Europoean imports

[KnightsFall]

Is there likely to be any issues with buying a new, unregistered European import version of a model sold in the UK? The seller claims that they are the same as UK spec and are set to display in Imperial. They do say that they have Euro flat beam headlights, however exactly that differs from UK versions. Registration is handled by them so there should be no extra faff in that respect. They have a few makes/models and prices are reduced quite considerably compared with UK RRP.

Worth considering or a can of worms? Likely to affect resell value much?

[angryjonny]

I had a French Fazer which had been imported (and therefore clocks changed) a few hundred miles into its life. So the clocks didn't quite match the mileage. It was documented, but y'know, nagged a bit. As long as you're doing this "new" then your clocks will match the actual mileage.

I'd expect a buyer (private or dealer) to use it to try to get some money-off though. Everyone likes a bargain. "Money off" is the reason you're considering it, right?

My other concern would be the throw of the beam from the headlights.

Maybe national regs too. What are UK bikes supposed to have that may not be the case further east? ABS? Does this import have more or fewer features than the UK equivalent?

[Rogerborg]

Why so coy? Let's see the advert.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[ZX-7R]

If its from a country that drives on the right i guess you would need the headlights re-aligning same as you do with cars?.
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Current Bike - 2000 ZX-7R

[KnightsFall]

[Supermoto_Fan]

There's a 2002 Harley on there with 1828 miles ... One owner since new
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

[Rogerborg]

MOT manual says: "Right hand dip headlights can be temporarily altered for use in the UK by fitting masks or converter kits which remove the beam “kick up” to the right. A headlamp altered in this way is not a reason for rejection [if it's a proper bodge job]". I'd want it fitted by the dealer with a written guarantee that it's UK compliant.

Warranty, well, maybe. Bikes are not cars. I'd verify that with whomever they tell you will be backing the warranty, and again I'd want it in writing as if you get mugged off by Yamazuki UK then you'll be claiming against the dealer.

If they're not prepared to put their promises in writing then they're not worth the paper that they're not written on.

An "imported" bike might be a bit more expensive to insure, if you feel honest enough to declare it as such.

Other than that, go for it. We've got a common market (for now), we might as well use it.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Rogerborg]

That sounds like a British-American type.

Dipped beam
https://www.motuk.co.uk/images/lights_diagram3.gif

Main beam:
https://www.motuk.co.uk/images/lights_diagram2.gif


What's a "European" flat beam though?

This is a European "E" beam.

https://www.motuk.co.uk/images/lights_diagram1.gif

Those are the only three shown in the MOT Manual.

Small issue though, as even if it's a Euro E beam, you can mask it off.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[SIG1981]

[KnightsFall]

[SIG1981]

from memory most new Hondas are fitted with flat beam pattern lamps now so shouldn't be a problem.

warranty will probably be with Honda Europe and not Honda UK.