Question

[Infinity]

Uhh...was looking thru ads. What does Grey Import mean? How does that affect value?

Thanks.

[Steve_TLS]

Grey import is when a bike is privately imported (not via the manufacturer) that wasn't originally fitted with an AU ADR / VIN plate.

It can be a bike model that was released on the Australian market, or it can be a bike that was never released here.

A dealer might buy a container load of "grey imports" get them approved and flog them off.

Buying and reselling should be cheaper than mainstream official imports.

[99coconuts]

but if your talking about the inflated victorian 250 market, forget about saving money on greys, they ALL cost a fortune no matter what....

but dont pay too much heed to all the urban myths with them. just because they are a grey, doesn't mean they will be harder to insure, get parts for or sell. look at the model, not the import status for that sort of thing. an suzuki import bandit 250 is going to be TONNES harder to find bits for than a very generic CBR250 grey, and a grey bandit is going to be easier to insure than a honda import CBR. also, with the exception of only a few bikes, the grey is IDENTICAL to the dealer import deal.

have fun looking, i guess you're looking for a first bike?

[photomike666]

If you're insuring Fully Comp greys can be more expensive as the insurance company is covering potential costs of getting hard to find parts (even if the bike is identicial they'll hike the price - theiving, low life skum).

[Neka79]

ok..heres the other thing abt grey imports...(from an ex bike salesman)

they get flogged to the shithouse in japan...maybe 20,000km..wen they hit the max km limit over there they get exported to aus...
they get a new comp plate, saying the comp date (often years after the BUILD date)...they get new tyres,brake pads, full service and respray if needed ...then they hit our showroom floors..the prices of them are ussually high-ish, and parts CAN be hard to find..in my experience with them the insurance was ridiculous...
personally id rather a low km aus delivered bike....i kno we r a kwak forum, but if i were looking at learner legal here id b looking at either
vtr250
nsr150 (2 stroke)
zzr/gpx 250

now..is the LAMS thing still on in nsw??if so id seriously reccomend the ER-5...wot a wikid lil bike they r!!

[Infinity]

Yup. LAMS thing is unfortunately still in place. NSW RTA are pretty anal.

Thanks for the info guys!

[Infinity]

Hey Neka, just saw a pic of the ER5... it's naked and PREEEDDY!

I LIIIKE!

p.s.- I like streetfighters, please, no need for any naked remarks.

[Felix]

Have a look at the pic of my ER-5, sans front wheel...how naked do you wanna go??

Good bike for a first bike, and then a bit. They aren't quick like the sports bikes, but they are ok...better than a 250 any day.

[JamesLaugesen]

Yup. LAMS thing is unfortunately still in place. NSW RTA are pretty anal.

Thanks for the info guys!

Don't go knockin' it Infinity

New riders definitely need to be limited. It's a rare case (lots of training, track time, etc) that someone can jump on a 750 superbike for their first bike and still really learn to ride.

So atm there's two options; Limited to 250cc like most other aussie states have (I think maybe all other states?).
Or LAMS for NSW which is 150kw/tonne limit; so big dudes can ride bigger bikes with more torque, otherwise they'd be stuck on a 250 in the middle of an uphill intersection.

I don't see any better way the RTA can do it. Asside from privatising all licensing/training and having licence "classes within classes" like a beefed up version of Singapore or Germany's system.

I suppose maybe the LAMS power/weight could be upped a bit to allow the 2 smoker 250s, but that'll never happen since 2 stroke engines are being phased out in Australia so there's no point promoting them. I don't know of any 4 stroke 250s that exceed LAMS?

Anyhoo, when you're riding your shiney LAMS approved bike next to us on the freeway I'm sure you'll be hating the RTA, but the first time you run into a corner too fast and get the slow motion (or freeze-frame for some people I think) effect; you'll be glad about LAMS, haha.
Then, again, when you learn that if you slow down while you're turning, you'll actually turn less... you'll be glad about LAMS.

Lecture over

Was really nice meeting you today; sorry for turning up late, I must've missed a looot of questions.

Attention Forum: There'll be plenty more question to come from Infinity: She 'aight no ordinary future biker

[JamesLaugesen]

Hey Neka, just saw a pic of the ER5... it's naked and PREEEDDY!

I LIIIKE!

p.s.- I like streetfighters, please, no need for any naked remarks.

Woops missed this one.
Yeah ER5's a nice!
*insert tastefuly tantilising naked remark here*

You'll probably wanna get a Kwaka otherwise you might feel a bit silly having built a nice friend/fan-base on this forum

[Glen]

LAMS is a good scheme for those that for whatever reason want or need to get something bigger than a 250. Eg physical size, previous unlicensed experience etc.

Don't be carried away with getting something bigger than a 250 just because you can. You will be a better rider by learning to ride the wheels off something smaller, rather than struggling with something that you may not be comfortable with.

I don't know what your motorcycling experience is like but if it's minimal I would seriously suggest sticking to a sensible 250. By sensible I mean something that you can drop without breaking the bank (and i don't necessarily mean drop while your moving, most learners bin their bikes in carparks etc while stationary or moving very slowly).

Really it's a matter of personal choice, but as with most things start off slowly and build your skills, confidence etc.

[Infinity]

Hey Felix, envious already! No need to rub the salt in the wound. lol

Though have to say, i wonder if it might be a tad heavy for me. I'm 5'6 and 55kg. Maybe i gotta beef up, lots of maccas and pie stops once i get a licence and bike might help!

[JamesLaugesen]

Most bikes are too heavy for most people, hahaha. The trick is to not carry the bike
I don't even bother trying to muscle the zxr, just think about where you parking and you'd be fine.
Size and geometry make more difference than weight.

[Infinity]

You'll probably wanna get a Kwaka otherwise you might feel a bit silly having built a nice friend/fan-base on this forum

Hey! I will not succumb to peer-pressure!

[Infinity]

But yeah maybe a kwaka.........

Hey James, you forgot to mention the PINK in your bike on your signature

Nah, it looks pretty cool. Not at all pansy