Moving to the UK next year, re-registering my SV.

I know nothing about importing a bike from the States, I've only done it from Europe.

Originally Posted by sath182

Actually I'm US military and transferring to Menwith Hill. I'm not great at UK geography yet. Thanks for the advise on the headlights though, not something I would have thought of. I do have the insert for the can available, still louder than stock though. Do you know of any other items that I should be concerned with about importing from the States?

HELLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOoo!

Menwith hill (the massive golf ball radar stations) isnt too far from me, some fantastic roads around there.
Also some fantastic off-roads as well, great for a bit of green laning.

As has been said, source yourself a set of UK lights and stick the standard can/baffle back on and you'll be laughing.

Welcome to the UK and to the Org.

[BoltonSte]

I'll see what I have for when I imported my bike from the US.

The shipping company sorted most of it for me (they should with yours) the main thing is a customs delaration that you won't sell the bike within 12 months of getting it here (to make sure you're not bringing it over for profit). so you don't have any import duty to pay, Then it'll need to be tested by VOSA I believe.

If it's a curvy then the US headlight is the same as the UK one, enough adjustment in the reflectors to be used either side of the road. The EU ones have the foxeye which scuppers that though. Although I think you may have said K9? I've not read back over the OP and can't remember, but no idea about that light.

Do you really want to be importing a left hand drive bike though?

Look here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...icle/index.htm

Ste

By running lights, I assume you mean i'll have the add a switch to the wiring harness to turn the headlamps completely off. Would this include the position lights (the tiny ones in the corners)? I've seen other people with this mod, but I'm terrible with wiring and wouldn't want to buy a new harness :P

edit: thanks for the link, svste. that's definitely one for the favorites list. and one (albeit minor) reason i sold my maxima was because i wanted to be on the proper side of any drive-throughs that i may visit

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

MOT test. So there will be an emissions test as part of that,

Not for bike MOT, just visual.

No mate, just the light cluster its self needs replacing.
Americans driving on the right means your right hand beam is slightly elevated compeared to the left.
Its 2 fold so you get better views of the road signs (off to the right of the kerb) and also so you dont dazzle on coming traffic to your left.
In the UK its the other way around, ie signs are on your left traffic is on our right therefore the beams are lifted and dipped accordingly. You need a new light cluster which is set up in the same fashon in order to allow it to pass a VOSA inspection.

you need an item like this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SUZUKI-SV1000-...item35ae2d31c9

and thats just a straight swap for the one currently on your bike, no amendments to the wiring loom required.

Check the import tax on a temporary import. If it seems OK bring it in and ride it for 6 months while you find your feet in Blighty. Then either store it until you can use it again or get a UK bike.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/drivers/militarydrivers.aspx

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...le/DG_10014623

Originally Posted by sath182

By running lights, I assume you mean i'll have the add a switch to the wiring harness to turn the headlamps completely off. Would this include the position lights (the tiny ones in the corners)? I've seen other people with this mod, but I'm terrible with wiring and wouldn't want to buy a new harness :P

edit: thanks for the link, svste. that's definitely one for the favorites list. and one (albeit minor) reason i sold my maxima was because i wanted to be on the proper side of any drive-throughs that i may visit

no not the main lights

running lights EG indicators are on all the time then they blink when you turn them on if you have these then they need to be disabled so they are like the uk ones and only come on when you indicate

Are you coming from America or EU ?

Originally Posted by barwel1992

Are you coming from America or EU ?

Originally Posted by sath182

Actually I'm US military and transferring to Menwith Hill.

Originally Posted by Owenski

dosn't mean he's stationed in the us or has a us bike does it