Mamma mia, what a palaver!! Beaurocracy, like only the Italians can ...

This is what Alfonso had to go through to get his MV Raid 250 back on the road in Italy. Let's consider ourselves lucky over here .....

At one point, it looked as though the MV that Alfonso had bought would have to stay in the garage forever. Then by chance one day, I read in the Italian version of 'The Classic Motorcycle' about a new arrangement between the Italian Motorcycle Federation and the transport ministry that offered a glimmer of hope for the MV. Basically, bikes in a completely original condition, restored or not, but lacking documentation or a plate, could be re-registered for use on the road, subject to various conditions. I downloaded the forms required from the FMIwebsite and rushed to tell Alfonso, who set to work.

■ The owner has to be a paid-up member of a motorcycle club. He was already the member of an FMIaffiliated owners club, so that was ok.

■ A €52 (£36) cheque made out to the FMI.

■ Lots of photos of the bike in all its detail.

■ Then after a few days, the FMIclassic bike expert for Tuscany contacted Alfonso to arrange inspection of the bike. This took place, and the expert took away all the forms, pictures and cheque and explained that he would send these, along with his inspection report of the bike, to the FMIClassic Bike Commission that met periodically and considered these cases.

Some weeks later, Alfonso called the FMIto be told that his bike had been accepted, all the paperwork received, and he would soon receive the certificate for the MV's addition to the FMIHistoric Bike Register and a certificate that authenticated all the technical data about the bike. In fact, these certificates arrived a short time later.

■ Next stage, the registering of the bike. Alfonso has to prove he is now owner of the bike, as it has no documents. He writes a letter of declaration to the local Police stating that he was in fact now the owner of the bike, he had bought it from Franco, and he had bought it years ago at a bike show.

■ After making checks (the frame number maybe?), the Police reply with a letter confirming Alfonso's ownership. -Then, a letter from a qualified mechanic or workshop is required, stating the bike has been recommissioned to original condition. Franco supplied this letter.

■ Another request from Alfonso, requesting that the bike be registered, is also required. Then another form describing the technical aspects from the 'Motorizazzione', or the local vehicle licensing office, has to be filled in. Another 50-odd euro have to be paid out for government and road taxes, and number plate costs.

■ With all of the above present and paid for, Alfonso makes an SO-mileround trip to queue at the licensing office at Pisa,where he is given a date for the inspection of the bike.

■ A couple of weeks later, Alfonso returns to the same office with the MV on a trailer for the inspection. Lights, brakes and tyres are inspected, and two mirrors must be fitted. If this inspection goes ok, it's another hour of queuing, but finally the much-desired number plate and temporary logbook are handed over.

■ The temporary logbook allows 60 days of circulation with the bike.

■ Within two months the permanent logbook will be ready, meaning another trip to Pisato collect it.

With insurance paid however, the MV can finally once again be used on Italian roads.