Favourite Grey Import?

Hi
I posted a question the other day about bringing my bike back from
Japan with me. I said we are kinda attached, but I'm also a realist.
If I had to dump her(Honda Hornet 250), what would be your best
recommendation for a replacement?
I don't have to pay import tax, so all you'd have to take into account
is Spare Parts, Hassles and Riding Experience. The Balius at the
bottom looks cool I think.

Thanx
Paul

I've been looking at:

Suzuki Bandit 250 http://img113.ac.yahoo.co.jp/users/4/2/5/1/nak_238-img600x450-1093960248dscf0115.jpg

Suzuki 250SB http://img135.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/4/2/5/3/steprise-img600x450-1079770126p1010010-1.jpg

Suzuki GSX250FX http://img101.ac.yahoo.co.jp/users/...imgbatch_1090309735/600x450-2004071900008.jpg

Kawasaki KLX250 http://img129.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/0/7/6/7/r09rcb5162jp-img600x450-1093021674dsc02749.jpg

Kawasaki BALIUS http://img149.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/0/0/6/9/icanfly_masa-img600x450-1092952304p1010037.jpg

 

And you've chosen just about the hardest one to find parts from. And the
ugliest.

Simplest solution: don't buy a grey import. Come back and buy a cheap
600, like a Bandit. Or a Hornet.

 

Its chain is also wrapped in tinfoil, which might be a problem.

Ash

 

Paul wrote in

We don't have the same rider licence issues as in Japan. Entry level
bikes tend to be 500 or 600cc. The 250cc market is almost non existent.

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/drvingb.htm#3. Gibraltar and Designated Countries
explains any issues about riding in the UK on a Japanese licence

Have a look at www.biketrader.co.uk to get an idea of current used
bike prices. http://www.motorcyclenews.com/ has a used bike section
which includes some reviews.

 

Sorry
Forgot to say, I only have a Japanese licence up to max 250cc. What do
ye think is the best buy in the 250cc import market?

Thanks
Paul

 

You're moving back to the UK, right? So you'll not be bound by Jap
restrictions, but UK equivalent ones, which most likely means that
you'll just be restricted to 35bhp bikes, as if you'd just taken the
test on a 125. So bandits and the like are definitely the way to go.

Once you exchange it for a UK one they should take the issue date into
account and give you a full licence if you've had it for more than two
years. In theory, at least.

 

Taking on boards TOGs comments and stuff, I'd have to say that if you really
want to bring in a 250, bring a late model 60-degree RGV-SP or an MC28SP or
TZR-SP. Or all 3 with spares and full m-Max kits etc.

Its still a small market, but the stroker market's bigger than the 4-stroke
4-cyl market here...

Dave

PS. Or a crated NR750.....