I have a beautiful '11 RS Sm5 with only 18k on her.
I'm thinking of an extended stay in the UK and I'm hoping I can take the Spyder.
Anyone here any ideas on what would have to be done to bring my Spyder into compliance with UK requirements...?
Printable View
I have a beautiful '11 RS Sm5 with only 18k on her.
I'm thinking of an extended stay in the UK and I'm hoping I can take the Spyder.
Anyone here any ideas on what would have to be done to bring my Spyder into compliance with UK requirements...?
It's been many years since I've been there. We had our Yank Tank over there. The only thing we had to do was get it through MOT and registration. I'm sure OJ will chime in with some better info.
Just off the top of my head I can think of a couple of things. European low beam headlights need to be installed. The existing headlights I think can still be used for high beam. You will need to check that. Backup light that is link to reverse gear. Bigger rear turn signals. European models have a different license light. Not sure why.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rayelljay
You will need to change the handle bars over! We drive on the wrong side:yikes:
the chances of you being pulled by the police is minimal unless you are still driving on the wrong side:lecturef_smilie: the only thing I can think is that the angle of your head lights would need to be altered to the left rather than the right. If it requires a road worthy test (MOT), chances are, the mechanic will not have seen a Spyder before. Not sure about insurance for "foreigners" though?? :sour: I shall ask some of our Polish workers for more info:dontknow:
Look up the guys at ukspyderweb when your over here, it would be nice to meet up:yes:
OK here I am!! :rolleyes:
Kingers has nailed it I think. Must have dipping headlights and in the case of the RS those 'extra' lights are fitted where the optional(US)
lights are. Indicators have to be amber all round and at the rear spaced further apart than US models. If you have them fitted, modulating brake lights are a no-no.
UK RS models don't have reversing light; all four flashers flash together the same as the hazard lights but if you have a reversing light it must be linked to the
the reverse gear. Let's see...what else?
:clickpic:
This is a picture of my dear departed RS-S
Yeah! Side reflectors like on the cases in the picture must be amber......and you must have a rear reflector, reflective tape isn't adequate.
The MoT test on a Spyder can only carried out by a tester who has Class 3 certification and will cost you about £35.
If you have a 'straight through' exhaust it can be a problem but my Hindle went through OK (Tester's discretion).
Hope this helps a bit!
Your ex machine looks nice. I have been curious for a longtime regarding the different light setups shown in the parts catalog for various countries.Quote:
Originally Posted by OJ UK
Just to clarify, and I may be wrong, your machine ran low beam headlights on the left and right side of the frunk lid. The headlights up higher and just forward of the instruments is your high beams?
Saying that, I assume your high beams are normally off and turn on when selected?
PK
I got that one wrong. Actually should know better. Australia and a lot of asian countries require the backup lights, not europe.
minor adjustments and your good to go. I did some mods with lighting and found that cheapcycleparts.com has the parts you need. If you have oem fog those become low beams if not you need the vent covers (about $20.00 each) and light base ($45.00 each) the lights and turn signals I did not do. It all fits nicely and easy to do. Enjoy your stay and ryding on the other (wrong) side of the road....:thumbup:
Sounds like a lot of work, I'd just buy a new one over there.
My UK-spec Spyder RT doesn't have dipping headlights as such.Quote:
Originally Posted by OJ UK
The top pair of lights function as the main beam and are switched on and off as required by the rider. They have a long throw and illuminate the road in the far distance. Because of their greater brightness they readily dazzle other road users and so it is courteous in the UK not to use main beam whenever there is approaching traffic, nor when closely following other vehicles. Flashing the main beams as a signal to other road users is common in the UK. However, this leads to accidents because the signals are not subject to a specific code and what is intended by the flashes is commonly misunderstood.
The Spyder's bottom pair of lamps are on by default when the engine is running and cannot be turned off. This fulfills two UK regulation requirements, firstly to have a 'dipped beam' during darkness to illuminate the nearside verge together with the road surface in the near distance, and secondly for motorcycles to announce their presence during daylight hours by displaying light(s).
Just sayin. ;)
You folk have been really helpful.
I had considered, albeit briefly, selling mine and buying over there but, even with the adjustable risers, the BRP driving lamps, the Givi rigid bags and the Corbin seat, I was only allowed near 9k on a trade-in so a flat out sale kinda puts a damper on it.
It's only got 17k and is running very sweet and I believe it would be well used over there.......got a yen for South Wales (for my engineering history exploits).
Can anyone give a ballpark insurance figure...I'm 71....?
Thanks GeoffCee! Far more eloquent than I am! My reference to dipping headlights was a generalisation as
most UK/Euro vehicles have the high and low (dip) beam in the same light unit.
Insurance cost in the UK is governed by the location of your home address. So a big city address will be
much more expensive than a isolated rural location. Another big variable is where the bike is stored overnight.
Much cheaper in a secure garage than parked in the street or on your drive. Predicted annual mileage is also a factor.
(Do not be tempted to under estimate your annual mileage!)
You can expect to pay at least £250 (around $390) for a years fully comprehensive insurance. There are a few
insurance companies that specialise in motorcycle insurance and they are the ones that generally give the best
prices.
Driving in the UK
If you're touring over here I would strongly advise that you go out a few times as passenger in maybe a car with
a competent driver who drives 'by the book' and can give you a running commentary on what he is doing and why!
I know it sounds a little crazy, but us older guys do tend to drive by existing instincts and they have to be ignored
driving on the "other side of the road". Until those instincts have been re-trained you have to think about every
turn and overtake. (Especially right turns, roundabouts and lane discipline.)
If your Spyder is running well that's great. Especially on holiday I think it is always preferable to ride a machine you know and have confidence in.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rayelljay
We live about 20 miles from the (central) Welsh border and we never tire of spending a day riding through the magnificent Welsh countryside on good, uncrowded roads.
Insurance. When I bought my new Spyder in March 2011 I had a 'choice' of only one UK insurer. There were several conditions I was obliged to meet before the insurance co. would accept the risk.
Firstly, my RT has to be locked in a brick or concrete garage every night that I am at home . Secondly, it has to be fitted with a high-spec anti-theft alarm. Thirdly, it must have an independent means of making it immobile, (I use a 14mm diameter link-chain and high-security padlock). Fourthly, in the event of my RT being stolen, the insurer will not accept any claim unless they first receive by registered post, both RT keys, both alarm transponders and both padlock keys.
The annual cost of my policy for that first year, 2011-12, was £757, about $1,136. :shocked: