Forum

[Matty]

Hi everyone, I was wondering if there's anyone out there that could give me some advice. My friend while working in India for 2 years purchased a Royal Enfield Thunderbird, and when their contract ended decided to bring it back in a shipping container with other stuff they had accumulated over the 2 years. Long story cut short - it has sat in their garage for the last 6 years unused and have offered it to me knowing my love of bikes. They said it couldn t be used over here as it doesn't meet mot requirements. Does anyone know if it's possible to have it registered and adapted to use here? It seems such a shame for it to sit in the corner of a garage. I can post some photos if it would help

[Barry_Q]

The short answer is: Yes it can be Registered over here. I Registered my own 500 Lightning. There is a catch though and that's the age of the bike. My Lightning was over 10 years old when it was Registered, so it didn't need the MSVA test. You can look up the current test requirements to see if the Thunderbird needs to be modified, or you can wait for 4 years and just get the bike MOT'd (There are other minor hoops to jump through).

[Alan R]

Hi Guys !!,--------- Just a thought but might it not be viewed by "The Authorities" as a new bike as far as being allowed onto the Queens Highway ??......And is it not an Indian Home Market machine ??.......My point being that if the answer to both of those questions is YES then it won't meet current European Emission levels..( With or without Brexit )....I sincerely hope I'm wrong----BUT ??

[Barry_Q]

I can answer that one. Although my Lightning was an Indian home market machine. It did come with a Certificate of Conformity for emission norms. Although my Lightning was never Registered in India. The DVLA regarded it as a 2nd hand machine, thus it got an age related plate. In the case of the Thunderbird. If the bike still has its C of C. It may only require partial testing. As the bike was previously Registered in India. It would get an age related plate.

[Matty]

Thanks for all the help, I'll look into the paperwork and update you. Also is there a way to attach photos here?

[Alan R]

Yes--------- use these people}--- https://imgbb.com/

[Alan R]

Sorry to bang-on like this but here are some more thoughts ( More than TWO !! in one day--blimey ).....

TYRES..If that bike had been fitted with brand new European Standard tyres 6 years ago then placed into the freight container, I would say that--- if only on a time-lapsed basis --- they would now need changing....However my guess is that the wheels are shod with Indian Home Market ones so will DEFINITELY need changing, IMHO that is........

HEADLIGHT---Which way does it dip ??.... and the Wattage of all bulbs especially the indicators and stop/tail...

SPOKES---- Are they tight ???... A quick spin the wheel and the audible "Ding-dong-ding-dong" screwdriver tap test will show any dull or loose ones....

Don't forget to lube ALL cables as they will be as dry as a Euro MP's sense of humour !! Then a full Eng. oil and filter change.....A Carb. overhaul will help too ..... Finally, before actually starting the engine, check that the oil is reaching the rockers as well..... .......

[Adrian]

Good advice, though I think India drives on the left so the beam pattern ought to go the right way.



Exactly which model of the Thunderbird is this Matty, one of the UCE twin-spark models or an earlier AVL engine model?



A.

[Barry_Q]

Because of the age of the bike. I'm pretty sure that it's the 350 AVL jobby (Bike being at least 8 years old. The original Poster didn't say the bike was new or not, so it could be older). Until we know when the bike was actually made, or first Registered, it's hard to give worthwhile advice.

[Freddo]

I own a 2003 350cc AVL engine Royal Enfield Thunderbird kick start only bike.

The previous owner used it in India and brought it back to Australia.

He managed to register it in Australia, even though it does not comply with all the relevant rules under the Australian Personal Import law.

It is a good reliable bike. It has the power of a Japanese 250cc bike.

Even in the hot dry climate of Australia, there is slight surface rust on the rims. With the damp UK weather, rust should be more of a worry.