Enfields into UK: WHY NO RESPONSES?
 

Hi y'all--
I posted a note a couple of weeks ago, asking for experience/knowledge about importing Indian Enfields into the UK, given EU laws about such things. No responses. Why would that be? Should I post to another board. Or another website? Come on, someone must have some thoughts.. . Thanks, DAVID

Probably no responses because no one's done it recently and can give solid info.

Why not just buy one of the already imported ones in the UK? They are generally of a much higher standard than the original ones, and already meet EU standards.

It's NOT generally worthwhile to do all the mods and fight your way through customs and roadworthiness etc for anything less than something very exotic, special and unobtainable any other way.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Hi

I shipped a 1945 Triumph in from the UK to Delhi no problem at all. Madaan Motors organised the whole deal, I just picked the bike up from Felixtowe and paid the appropriate duty to customs. To minimise this, make sure to undervalue the bike on the bill of lading.

I haven't got around to registering the thing yet but believe there won't be any problems as it's old and secondhand. You need supporting documentation to prove the age if you want an age related plate. Different situation entirely for new vehicles and I agree with Grant that you probably wouldn't bother.

There's a discussion of various Indian Enfield dealers in the bikes wanted section of this site. But jeez, an Enfield????

Cheers



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Sean

just to stick my oar in - a good friend of mine bought an 'already imported' enfield a year or so back. what followed was the most diabolical case of negligence/build quality/customer service I think I have EVER seen. only one persons experience (and glad it wasn't mine!), but after witnessing it first hand I'd definitly reccomend you approach modern Enfields with extreme caution . . . .

good luck

Huey

Hi, Enfields for the home market (India) are not put through the same quality controle as the export models, there are some other diferences as well such as front brake size, electrical components, 12volt as opposed to 6. It is possible to import one but there would be import duty, registration costs and vat. If you were to ride round India on one and then ship it home as personal effects that may get around import duty but not the vat and that will usually be on a value customs attatch to the bike.
I currently work for an Enfield dealer and can vouch for the quality of the export models if ridden properly. These are after all 50 year old bikes and not new ones despite being made today. They need to be riden with respect and are very interactive in the maintenance department. The low resale value for second hand enfields would mean that you would have to pick them up very cheap indeed. The new ones available now have the 5 speed gearbox and electric start but the "classic" 4 speed model sells for £2400 on the road with 12 months warranty at one year old in as new condition this would be £1800 maximum and we find it much easier to sell a new one than a second hand one.

don't buy from Madaan Motors
 

It looks like someone got a bike through Madaan Motors, but he was probably there to arrange its shipment. I bought a bike from Madaan Motors two years ago and still haven't received it. The problem is I wasn't in Delhi to supervise the shipment of the bike. So don't buy from them unless you're there to oversee the deal.
Check out my website http://www.madaanmotorsthief.com/

It is now very difficult to register a post `72 vehicle in europe, due to the emissision and harmonization regulations. Older vehicles do not have to meet these standards, so it is feasible. My advice would be to import an 'as is' old bike, once mot'd and registered you can get it rebuilt cheaply ( esp if you go back to india with it.) This 'could' include special motor parts, or the new and much better lean burn engine, or the 5 speed gearbox. I like many thought it ideal to fly to india, buy a bike and return. However with current legislation plus enfields and the indian governments desire to have only 'export models' exported as these fetch premium prices, makes it very difficult to impossible.

You will find that the India market Enfield can not be registered in the EU at all now due to all the stuff mentioned by oldbmw above. So I would forget about doing it. The Bikes from india are such lower spec than Uk market requirements it is almost impossible to upgrade them for the eu market without having to replace many of the Major engine and chassis components. Also i believe I am right in saying that you can not buy a EU spec model in India. as they are all built for export only for tax/financial reasons - just like oldbmw says.

EU legislation
 

I have seen many companies on the intenret that import Indian models and also heard of people riding back on the bikes and being able to pass its MOT and meet legilsatoin by just fitting correct tires, indicators and mirrors.

How do they meet EU legislation ? and why would they be in business if it was a lot of money and hassle when UK spec models are being built for the UK market ? Im not saying you are wrong mearly questioning your post. As I myself am planning to buy a Enfield, albeit a Nepalise Enfield (as currently it not possible to ride a bike back from Inida legally diue to the inablity to obtain a carnet de passage to go through pakistan, iran and turkey).

Other costs, I believe you have to pay registration fees and 22% tax of the value of the bike.

Buy Second Hand UK model.
 

Hi Spiritwalker,
Some posts just get lost if the right people don't see them first time round.

