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[Essex Lad]

Hi all,
about to take delivery of a 1975 Bullet 350 from a Delhi garage. An Indian market model I presume.





Looks like registering and getting an age plate may be tricky.
I am not particularly keen on a Q Plate.

Anyone got any hints or tips?


Thanks all.

[Mark M]

Well. First, I doubt that the bike in the pics is a 1975, I'd say it is much more recent. Second, they don't issue Q plates any more for this type of registration. Third, join the REOC who are the only people who can reliably date your bike and give you the necessary support for a registration. You may get a dating Certificate from the VMCC but I wouldn't rely on their "experts". Have you got (or can you get,) a NOVA declaration for this bike? If not you will have to pay VAT on registration in the UK which could be expensive. Seriously, have a good think and if you can, cancel the purchase and buy something already here in the UK. Sorry to be blunt but we've seen these bikes before. REgards, Mark

[apparently lucky eddie]

I bought a used Indian Enfield back to England from Madras about 1979 and it looked nothing like that! The bikes produced then were virtually identical to the 1960's British RE's and came in one colour - black. Also had an amal carb with choke lever on the handlebar and quite possibly an advance/retard too but the braincells are in some disagreement after so long. That machine certainly looks nothing like the one I had anyways, I'd run mate, run as far as you can before you get burned. There are plenty of genuine old Brit or Indian ones available.

[Nettshubby]

Essex lad, to get photos on your postings from Photobucket, click on the HTML link, not http. The box should turn yellow and the word copied appear. Then open your reply on this forum and right click in reply box, then click paste. When your teply is published, your photo will be there.

[PeteF]

[PeteF]

I'm afraid you are in for some heartache here Essex Lad.
Have you ever been to India? They have a very non-western way of thinking to put it charitably. This bike, though it looks very shiny in the photos, is more than likely not what the vendor says it is. Have you thought what your line of action would be if it turns out to be a dud when it gets to Essex? The vendor will just evaporate I'm afraid.
As it is an Indian home market bike (or so the vendor says) it may not be type approved for British roads so you could have all that to go through before you can register it.
I've been to Delhi and seen the thousands of little butcher's shops that call themselves motorcycle dealers. I just hope for your sake that your vendor is one of the reputable dealers. Even then, the Indian version of a roadworthy machine is a long way from ours.

[papasmurf]

"I've been to Delhi and seen the thousands of little butcher's shops that call themselves motorcycle dealers."

There are butchers shops that call themselves motorcycle dealers in Britain:- "Buy The Dream" (Ride The Nightmare.)

[Barry_Q]

I've actually Registered a 'Grey Import' (1999 Enfield Lightning). Some parts are easy. Some parts are a real pain. The only difference (as far as I'm concerned) was that my bike was already in the UK when I bought it. THe two most important documents are: The Customs paperwork and a dating Certificate from the REOC. However, a dating certificate isn't required if the bikes original documentation is with the bike. In your case, it would be the Indian version of the V5. Also, there are Companies in India who buy up old Enfields, refurbish them and then sell them. This could be one of those machines.

[Craig]

I Dont Think thats the Bike you Will even get? I have seen:ttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/jimdew/Bike/Enfield/_1b_zps19c20154.jpg In Half adozen adverts and E-Bays Perhaps They all look Good Like That? But I doubt it...Pluss Every thing The Others say Too... "But haveing had a Few Home Mkt Inians Over The Years I have Not Been disapointed!"..HOWEVER Mine Where Unmolested and CHEAP!..(I Know Rules have Changed) BUT CHEAP Rules and Then Spend when Here But if You have Paid The going Prices "Well you Can Allways sell it For Spares " Ouch Sorry Mr H..Or sell it to mr H... "Good Night Boy's"

[Mark M]

I notice poor Essex Lad has posted this question in other places. He also innocently asks if he can get a Dating letter from the Indian Factory. Oh how I laughed! I also noticed the price of this bike works out to approx £1600 which would be a long way to a UK registered On The Road 350. Why don't these guys do any research before buying???? REgards, Mark