Hi Bernard,

Glad to be of help – I’m keen to get things clear in my mind, too, since I’m flying to Delhi soon after New Year.

Problem 1. Carnet

Yep, I reckon it’s possible.

Yes and yes, allegedly. The set-up in Kathmandu that sells Enfields is called Himalayan Enfielders. I’ve been in touch with a bloke called Chandraman Pun, whose email address is ‘enfielders at ntc.net.np’. A couple of months ago, he said ‘You can buy a brand new or rebuilt Enfields from us and it can be registered in your name directly with no hassles.’ Remember, though, that this is the guy who originally told me he had European spec bikes, but that might have been a genuine misunderstanding on his part, since he seems helpful. In terms of cost, he said:

185000 rupees would be about US$2450, which is pretty steep by Indian prices. He says he sold two new 500s and a re-built 350 to some Belgians earlier this year.

Problem 2. Iranian Visa

I don’t know about visa requirements for Americans – I think they are different from those that apply to everyone else. Tourist visas for non-Americans used to require an invitation from within Iran, but not any longer, at least on the form issued by the London embassy. But I think you’re right that the transit visa could be the best option, since all indications are that they are quite easy to extend once you’re in. I look forward to hearing what you find out – sorry to hear you’ve been unwell!

Problem 3. Registration in the UK

You’re right that the information is well hidden. The following is to be found in the thrilling publication http://www.vca.gov.uk/publications/vca005.pdf :

The consultation documents about introducing a Single Vehicle Approval scheme are at
http://www.roads.dft.gov.uk/consult/...ycle/index.htm . I had a problem finding more information until I found a number in Appendix 5 of booklet PI5 (How to Import your Vehicle Permanently into Great Britain), which is at http://www.roads.dft.gov.uk/vehicle/sva/pi5 . They put me on to Lawrence Thatcher at the department for transport (tel. 020-79445020), who is dealing with it. I spoke to him again this morning. The options are in the hands of the minister at the moment. When he decides, it will go out for consultation again, probably mid-January. Even if the test itself turns out to be affordable, I have a strong feeling that it would take a good deal of work to get an Indian spec bike through it.

It’s not, so this has got to be the way to go if you don’t mind getting back by then. If it’s over three years old, it’s got to pass an MOT, but I don’t think the requirements for that are too stringent. Otherwise it can simply be registered with no fuss.

I did come across something along those lines, but of course to get a carnet, an Indian-registered bike would be no good. I don’t remember there being many Enfields in Nepal, so the chances of getting an old one there are probably slim.

I think it’s rather more than that – see the vca005 pdf referred to above. There are plenty of bits that have to be EU approved. The euro spec still has a front drum – the disc is only available as an add-on in India. I think even new Indian spec bikes have 12v electrics, only a smaller battery than on the electric start model that’s now available in the UK.

I’m ditching my job and doing some travelling before a career change. It’s been postponed repeatedly and plans have changed a bit – was going to Africa initially! But now it’s finally happening and I can’t wait; I’ve got about five months to spare. Haven’t travelled by bike before but always wanted to. How about you? Have you been away for a while already? Maybe I’ll catch up with you if you’re still in the area in January.

Cheers,

James