Knowledge base
Everything you need to know about importing
What I’ve learned about inspection, import duty and buying a motorcycle or car in America. Free to read, even if you don’t buy anything from me.
All articles
Classic cars
4 min
When is a car a classic? Road tax, insurance and inspection in Europe
When is a car a classic in Europe? Road tax, LPG, insurance and inspection rules compared for the Netherlands and Germany, plus the EU import rule.
Rules
3 min
When is a motorcycle a classic? 25, 30 and 40 years explained
Is a motorcycle a classic from 25, 30 or 40 years? Customs, registration tax, road tax and insurance use different limits. Compared for the Netherlands and Germany.
Motorcycle history
2 min
1968 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide: an early Shovelhead in original paint
Almost 800 kilometres for one bike: a 1968 Electra Glide, early Shovelhead, original blue and white paint and six years in storage. Soon for sale at Thundercycle.
Classic cars
3 min
1984 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60: bought near Palm Springs
A beige 1984 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60, bought near Palm Springs. New interior, rebuilt engine, 120,000 miles. On its way to the Netherlands, where it will be for sale.
Classic cars
4 min
BMW 633 CSi 1982: bought in Sacramento after a year of waiting
A 1982 BMW 633 CSi in original Henna Red paint, bought in Sacramento after a year of waiting. Now on its way to the Netherlands, where it will be for sale.
Classic cars
3 min
1965 Chevrolet C10 pickup: picked up in Maryland
A matte black 1965 Chevrolet C10 Stepside, picked up in Maryland for a customer in the Netherlands.
Classic cars
2 min
1968 Ford Mustang coupe with 302 V8: picked up in Philadelphia
A 1968 Ford Mustang with 302 V8, picked up in Philadelphia for a customer in the Netherlands.
Classic cars
5 min
1973 Chevrolet Nova from New Jersey: exactly the car our customer was looking for
A customer was looking for exactly this car: a 1973 Chevrolet Nova with a 307 V8. The story of the pickup in New Jersey, and the history of the Nova.
Motorcycle history
6 min
Big Dog Motorcycles: the history behind our 2004 Big Dog Chopper
The history of Big Dog Motorcycles, the factory custom builder from Kansas, and our yellow 2004 Big Dog Chopper with S&S 107ci that is on its way to Europe.
Accessories
4 min
Navigating on your Harley: CarPlay radio, motorcycle GPS or phone?
Phone on the handlebars, a TomTom or Garmin, a separate CarPlay screen or a new radio in the fairing: how to choose the navigation that suits your Harley.
Rules
7 min
Getting an American Harley-Davidson through inspection: checklist for bikes before 2006
What we check before the inspection of an American Harley from before 2006: VIN, engine number, reflectors, indicators, exhaust and more.
Buying
7 min
CARFAX and VIN check on a Harley-Davidson from America: what does the history tell you?
What does a US VIN check or CARFAX tell you about a Harley-Davidson? Title, salvage, theft and mileage, and what a report doesn't show.
Buying
8 min
Clean, salvage and rebuilt title on a Harley-Davidson from America
What does a salvage title mean on a Harley-Davidson from America? All about clean, rebuilt and flood titles, VIN checks and what it means for import to Europe.
Importing
3 min
Importing a Harley from the USA
Can I do it myself, what does it cost, how long does shipping take and is my bike insured? The 5 questions buyers ask most.
Importing
3 min
Cost of importing a Harley
Import duty, VAT, registration tax, unloading and customs at a glance, plus the benefits for a Harley 30 years or older.
Importing
3 min
Registering a US Harley in Europe
How inspection and registration work after import, and which modifications your bike may need.
Importing
3 min
Buying a Harley in America
Which papers you get, how to check the damage history and mileage, and what happens on arrival.