Imports and imports

[geoffers997]

There is a chap in the Wanted section looking for a matching numbers UK bike.

The very best of luck to him in his search, I’ve certainly been there (and have the scars to prove it) as have a significant number of us all on here.

It’s got me thinking; Yamaha is a Japanese company making motorcycles to sell all over the world. Whether it’s delivered to the UK or Timbuktu it’s an import.

Granted there are differences between say a Swiss, German or UK spec bike but they’re minor and cash permitting easy to change should you so wish.

Personally I imported a German bike; it’s intact and by dint of the German TIU system or whatever it is, largely unmolested. I was, I confess reasonably naive and a bit lucky when I bought it but in hindsight I’m glad I did as it’s not had 27 ham fisted kids taking hacksaws and cheap spanners to it.

[veg]

This discussion has taken place certainly over the past few years since we’ve been buying imports due to the demand in the UK. I have always said the same. My last I bought was 2016 was an Austrian import completely standard including the bore 2 owners that I paid £2400 for (before the madness ensued) as opposed to the 20 plus owners of a Uk bike coupled with the equivalent mot is far harder and generally the bikes are in far better condition.
Then the fact that all 4L0’s were built in the same factory admittedly to a slight difference to conform to various local laws.
I’ve never understood the desire or value of a UK bike over and above an imported bike but then again I’m not a green passivate nerd as I never knew anyone in the day who kept their bike standard.
Each to their own though.

[julianboolean]

Personally I couldn't give a rat's arse whether it's a UK bike or whether the numbers match, the only Yamaha two strokes I've owned with matching numbers were a 1980 YZ125 and a 1984 YPVS 350, all the rest had the engines changed at some point, in the 1980s no one cared.

I've got a JDM FZR400 and that doesn't have an engine number, lots of JDM bikes don't, I don't know if you have to legally have an engine number in the UK, I've got a feeling it's blank on the V5 for my FZR

[AynRandyAndy]

Geoffers

I bought from Germany, though more because a pristine F1 came available there soon after I started looking.

The vendor was / is a top bloke. Although bought unseen, I haven't regretted my purchase. Looks just like my F1 in the 80s (well, better actually).

On the downside - there's:

1. The additional costs: transport from the continent, EU export duty, EU export handling fee, UK import handling, VAT and registration (every fu**er wants a piece of the action).

2. The delay: Bought early May, cleared UK customs late June, five weeks to get confirmation of VAT paid, 6 weeks for DVLA to think about registering it (I'm still waiting).

Whooosh - and the summer's gone.

[markrd250lc]

When i was looking for a 250/350LC last year i had a budget of about £3K, i didn't want/need matching numbers or even a runner, didn't care where it came from as i planned to get a cheap heap and do a 80s tribute (wrangler), drop bars, filters, pipes etc over the winter.

Couldn't find anything, then a 250LC popped up on the bay of evilness, low mileage/low owner/ unrestored/uk bike matching numbers /tool kit/ never had the motor apart and sat in a living room for 7 years, needed a recommission and it was £3.5k, i hit the buy it now button.

its not a show bike as all the green bolts had lost there greenness ( good i prefer stainless and changed them) paint is 7 out of 10 but is all original , bodywork has cracks etc, so im bringing it up a level but leaving the bodywork.

It now has JL pipes/ dual stage reeds with spacers/ drag bars/twin discs and loads of shiny stainless Allen bolts and i love it, i get if you want to show a bike you want it original but as previously said they never stayed standard for long, going down the road who can tell if its uk matching or not.

but i would have been just as happy with a non matching non uk bike that i built.............and i still want to do a Wrangler one day if a cheapy pops up but don't tell Dopey (wife)

looking at prices now i was very lucky to get it at that price and it passed the MOT with just a brake bleed everything else i have done was because i wanted too not because i had too.


Mark

[Robbieben]

Sept 15, 2021 16:25:10 GMT 1 AynRandyAndy said:

Geoffers

I bought from Germany, though more because a pristine F1 came available there soon after I started looking.

The vendor was / is a top bloke. Although bought unseen, I haven't regretted my purchase. Looks just like my F1 in the 80s (well, better actually).

On the downside - there's:

1. The additional costs: transport from the continent, EU export duty, EU export handling fee, UK import handling, VAT and registration (every fu**er wants a piece of the action).

2. The delay: Bought early May, cleared UK customs late June, five weeks to get confirmation of VAT paid, 6 weeks for DVLA to think about registering it (I'm still waiting).

Whooosh - and the summer's gone.

From MOT, application 2 days later for a registration number with DVSA all told took 15 weeks, they still haven't cashed the cheque for the registration fee and road tax although I do now have a reg number.

[AynRandyAndy]

Robbie

I wish you hadn't told me that - I'm already depressed enough at the state of the State.

[abar121]

I just did one. DVLA took about 8 weeks for the reg.

