Importing scooter from India?

**Jedan71** · 17th August 2012, 16:00

Hi, I am new to this forum so be easy, I am looking at importing a Lambretta DL/GP from India into New Zealand.
I know this topic has been probably raised before.

Can anyone best advise how to go ahead with it, i have suppliers saying they can do the buy and import for big money ( and sort of the trust thing going on)or i have a contact who can buy locally and get to port but i don't know how NZ takes to the older bikes, this is only for me restore and ride.. not for selling.

Am i best sorting a kiwi shipper and sort delivery to the port, haven't got a clue, any help would grateful ..

**varminter** · 17th August 2012, 19:39

So, not a rice burner, a curry burner.

**Jantar** · 17th August 2012, 19:46

Originally Posted by varminter

So, not a rice burner, a curry burner.

Nope, its a pasta burner. (Made in Italy)

**caspernz** · 17th August 2012, 19:48

Aaahh, I think

pretty much sums it up

**MisterD** · 23rd August 2012, 12:53

Originally Posted by Jantar

Nope, its a pasta burner. (Made in Italy)

Doubt it, Scooters India Limited (SIL) made Lambrettas under licence for years and there are rumours that they're going to restart production.

To the OP, I'd probably recommend contacting Nige at Yesterdays Scooters in Rolleston (www.yesterdaysscooters.co and also findable on Bookface) he'll be able to tell you a bit about the hassles of importing and warranting old non NZ-new scooters and also sell you bits for your resto...unless you want to buy my pile of GP bodywork so I can get the Series 2 he's advertising?

**Jantar** · 23rd August 2012, 13:05

Originally Posted by MisterD

Doubt it, Scooters India Limited (SIL) made Lambrettas under licence for years and there are rumours that they're going to restart production....

An Indian copy of an Italian classic would hardly be worth importing to NZ even if freight was free.

**MisterD** · 23rd August 2012, 20:35

Says you, but you'd be wrong. They're real Lambrettas even if not quite as desirable.

**FJRider** · 23rd August 2012, 20:42

Originally Posted by Jedan71

... haven't got a clue, any help would grateful ..

Having no clue ... but you believe you can do it cheaper and better than importers. Why do you believe that ... ???

**XRVrider** · 26th August 2012, 08:47

Originally Posted by Jedan71

Hi, I am new to this forum so be easy

You just met FJRider. With his help, you'll get nowhere.

I have family that imports from India, not motorbikes/scooters, but they are into them and they have checked what it's worth for an Indian Lammie. It is worth doing what you are thinking about... but without being there for the purchase, is perhaps risky.

You would get one cheap enough, and just need enough space in shared container. From the figures suggested by the family, you will be far better off buying this way than a real Italian Lambretta that are advertised here for way more (and sometimes just plain ridiculous rates). Remember (for those who don't know...) the Indian Lammie's and made from real Italian molds, same shape etc... just put together in a third world country, which does bring it's risks.

Good luck mate, hope you get one.

**Dave Lobster** · 7th September 2012, 08:23

Originally Posted by MisterD

Says you, but you'd be wrong. They're real Lambrettas even if not quite as desirable.

No they're not. They've vile money pits.

Even if you get a pile of bits for free in india, by the time you get it here, pay the taxes, the inspections, etc. you're still left with a bag of indian lambretta (replica) bits. Once you've replaced all the bits othat are cack, and don't fit (so far), painted it, got it through compliance, build an engine from parts not originally coke cans, you'll have spent the thick end of $12k. And you'll still be left with an indian lambretta replica.

There's a real on on Trademe for half that at the minute ($5500, I believe). Someone's daubed the side panels in a different colour, so you'd need to get those painted to match the bike. But it's real, it's all there, it's registered. Budget an extra grand to get a brake put on the front though, or you'll wear your shoes out.

**Dave Lobster** · 7th September 2012, 09:20

Buy this one:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-510576671.htm

Paint the panels. Fit a disc brake.
Half the price of one made from unmaintained forty year old presses. And barely any effort. You could ride it home. It's also registered and legal.

Contrary to what you might have been told by people with no hair, it's not all about the fixing of them. It's about the riding of them.

**MoNk** · 23rd September 2012, 12:32

Had a lot of trouble finding this info from the LTSA.
When importing a Scooter, is there anything like certificates to get? Or is it just walk in to a AA and ask for rego supplying the scooter details?

I'm considering buying from Japan if I can't find anything I like here.