Already in the autumn I had filled out the tax papers to get a preliminary evaluation of a motor vehicle”. The dear people thought that a bike like mine was worth 19,000 DKK in taxes. You can say a lot about that – but I will refrain to do so.

The money was there, the Guzzi was in working order, I had a set of new mc clothes – got a reasonable discount since it was winter – so the only thing left was a so-called customs appraisement.

Basically that means that you pay twice the price of an ordinary legal vehicle inspection, but they use some of the time to identify whether the vehicle really is the one on the papers.

I had booked a time for the inspection in Roskilde on the 7th of April 2203 at 9.30 in the morning. It was freezing cold – only about 3 degrees celcius and I was early. In front of me was an old Opel car with an even older gentleman. I stayed outside feeling cold, smoked a few fags and was a bit exited as to what was going to happen. Suddenly the appraisement officer looked out and told me that they had a coffee break, but that I was welcome to take the bike inside and wait if I felt like it. I most certainly did. After having spent a quarter of an hour in the inspection hall they were back. 2 men headed for my Guzzi. Did you bring the papers? Of course I did and found everything in my backpack. What on earth, he said – they are in Italian. Right there and now I decided that this wasnt the time for funny remarks, so I just answered, “yes”.

A third man arrived, and he claimed to understand some Italian. We located the frame number – I knew where that was, alright. Then he asked about the engine number. I had to admit I didnt know where to find it, that but they handed me a maglite and I found it. By the way I never found out what they needed it for? Perhaps something about Harleys, which are said to be cheated with?

But then we disagreed. On the Italian papers there was a year – 1981. Mine is made in 1979, I know that for a fact, but it seemed like it hadnt been registered until 1981 in Milan. This is by no means unimportant. The newer the vehicle – the higher the taxes.

But to cut things short – nothing could be done. They explained that they believed me but that the rules were clear on the subject. To them this was a 1981 Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk. 2. The inspection itself was a joke. They told me to show them if the lights were in working order, and that was that. No trial run – perhaps it was too cold, and maybe because my bike was very shiny?

Approved without any remarks. And for that you pay 550,- DKK – money easily earned.

But instead of approximately 19,000 in taxes I had to pay 21,000 DKK. I suppose I could have made an issue of that and demanded a public estimate, but since the bike was so good looking I didnt dare do anything but to pay up. There was a risk that they found it better looking that the average bike and thus would value it higher.

But all in all it was quite a good day. The bike was approved, the tax amount collected from my bank – why on earth cant they accept credit cards?

By the way the whole procedure of paying the vehicle tax is a joke. You line up and wait. Show the report and other papers; are told to walk 3 steps across the hallway to pay at the cashier. No one is there – she is out for coffee – but finds out that Oh my – a customer” and comes running back. You hand over your money – gets a receipt and walks the 3 steps back. More that 3000,- per step if I have my math right. Good thing it wasnt any further…. Some stamping of papers – and then they hand me a preliminary certificate of registry. Off I go to the nearest license office. When all my papers have been thoroughly examined I plead with the lady behind the counter – please find a license plate ending with 850 – no such luck. That we havent got, she said in an angry voice. From where I was standing I could see at least 200 license plates – but apparently it was too big a task to check them out. Well – one snooty lady was not going to ruin my day so I accepted the first plate she gave me.

If you get the feeling that Im not too impressed by the public authorities you are not all wrong.

Anyway – by now I was the proud owner of an approved Moto Guzzi with Danish licence plates. As to insurance – be careful. I was quoted prices from 16,000 DKK annually, to 4,000 – so there is a lot to save.