The speedo isn't changed, you can simply change from kmh to mph using the buttons on the dash. I don't think the lights are changed either, just adjusted using the headlight adjusters in the fairing behind the lights.
Phone around a few Suzuki dealers asking them what their best on the road price is, then if you are happy with that price, bearing in mind you can get the 0% deal on it, go to your local Suzuki dealer and tell them you can get it for this price and where from, they will then do a deal with you which maybe slightly more but will at least have some good will regarding servicing and warranty. You may also be able to negotiate a deal on accessories that you consider essential.
If you can't get the price you want then go for the import. I'd get it serviced at by an independent garage regardless of whether it is a UK bike or not to save money on servicing. If the worst happens and you do need a warranty repair then you will need to go to your local Suzuki dealer, but be prepared to sit at the end of a long queue of all the other work they have to do, they are certainly not going to be in any hurry to sort out something not sold by them or the UK dealer network unless you play the game of saying you are looking to change your bike, in which case they may get a move on to suggest you buy from them.
Thanks Frez!
Sorry, you're right, the speedo is probably just a menu setting - I did read in a listing somewhere recently that these bikes came with "MPH speedos and flat beam headlights" and just repeated it without thinking about it
.
I did talk to my Suzuki dealer (P&H Motorcycles, in Crawley) a month ago about price matching, but all they could do was offer me a top of the range 'XT' with all of the extras on for £7,495 - way above my (£5,500) budget. Best price on the standard V-Strom was still nearly £7k
.
Regarding the warranty, I wasn't sure if these parallel imports come with a general Suzuki warranty, or if it's a warranty that's only honoured by the dealer that it came from.
I called East Midlands Superbikes about the V-Stroms that they're doing for £5,400, but the bloke I spoke to didn't seem to know much or want to tell me much, so I decided not to bother with them.
Anyway, thanks for your advice - especially about the non-dealer servicing
.