[smoke]

Funny how opinions differ.
Many here in Sweden would prefer a German bike, as Germans are believed to take very good care of their vehicles.
Maybe you islanders have a reputation of thrasing your bikes;)

[Robbieben]

Sept 16, 2021 14:39:12 GMT 1 smoke said:

Funny how opinions differ.
Many here in Sweden would prefer a German bike, as Germans are believed to take very good care of their vehicles.
Maybe you islanders have a reputation of thrasing your bikes;)

I have some good friends in Germany, most run older bikes but all look very well looked after, I think the TUV being as strict as they are contributes to that, you can't use certain tyres if they aren't what meets the original specifications etc. I think our Hybrid bikes would be very difficult to test etc.

[wwwRD350LCnet]

To me "UK bike" is always funny since all were made in Japan 

In addition in UK on RD350LC there were no VIN aluminum plate on the headstock so it should have less value 

Matching number I agree it's a plus because you know it has not been destroyed previously.

Xavier

[reedpete]

Maybe better to say original build uk specification: steering lock, uk headlight, no vin plate drilling’s.
If it comes with service history and paperwork, old pictures….then that’s what the collector wants….and there’s not many of those about.
It’s just a pissing competition…same as everything else in life if you choose to align with it.
From there on it’s just a pyramid of ‘desirability’.
I’m fortunate as still have the 4L0 I bought second hand in 83. Also have others that I’m attached to for other reasons, the JDM 4L3…got a back story on that. Etc etc…won’t bore you all with the rest…
But if I was fresh looking for one now and planned to keep for rest of life I think I would be focussed on best bang for the buck, 350 lump or top end in an import 4L1. If there was cash to spare, probably just buy another bike altogether, 2MA or something. You could have both for same price as a ‘collectible’ 4L0. That seems no contest. Of course is cash is really no object, then buy what you want at what ever premium it takes to get the deal done and enjoy what you’ve got.
But I f that leaves you wanting a matching uk because it maybe a better ‘investment’ , …..then for most of us, using bikes as investment asset is ‘ill advised’…(polite phrase).

Coming full circle though and supposing fresh to the scene , seeking a matching number uk bike is understandable. Just think that once the supply and demand and related premium becomes clear the necessity to remain locked to that single objective is questionable.

[smoke]

Sept 16, 2021 19:19:36 GMT 1 reedpete said:

Maybe better to say original build uk specification: steering lock, uk headlight, no vin plate drilling’s.
If it comes with service history and paperwork, old pictures….then that’s what the collector wants….and there’s not many of those about.
It’s just a pissing competition…same as everything else in life if you choose to align with it.
From there on it’s just a pyramid of ‘desirability’.
I’m fortunate as still have the 4L0 I bought second hand in 83. Also have others that I’m attached to for other reasons, the JDM 4L3…got a back story on that. Etc etc…won’t bore you all with the rest…
But if I was fresh looking for one now and planned to keep for rest of life I think I would be focussed on best bang for the buck, 350 lump or top end in an import 4L1. If there was cash to spare, probably just buy another bike altogether, 2MA or something. You could have both for same price as a ‘collectible’ 4L0. That seems no contest. Of course is cash is really no object, then buy what you want at what ever premium it takes to get the deal done and enjoy what you’ve got.
But I f that leaves you wanting a matching uk because it maybe a better ‘investment’ , …..then for most of us, using bikes as investment asset is ‘ill advised’…(polite phrase).

Coming full circle though and supposing fresh to the scene , seeking a matching number uk bike is understandable. Just think that once the supply and demand and related premium becomes clear the necessity to remain locked to that single objective is questionable.

Or maybe buy in Sweden. Don't know about import regulations and taxed, but prices are much lower here. Last 350LC I saw being sold was a low milage marsh bar -82 in very good condition. It sold for roughly 3200 GBP. I belive thera are ferries between Immingham and Gothenburg. Could be a great holiday adventure;)

[reedpete]

Agree, still some good Swedish bikes…..just avoid Venezuelan ones..

[JonW]

Its an interesting point that a UK bike is likely in worse condition than a German one. ie has probably been owned and spannered on by something like 10-20 young lads who were all brassic, and all with their Dad's old imperial spanners and other DIY tools back in the day, plus will usually have iffy mods. Whereas many a German bike wont have been modded and probably went to the dealer for service.

The ability (due to rules) or even desire to work on cars/bikes in some countries does mean that some barn find bikes can be in amazing condition compared to others that have been royally bodged. Certainly those Venezuelan ebay bikes a few years back were amazingly bodged with what ever came to hand. I guess that also comes when you need to use old vehicles as transport, rather than stick em in a field/barn when youve an issue and a new thing has caught your eye. Ever been to America and driven around the countryside? Lots of cars in fields and bikes in barns, some low miles and been there for years, trade in cash not needed (or high enough value) for next one.

Perhaps we should list out those countries and what you should expect as a general used 70/80's bike buyer? I'll have a go at the ones I know...

