How much to import this 2015 BMW bike?
What VRT and VAT would be due on importing a 2015 BMW F 800 GS from Northern Ireland to the south of Ireland? The bike was bought in the UK in 2020 and has covered a total of 15,720 miles. The reg no of bike is YK15 UOH.
Boyd Ireland (Newtownards)Jul 2026 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Boyd,
The good news is that the VRT should be low. A 2015 BMW F 800 GS has a 798cc engine and motorcycles are assessed according to engine capacity rather than their Irish market value or CO2 emissions.
The initial VRT calculation is:
€2 x 350cc = €700
€1 x remaining 448cc = €448
Initial VRT = €1,148
However, as the motorcycle is now more than ten years old, Revenue applies a 90 per cent age reduction. That leaves estimated VRT of €114.80. The mileage does not alter this calculation.
VAT should be zero if the bike was imported into the North properly in 2020 and used there since. You'd need to be able to prove that with the owner's address on the V5C or other means.
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor