Importing a modified bike - worth the hassle?

[doc44]

May well be moving back to NZ and hope to bring one of my two bikes. My v-max is the most standard of the two, but it has aftermarket wheels and various other non standard parts - would it be advisable to return it to as near to standard as possible to make the registration a smoother process or should it be ok, after all, it`s not a chop?

My DRZ could be more difficult. It`s an S model but has a 440cc kit along with an FCR (non standard carb), non standard tank, wheels, lights etc. etc. How much hassle would it be to register this? I know there are plenty of DRZ`s in NZ so could easily pick up another but not one like mine.

Has anyone imported a modified bike, or a bike with some minor mods? How was it?

BTW, I imported a couple of cars (no hassles) a few years ago so I understand the procedure for non modified cars and would imagine that it`s basically the same for bikes, it`s the "modified bit" that I`m not so sure of.

[tigertim20]

out of that list, not many items sounds like being an issue, are your lights E marked?

[AllanB]

Just put it down as a DZR400 - why tell them the engine is modified, they will have no idea unless you tell them

Same with the wheels on the V-Max. They will be more interested in brake lines, pads and disks.

[FJRider]

I stand to be corrected ... but it will most likely need to be vinned ... and if it's found to be "unsafe" to be on the road ... rego will be declined ...

I don't believe the "modifications" to be an issue ...

[Mully]

Just put it down as a DZR400 - why tell them the engine is modified, they will have no idea unless you tell them

Same with the wheels on the V-Max. They will be more interested in brake lines, pads and disks.

^^ what he said.

[pete376403]

Where are you coming from? Left / right headlight dipping is one that is checked on.
Another is modified brake hoses, must be marked with approval numbers.
Lots of stuff on this site
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/warr...ons/entry.html

[Shadows]

Brakes need to comply, provided they work, the lines are good, and the pads aren't asbestos then no probs. Just get a bike shop to have a look and fill out a compliance form.
When VIN-ing the main things they worry about is the paperwork, which way the headlight dips, and how much noise the exhaust makes. Other than that it's essentially just a standard WOF inspection.

[doc44]

They were pretty hot on the brakes when I imported my cars before.

I heard from a friend of a friend who imported a pretty much bog standard bike apart from aftermarket indicators and he had to change the indicators in order to register it.
Sounds a bit harsh to me, which is why I was wondering about the hassles I may encounter with my bikes. If it is essentially just a wof inspection then I should be fine, but then again if they are more strict (checking against standard models?) then maybe not so lucky. Paperwork won`t be a problem.

BTW both my bikes are quite safe at sensible speeds

[Shadows]

They were pretty hot on the brakes when I imported my cars before.

I heard from a friend of a friend who imported a pretty much bog standard bike apart from aftermarket indicators and he had to change the indicators in order to register it.
Sounds a bit harsh to me, which is why I was wondering about the hassles I may encounter with my bikes. If it is essentially just a wof inspection then I should be fine, but then again if they are more strict (checking against standard models?) then maybe not so lucky. Paperwork won`t be a problem.

BTW both my bikes are quite safe at sensible speeds

Most inspectors wouldn't know if the indicators were after market or not, so there must have been something wrong with them to attract his attention in the first place.

After market indicators almost never mean "bigger and brighter". They probably weren't grunty enough to be seen from the required 100m away in daylight, and/or the angles they were viewable from were too acute, and/or he did something to fuck the inspector off.

[R6Genesis]

this is good to hear, because my bike will look stock, and the mods look stock.

[doc44]

From my ongoing research it seems that the regulations are not so strict for older bikes, but newer bikes should be as near to standard as possible to avoid potential hassles.

Shadows, about the indicators, they may have been flashing faster than usual (as is the case with some aftermarket indicators) which could have been the problem.

Would still be good to hear from anyone who has actually gone through this process themselves with modified or standard bikes.

[avgas]

Shouldn't be a problem. I have had much more on imported bikes and they flew through wof's no question asked. Even had the CC's shown as wrong. For years I was riding a GB "400"

[Shadows]

Would still be good to hear from anyone who has actually gone through this process themselves with modified or standard bikes.

I have been through the process with a 3 year old modified bike and I observed the inspection from start to finish.
Everything that has been posted above by myself and others is accurate.
From the information you have provided I doubt you'll have a problem so long as you keep your cards close to your chest about your DR-Z's displacement. Even if they were to pick up on it (which they won't), I don't think a mere 10% increase would be an issue any way.

[doc44]

I have been through the process with a 3 year old modified bike and I observed the inspection from start to finish.
Everything that has been posted above by myself and others is accurate.
From the information you have provided I doubt you'll have a problem so long as you keep your cards close to your chest about your DR-Z's displacement. Even if they were to pick up on it (which they won't), I don't think a mere 10% increase would be an issue any way.

Thanks Shadows, that`s good to hear!