I can agree with much of what has already been said about Enfields. The export models are aparently of a much higher standard than the 'home market' ones.
I have a 2002 '350 Classic' export model and think it's great fun. You do have to be aware of the limitations of these bikes though. As has been said before they are effectively 50 year old bikes so can't be thrashed like a modern Jap/german machine. You have to keep fettling them and tweaking them, it's a real 'hands on' bike. Having spoken to the numerous old boys who come up and go "I/my brother/mate had one of those back in the fifties!" they seem to require no more care than was usual back in those days though.
Many people buy them expecting it run without maintenance and care in the way a Jap bike would and to zip along with equal modernity. These people are dumb (sorry no other expression fits).
Personally I wouldn't use one to commute or as an adventure tourer, but for weekends away, short chugs on summer evenings etc. it's a right laugh. No other 'modern' bike I know makes you feel like you've escaped from Stalag Luft 3 and are making a dash for the swiss frontier. And in that funny way, people (including the lasses ;) ) pay them way more attention than they would a BMW 1200GS Adv.
If I was you I'd look around for a second hand one, they are EXTREMELY cheap second hand as many people buy one and find it too much for them. According to a recent internet valuation I did, my 2002 bike with 10,000km in excellent condition and a reliable runner is worth just 400 pounds. Look around and you'll get a real nice one I'm sure.
Matt :)

These dudes are the no.1 Enfield accesory dealers in the UK (some of their stuff is ridiculously cool, almost too nice to stick on a bike the value of an enfield!) but they also have a good message board with some really informed blokes and enthusiasts. It might be an idea to read some of the stuff on here to decide wether or not a Bullet is for you:

http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/

Matt :)

this used to be the case, but these bikes are not now tuv approved. without type approval you cant register them for the road. only the 'export models' are approved. My personal beleif is that thsi is more marketing ploy than build quality. Enfield will not type approve a non export model.

get a uk bike ( or whatever your country is) once registered you can pretty much do what you want with it, ( keep the original chassis number)

TUV approved
 

Im sorry to diverge somewhat of topic.

oldbmw - If you dont mind I would like to know more about what TUV approved means ? I am in the middle of planning my dream travelling experience and flying to Nepal and buying a bike then riding it back to the UK.

Once back I would like to tax and mot it and carry on use of the bike. Is it possible to work on the bike to make it tuv approved?

If not is it possible to buy a older Enfield and be exept from the legislation ?

Please help, thanks very much in advance for any info :)

I may have got the terminilogy wrong, but basically as from jan 2006 all the eec have got together with regards licencing vehicles. Only those vehicle models which are certified by the manufacturer to conform in every respect with eec regulations can be licensed for road use. vehicles manufactured before this have a difficult time getting registry, except for veteran ( here again may not be exact term) vehicles. For the UK this means 1972 or before.

My advice would be to get a post 2000 enfield already registered here. once you have that registered get the carnets etc, and ship the bike to Nepal or somwhere close where you can ride it into India with comparative ease. There you could fit whatever mods/improvements you like for little money. and ride it home without any problems. My own choice would be for the new electra. and not bother with many mods ( maybe a bigger tank ) I do not beleive that the export bikes are much dissimilar from the home market ones... but for each export market they have to comply with loads of regulations. eg Australia has its set, as does the USA. so importing a vehicle into or between any of these economies is now very difficult.

I think the above idea of transporting your bike to India or Nepal then riding home might be a good one, at least logistically. Although it may be expensive. The great benefit of buying one here (apart from the simplicity of re-importation) is that you will have the opportunity to get to know your bike. Enfields are very simple and easy to work on but the opportunity to strip it down and service the bike in the comfort of your own home should not be underestimated.
You would also be able to fit some european made after market parts which are of far higher quality than the Indian originals. For example a power box in place of the dodgy regulator rectifier units and electronic ignition. The Hitchcocks website I mentioned before has loads of performance and reliability related parts (most of which are unessecary for your purposes though!). Although I suppose there is nothing stopping you buying the parts here and fitting them to a bike over there. Of course many people have simply bought a stock bike and ridden it home!

If I was adapting a Bullet for overlanding I'd:

Fit a power box. Fit a freer flowing air filter and exhaust, and re-jet the carb (any extra power is nice on a Bullet!). Fit some nice wide handlebars. Put a sheepskin on the seat. Build a rack to take some soft luggage. Beef up the rear sub-frame. Fit a halogen headlight bulb. Fit a better horn. Depending on roads taken fit two front 19" Continental Twinduros front and back if you see what I mean! (Otherwise just use standard Avons, they are fine). Fit a side stand. (Getting a fully loaded Bullet up on its centre stand is a bitch!) Get an open face helmet and spitfire pilots goggles.

Matt