- Japan - mechanically good as not culturally cool to work on own vehicle. Redone paint can be awful, standards and acceptance of job is low. Rusty if near coast.
- Australia - Well used and often bodged, expect very worn out parts and high miles. Not too much rust except near coast, but lots of sun fade.
- UK - bodged by skint teenagers, rusty if used in winter or left outside.
- Germany - TUV keeps things OEM, tend to have been looked after professionally.
- Canada - Short Summers usually means low miles. If kept inside will be in good nick, if outside expect the worst.
- USA - Been cheap for a long time (one of the last places to appreciate in value) so a mixed bag for a buyer, generally good nick tho.
- Venezuela - Bodged, bashed and smashed and cobbled back together. Never seen a decent one for sale.
- Brazil - Well used as often been transport for owner(s) for years, less around than you would think considering the 1YH and R was made there

Feel free to fill in more if you wish.

[veg]

The only thing i would add Jon is that the Canadian ones are in immaculate condition, no intrinsic value locally and that due to Canadians being the nicest people on the planet that they pay you to take away their old bikes? Oh and you can guarantee none have ever had progressive springs fitted?

[reedpete]

Significant quantities have come from several other European countries, Austria,France,Denmark,Holland, France
All these are also ‘4L0’…..that’s another variation fly in the ointment when considering ROW, such as JDM and Canadian etc.
But provenance is still important as many of the bikes from the best countries have also been on the track, then returned to something like standard…few bits hung on…just for the uk buyer!

I can imagine part of the attraction of a uk bike is that it’s a survivor!
No one bought them for commuting, almost no one kept them standard for more than 5 mins.. most can be assumed to have been crashed, bashed, and had their necks properly wrung. A lot of folks would really like to find ‘there old bike’, perhaps second best to that is one that on the emotional identity continuum is another uk one.

[fubars]

Echo what's already been said I would be very cautious of a UK bike that needs work. Mine is a German import with all the hard to find parts even the loom is still intact nothing added or taken away makes the rebuild a lot easier. If I was after a LC/PV I would certainly be looking for a EU model.

[Norbo]

All yams are imports but they are made with different specs for different country's

[steve h]

People want a UK designated bike for the simple reason that they are righthand drive. Driving a left hand drive on our roads is a right pain, and dangerous at times.
And thankfully after brexit, there is now no chance of us being forced to drive on the wrong side of the road.... that's if there are any of us left alive after all motorways become "smart motorways"
People try and complicate things about imports, but really it's quite simple.

[veg]

Steve that’s why I’d never have an Australian import, it’s ok if you’re down under but come to the northern hemisphere and you’ll go through loads of helmets.

[steve h]

Sept 17, 2021 12:09:42 GMT 1 veg said:

Steve that’s why I’d never have an Australian import, it’s ok if you’re down under but come to the northern hemisphere and you’ll go through loads of helmets.

Well...this chap solved that problem with his Aussie import..

eeed1be405db321c4fd4c01ac9bbd913 by Ernest Stoppage, on Flickr

He probably didn't have a pot to p1ss in.... but at least he has a helmet to shat in.

[fubars]

Sept 17, 2021 12:27:07 GMT 1 steve h said:

Sept 17, 2021 12:09:42 GMT 1 veg said:

Steve that’s why I’d never have an Australian import, it’s ok if you’re down under but come to the northern hemisphere and you’ll go through loads of helmets.

Well...this chap solved that problem with his Aussie import..

eeed1be405db321c4fd4c01ac9bbd913 by Ernest Stoppage, on Flickr

At least Aussie imports are easy to spot.

[JonW]

The old ones are the best... I guess LOL

[steve h]

Ahhh just wait till the Ashes... you'll see summat turned upside down...

[jon]

Sept 17, 2021 7:23:36 GMT 1 veg said:

The only thing i would add Jon is that the Canadian ones are in immaculate condition, no intrinsic value locally and that due to Canadians being the nicest people on the planet that they pay you to take away their old bikes? Oh and you can guarantee none have ever had progressive springs fitted?

Or oversize tyres fitted, or duel stage reeds.

Jon

[AynRandyAndy]

Sept 16, 2021 11:57:39 GMT 1 abar121 said:

I just did one. DVLA took about 8 weeks for the reg.

For anyone about to import into and register in the UK.

DVLA have today provided my V5C, exactly 6 weeks after receipt of application.

Could be back in the power band by weekend; 3 decades after the last blast.

[JonW]

Sept 17, 2021 20:52:05 GMT 1 steve h said:

Ahhh just wait till the Ashes... you'll see summat turned upside down...

Water off a ducks back for me. I have zero (perhaps less than that, if its possible) interest in any sport. I dunno where people find the time to watch other people play games, Im always out n about doing stuff.

[JonW]

Sept 18, 2021 8:30:58 GMT 1 jon said:

Sept 17, 2021 7:23:36 GMT 1 veg said:

The only thing i would add Jon is that the Canadian ones are in immaculate condition, no intrinsic value locally and that due to Canadians being the nicest people on the planet that they pay you to take away their old bikes? Oh and you can guarantee none have ever had progressive springs fitted?

Or oversize tyres fitted, or duel stage reeds.

Jon

This post had me in stitches.