Buying an import

[Maxwellhouse]

Hi there guys. I'm very much a newbie both to BCF as well as 'big bikes' hence the post.

Firstly, I hope this is in the right section!

I went to a view a Duc Monster privately yesterday with the view of it being my first big bike. The chap was Swiss as was the Duc with the original number plate still in situ.

I understand headlight beams and speedos/clocks are things to look out for, but how much more is there to be cautious of? I don't wish to have the excitement of getting my first biggun tainted by a nightmare of a situation.

Advice please!

Thanks in advance.

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

I don't think the swiss bikes have any other weird restrictions aside from the ones you mention.

French motorcycles are restricted to 100bhp, IIRC the Swiss ones are full power.
____________________
My Flickr

[Teflon-Mike]

Switzerland isn't in the EU, I dont think.
If its here, on Swiss reg-plates; then it's not been 'imported' to the UK. & niggle would be that its been brought into the country from outside the EU, without Customs Charges being paid.
Getting UK reg is just beurocaracy and hassle; but if HM Customs get in in the act, could be plain painful and expensive.

Official UK Import Monsters aren't exactly in short supply or horrendously over-priced; So if you really want a Monster you could have one without any unnecessary hassle easily enough; just a matter of money.

So, to be worth buying; it's got to be cheap, and cheap enough that you can make any changes needed to get it through a UK MOT, such as changing head-lamp to left-dip item if needed; paying for any 'providence' to get it UK reg'd, any demands from HMC&E, and still leave some for the hassle, and potentially higher insurance of being a Grey Import, not gen UK bike.

Is it cheap enough? Are you brave enough? Do you really want the hassle?
____________________
My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[janner_10]

[Rogerborg]

I... have to agree with Mike.

I'd leave it, unless he's properly giving it away. It's not the only fish in the sea, and it smells a little ripe.
____________________
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

[Maxwellhouse]

Thanks guys. My head is telling me avoid and your helpful replies have confirmed this for me. Should've gone and viewed with a pair of ear plugs, it's as though the exhaust is seductively calling my name, "Buuuy meee..." Damn that man!

Thanks again.

[Kickstart]

[Maxwellhouse]

Not sure if anybody who posted here will be notified of this reply but just a thanks for the input, I've been patient and have found a lovely baby Monster which I am hoping to pick up next weekend, patience has prevailed!

[Rogerborg]

Nice one! Unlike with buses, there's always another along in a minute.
____________________
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

[Clutchy]

[Maxwellhouse]

I am Maxwell House... o_O !

Wake up and smell the coffee, I'm just pulling your chain