[greywolf]

One thing that comes to mind is the headlights. Euro spec has parking lights in the tops and the UK beam pattern is for left side of the road driving. Also check licensing requirements. Newly licensed riders are limited to 33hp and have power limiting ECMs or carbs on their bikes. Also check emissions requirements as the Euro spec is on a par with or more stringent than California's. Why not ask the authorities in the UK?

 

[Nordkapper]

One thing that comes to mind is the headlights. Euro spec has parking lights in the tops and the UK beam pattern is for left side of the road driving. Also check licensing requirements. Newly licensed riders are limited to 33hp and have power limiting ECMs or carbs on their bikes. Also check emissions requirements as the Euro spec is on a par with or more stringent than California's. Why not ask the authorities in the UK?

Hi Greywolf,

Thanks vm for the reply. Yes I'll need to replace the headlights. The bike won't need to be restricted to 33bhp. I was wondering if any of the other parts are different apart from the difference in engine maping for emissions - I'm hoping that is the only difference. The problems I think are bikes coming to the U.S. rather than the other way around as far as importing / emissions spec, etc.

Cheers,
Nordkapper

 

[greywolf]

Have you checked with the UK authorities? Not having a charcoal canister could be a problem.

 

[p38arover]

Don't forget, British (and Aussie) bikes are right hand drive. :green_lol:

 

[Nordkapper]

Have you checked with the UK authorities? Not having a charcoal canister could be a problem.

I recall from years ago that the BMW R80GS for the U.S. market had the charcoal canister but the U.K. model did not. Thanks for your thoughts as always Greywolf!

 

[Nordkapper]

Also came across this, which gives some hope.

V-Strom Owners Site UK • View topic - Interchangeability of parts 1000 & 650

So I'll need to look out for a used set of U.K.-spec headlights and should be good to go. Finger's crossed.........

Anyone interested in a set of U.S. headlights? ;-)

 

[greywolf]

That was lifted from What parts can be swapped!

 

[Penmaker]

So I'll need to look out for a used set of U.K.-spec headlights and should be good to go. Finger's crossed.........

I think that will be a swap out of the entire reflector assembly. A change out of the bulb is not going to give that right or left difference. That swap out could get pricey. Keep your US spec equipment just in case...

 

[Nordkapper]

I think that will be a swap out of the entire reflector assembly. A change out of the bulb is not going to give that right or left difference. That swap out could get pricey. Keep your US spec equipment just in case...

Yes it will be expensive as you are quite correct that the lights actually need to be swapped out so that they will dip on the other side of the road in the U.K.. Figuring I might be able to sell my U.S. lights whilst I'm here. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Mark226]

I came from the state of Georgia to the UK with my 2009 V-Strom. The lights DO NOT need to be changed. When you get your MOT they can adjust your headlights to UK spec. I have not had any problems in the 2 years that I have been in the UK getting anything they I have needed for the V-Strom.

 

[Nordkapper]

I came from the state of Georgia to the UK with my 2009 V-Strom. The lights DO NOT need to be changed. When you get your MOT they can adjust your headlights to UK spec. I have not had any problems in the 2 years that I have been in the UK getting anything they I have needed for the V-Strom.

That is interesting info indeed. So your lights now dip correctly when you are driving on the left side of the road?

 

[p38arover]

What do British bike owners do when they ride to Europe?

 

[Nordkapper]

What do British bike owners do when they ride to Europe?

There was a time when we had to put tape over part of the light. But I've never bothered and haven't had any problems.

 

[Nordkapper]

I came from the state of Georgia to the UK with my 2009 V-Strom. The lights DO NOT need to be changed. When you get your MOT they can adjust your headlights to UK spec. I have not had any problems in the 2 years that I have been in the UK getting anything they I have needed for the V-Strom.

By the way forgot to say that you have made my week, thanks for that info Mark!

 

[Mark226]

Your welcome. Yes the lights point in the correct direction. There are adjustments screw on the back of the headlight so they can be repositioned.