Grey import - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

jono3066 · 08-30-2005, 04:11 AM

I hear this term quite a bit when im looking round on the net at bikes? i have no idea what "Grey Import" means can someone help me?

Scourge · 08-30-2005, 05:37 AM

Imports not intended for sale in certain markets that make it to those markets anyway. In the MC world it would be me getting my hands on Inspirons GSX here in the states.

md2lgyk · 08-30-2005, 07:34 AM

Can be very risky, at least where cars are concerned. A lot of the world's cars do not meet U.S. emission or safety standards. You might get one of them here, but you'll never be able to license it.

**Louis** · 08-30-2005, 07:49 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_market

**inspiron** · 08-30-2005, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scourge

Imports not intended for sale in certain markets that make it to those markets anyway. In the MC world it would be me getting my hands on Inspirons GSX here in the states.

Actually, I don't think that would qualify. Grey (or gray) market imports are also known as re-imports. A gray import would be a bike built for the US market being sold new in Canada, for less than the canadian model of the same bike costs. Most companies have specific price lists for each country (depending upon import fees and the ability of the citizens to pay). The same product in other countries may be sold for much less, simply because the average income is lower.

Back when I was working in LA, the company I was working for at the time was re-importing IBM PCs and XTs from Mexico, and undercutting IBM's own prices. Definitely gray market stuff... Many dealers will today give you a hard time if you ask for warranty service on a gray-market vehicle.

**Louis** · 08-30-2005, 11:16 AM

Yes, like the SV's lower fairing. MSRP is $470US but $999 CAD.

Sure our dollar isn't that great but is ain't worth barely half of the US one...

blackie1491 · 08-30-2005, 12:28 PM

Here in the west coast, grey market refers to japanese bikes intended for the japanese market that are a few years old, and imported for resale.
One shop built a good business bringing in by the container load. Mostly 400 cc bikes, CBR's, Ninja's, Yzr's. Most were low miles and not expensive to insure as they were 400's but had more get up and go than the domistic 400's. Top speed on some was around 140-150.
Depending on age, ranged from $3,000 to $6,000 canadian.
This shop serviced and brought parts in from Japan.

Dave2122 · 08-30-2005, 04:27 PM

Here is a picture of some of the 2 stroke variety

They are fun in the twisties I can tell you that!

08-30-2005, 04:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
jono3066 Newbie Joined: Aug 2005 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5	Grey import I hear this term quite a bit when im looking round on the net at bikes? i have no idea what "Grey Import" means can someone help me?

08-30-2005, 05:37 AM	#2 (permalink)
Scourge U.B's LoveChild Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: 2002 V-Star 650 Location: Winston Salem, NC Posts: 1,253	Imports not intended for sale in certain markets that make it to those markets anyway. In the MC world it would be me getting my hands on Inspirons GSX here in the states. __________________ I hate rude behavior in a man, won't tolerate it..

08-30-2005, 07:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
md2lgyk Wants Better Weather Joined: May 2004 Bike: '03 Marauder 800 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV Posts: 665	Can be very risky, at least where cars are concerned. A lot of the world's cars do not meet U.S. emission or safety standards. You might get one of them here, but you'll never be able to license it. __________________ "The great object is, that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun." - Thomas Jefferson

08-30-2005, 07:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_market __________________ Louis

08-30-2005, 11:16 AM	#6 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	Yes, like the SV's lower fairing. MSRP is $470US but $999 CAD. Sure our dollar isn't that great but is ain't worth barely half of the US one... __________________ Louis

08-30-2005, 12:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,330	Here in the west coast, grey market refers to japanese bikes intended for the japanese market that are a few years old, and imported for resale. One shop built a good business bringing in by the container load. Mostly 400 cc bikes, CBR's, Ninja's, Yzr's. Most were low miles and not expensive to insure as they were 400's but had more get up and go than the domistic 400's. Top speed on some was around 140-150. Depending on age, ranged from $3,000 to $6,000 canadian. This shop serviced and brought parts in from Japan.

08-30-2005, 04:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
Dave2122 Sprocket Pilot Joined: Sep 2004 Bike: Which one of the 9? Location: USA Posts: 887	Here is a picture of some of the 2 stroke variety They are fun in the twisties I can tell you that! Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Dave2122; 08-30-2005 at 04:35 PM.

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