DR350 query. Grey import to UK
 

Hi
I have an option to buy a a 1999 DR350 imported new to UK from Belgium.

Are there any drawbacks to purchasing a grey imports?
I'm aware that headlight needs to be changed to satisy MOT requirements.
Is that also the case with the speedo in kilometers?
Are there any other issues or specification differences which may cause me problems with serviceing or spares.

Thanks

David

Servicing should be no different.

Cheaper options to make it road legal in the UK are:

1. Headlight: put black insulating tape on the light lens - there is a triangular pattern on the lens that once covered will prevent light from kicking slightly to the right. This was done by the MOT tester on my girlfriends imported R80GS for the MOT in 2002.

2. Speedo: get an adhesive overlay to stick on top of the speedo glass. Line it up correctly i.e. 30mph/50kmh & 50mph/80kmh & it should pass. They used to cost less than £10.00 & were bike specific (try BAT M/cycles in London?). I made one out of LetraSet for the R80 mentioned above. Last year, the MOT tester did not even notice the speedo was km's only.....

Steve

I must say that the dr350 is not a good off road bike I had one and only kept it for about 2 months, it's very dated and if you are going about in a group off roading or with the TRF on the greasy lanes of the UK, a DR is not the best option, however it is gon on the tarmac. They are reliable but so underpowered over weighted with bad suspension.

If I were you I'd go for an XR250/XR400 or a CRM250 2 stroke which are unbeatable and very reliable, as for the XR's well what can i say except there unbreakable and keep there value and are also suprisingly good compared to simular bikes/makes.

Thank you both for the replies. I'll get some sticky labels for the speedo.
Alas, Martyn your warning arrived after I had put down a deposit - tho' I probably wouldn't have heeded it anyway. The bike is
intended for TRF-related green-laning. My research and recent recommendations from TRF guys had narrowed my choice of models to DR350, XR250, or 225 Serow. (I didn't want a 2-stroke)
Although this DR350 is only 1999 (newer\dearer than I had originally sought) it is in need of some TLC and the low mileage is a bit suspect.
It has just passed an MOT - despite a hole in the headlight, a motocross front tyre (which the seller pointed out) and no mileage indicators on the speedo. He must have friends in the trade!

So, at the next TRF meeting (my second) I'll be able to sign-up for a run. Yippee! The warm welcome at the Sussex branch was great. I have resolved to stick to the legal routes and will rely on the club initially. Apparently Sussex Council are keen to close off many existing BOATs\RUPPs. I hear Hampshire has a more extensive network of routes.
BTW, Martyn. Could you recommend a bike shop for off-road gear? Southampton\Portsmouth are would be convenient as I often visit friends down that way.

Regards
David

I disagree with Martyn and actually think the DR 350 is a good bike. I am not saying the others he mentioned are crap but neither is the DR. I have one and know quite a few other people who rate them well.

One thing to remember though, don't thrash it until it is warmed-up and the oil is circulating properly i.e. right to the top of the engine (head).

I also think the DR350 is good for green laning & gentle off riding.

We hired a couple of them in Cyprus a few years ago, covered 90 miles off road in the Troodos Mountains in one day - not bad for novices.

Easy to work on, plenty of good aftermarket parts available.