have no evidence that it is registered on the UK Nova database or the previous equivalent
So advice from any UK members who have knowledge and experience of the process would be appreciated. How can I find out if it is registered as being imported?
Obviously the frame is clearly stamped and I have the original headstock plate, and it came with a VJMC dating certificate that has since expired.


cheers
Richard

[Alan H]

Talk to HMRC and explain the situation. Some of them are human!

[Richm]

Having checked the paperwork it looks like the frame was in the UK prior to 2001, so as Alan suggests I will just speak to HMRC and explain the history etc, hope it works!

[Alan H]

If you got the frame legally, then there shouldn't be a problem. The issue may be proving that it's legally owned if you don't have a receipt (or had the frame so long that any receipt is long gone). DVLA won't be able to pick out the frame number and associate the original registration to the frame, as the computer system wasn't there when the T500 was 'alive' and tbe original details will no doubt be buried among millions of stashed records in some dusty archive 'somewhere!'. The options are that they sort it out to your satisfaction, refuse completely, or put it on a Q plate. I have a GT550 with that, marked on the V5 as 'built from parts'. I understand that can't be changed, but there may be ways, not sure yet.
If they refuse, then the only way forward would be to get a frame with a logbook and transfer everything to that frame, just change the engine number on the V5. A completely legal and proper method.

[tricky1962]

I bought a USA import. It had been in a shipping container for 30 odd years and came with no paperwork bar the receipt from the guy I bought it off.

I joined the SOC. I gave them the frame and engine number and they authenticated the bike and told me the procedure for getting an age related plate.

It was a few years ago and I can't remember exactly what was required, furthermore, the local DVLA office I had to visit, along with a load of others I believe, has been closed, so probably no longer relevant.

I suggest you join the SOC

[Richm]

Brief update
Spoke to HMRC who guided me to the correct form to complete and what is needed.
The bike has been in the country since 2001 so they will ensure logged on Nova etc.
I have proof of purchase and will be asking VJMC to provide dating letter.
So far so good!!!

[Alan H]

If you'd like a copy of the V55 form I sent to the DVLA when I did my GT550 a couple of years ago, pm me your email and I'll send a copy to give you a start.