Katana Owners Club U.K.

caveat emptor, buying a frame without a v5 could be a minefield, i wouldnt touch one with a bargepole. you know, i assume that its legit, even if it still has a vin ?
chances are that even if you could identify the year of the frame, cos you are using it to build a bike up, the dvla would issue you with a Q plate.

does the current owner have a number plate for it or know what it is?

I've got a bike with no reg or V5 and have been going through the same questions. Lots of people I have spoken to say its not a problem at all, but I chickened out and bought another decent frame to swap things onto.
Do you have proof of ownership and evidence that tax was paid when it was imported (assuming it was)? If so, it will be much simpler - I don't.
From memory I was told: Build it to standard spec as possible, MOT it, take it to IVA centre, they check its safe and conforms etc, then you can register it. If I've missed something out I am sure someone who has actually done it will fill in the gaps.
If you join Suzuki Owners club they will give you an age confirmation certificate that you can use to register and avoid the Q.
If its been registered before in the UK, contact DVLA with the frame number and they should be able to help you out.
I telephoned the DVLA and the nice lady wasn't ab;e to give me answers, but did send me a big registration pack which has all the details in it (and loads of forms).
I repeat, people do this all the time and say its easy so don't let me put you off, I'm just a coward and didn't want the hassle, saying that I am being tempted to buy another non-registered project bike....
Liam

PS - I'm not an expert, so please don't act purely on what my feeble brain has remembered

I found this thread which might prove useful. As you can see, most people just said get on and go for it.

http://katanaclubuk.19.forumer.com/view ... t=register" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Liam

stubber wrote:Thanks for the feedback so far...

So effectively if it's an import don't bother but if it's been already registered and you know the reg = go for it, yeah?

that's what i'd be doing.... an import is ok though.. AS LONG AS IT'S BEEN UK REGISTERED

Just a small point to add, don't forget you can supply the VJMC with the VIN and get a certificate for getting an age related plate.

also though, dont forget that if you buy a frame that has been nicked, and you dont know it, and build it up into a bike, and then try to register it, theres a chance that the plod will seize the bike, not just the frame.

If you are unsure of the frame legitimacy pop into your local police station and they will more likely check that its not stolen for you, just say you dont want to get caught out by buying it. they can run the frame number to check it. an unregistered import would not show up on the dvla check.