parallel import

[bladerunner 0]

so Ive been looking round for a new bike recently and Have been looking for a used big bang R1 but today I went into KJM motorcycles near wigan and they offered me a really good trade in price against a new parallel import R1 from america.Now I know parallels were common a few years ago but I didnt know they were still available.just wondering if anybody else has got one and what if any are the down sides to owning one,parallel that is not R1.

[Grumpyowl 0]

Back in 97 a mate an I bought new Thunderaces. From D&K

His was a Yank Tank with MPH clocks and Full power. You could only tell because he had no light switch so lights on permanent,unusual here then,but now standard.
He only had to have light beam altered.

Mine was a German Panza.
Which was restricted on the carbs to 100 BHP also had KPH clocks.

So mine had to be de- restricted and MPH clocks and headlights changed.

Both made about 126 BHP at back wheel when we had them on a Dino.

We had them over 6 years absolutely awesome.

No probs with insurance MOT time or with main dealer servicing
Parts were all the same.

When it was time to sell on sold mine private for just the same as so called UK bikes.

I think with prices going up we may see more parallels again I'd have no probs owning one again as long as headlights and speedo done and not restricted of course.

If its a German or French model check its not restricted.

2thumJim.

Oh the reason why we did it they were over £10K which was a lot of money back then (still is) we paid about £6.5K if I remember right.

[Tony nitrous 0]

Check that any recalls or warrantee work is still
covered or will be done. Safety items are still valid
outside of normal warrantee times, will the factory
have an import on their list? Will you get notified?

[Tony nitrous 0]

Some US bikes get extra immissions equipment fitted.
B-King certainly does in some states.

Some US bikes get different ECU's.
We had a CBR1000 with no keys (they are chipped to the ECU)
from the auctions, it was cheaper to get an ECU from the US
because that model didn't come with the immobiliser there.

I've had a US import in the UK,
I'm not against them, but do your homework
and know what your getting.

[fr499y 0]

KJM are fine to deal with, you wont have any problems with the bikes. My dads old FJR was from them and it was about £3,000 cheaper than a UK model, only difference was it had reflectors on the forks that the UK model doesn't ( oh and didn't have heated grips )

[trebor4460 0]

My Bandit is a parrallel import from Dk, had to have a moh decal on the clocks and a new headlight for alignment but apart from that and 14 years down the line I have never had any trouble dont know about warrenty as Dk had their own for thre first 12 months.

[Robbie 0]

California is the strictest state for emissions. Not 100% sure on cars but bikes have an Evap system fitted to reduce unused fuel vapour escaping into the atmosphere and catching it through a charcoal canister.

[Tony nitrous 0]

The point I tried to make earlier, was if buying through a official
importer, you will be notified of all recalls and safety issues, even
if the dealer you bought from closes down. If you buy from an
independent importer (who may or may not be there in 12 months)
will you be told if there are failings from any mechanical issues?
Will the official importer have you on their list and will they
stand the bill if the independent isn't there or won't?
I have recently had a new rectifier fitted free of charge (on a 5
year old bike) mate recently had a GSXR frame braced under
warrantee on an even older bike. Bike shops come and go, even
the big names. Will the official imported come and find you and
look after you?

Not saying do or don't, just asking.

[Tony nitrous 0]

@Robbie wrote:

California is the strictest state for emissions. Not 100% sure on cars but bikes have an Evap system fitted to reduce unused fuel vapour escaping into the atmosphere and catching it through a charcoal canister.

California is certainly the strictest, but some models are sold
across the US as "California Spec" as its more cost effective
to only market one model.

[Tony nitrous 0]

If you remember the old days / old bikes and Haynes Manuals
it was common the see different specs for Europe / US / Australia
bikes. I'd be looking to see if the ECU maps are the same?
It would be a very easy and cheap for the factory in Japan to
load different maps and A/F settings to suit another markets
suitability or noise / pollution specs.

Not saying they do, but worth thinking about.

[lee1 1]

My first bandit was an import,mph sticker over the kmh,and a sticker on the headlight to make the beam pattern go the other way

never had any probs with insurance or mot or anything else

[dick65 0]

my old b6 was a german import etc but no probs taxing and insuring only thing i didnt like was the kmh i know you can get converters but didnt have it long enough to change it

[Grumpyowl 0]

I take you didn't bother with the import

Or are you going to surprise us with some piccies

[bladerunner 0]

well I might have bought this



I put a deposit down on it to hold it for a few days till I can get over to have a look at it and if for some reason I dont like or want it then I get my deposit back.Weather permitting I should have some news on Saturday.Its a UK bike 2012 reg,traction control model and its a limited edition,one of 2000 made to celebrate Yamaha's 50th anniversary.

[Davehutch-hutchs 0]

very nice Chris , hope it is as nice as it is in the pic

[dick65 0]

very nice

[Grumpyowl 0]

it's red


Only kidding Nice one.

Hope it meets your expectations when you see it for real Saturday

Keep us informed

[Stue11 0]

LTD edition awesome and imo should be yams race colours

[fr499y 0]

You wont be disappointed, lovely looking in the flesh best colours by far! ( even if the exhausts are nearly the size of the bking! )

[BanditMike 0]

Looks good mate. Hope it as you expect

[bladerunner 0]

well the deal is done,picking it up in 2 weeks,gives me a chance to take the termignoni's off the Ducati and also theyre a bit busy next week with the new registration coming out,thought it better to wait another week then its not going to get rushed throught the workshop.

[Davehutch-hutchs 0]

nice one Chris , bet you cant wait

[Grumpyowl 0]

Exciting times Chris.

First thing when you sell the Termis. Is to use the money to paint it Blue

Jim.

[lee1 1]

very nice