I can remember reading bike mags in my 2 wheeled days, and them having listings for 'grey 
imports', which were basicially bikes that normally were not UK spec and had been imported
from Japan as an example and offered for sale, as opposed to normal UK spec bikes sold through
authorised dealers.
A similar scenario, is that near where I work, is a car supermarket.  The other year, they 
were selling (advertising as new) 3.2 Petrol Viano's (never sold in the UK), which had been
sitting about in Japan for 4 years.  They were booking them in with us to have UK spec speedo's
fitted, and the switchgear and sat nav changed to get rid of the Japanese writing.  I wonder
if they ever told their customers about the changes.......  they also sell alot of "new" cars that
are are non UK spec imports from Southern Ireland, these are classed as parallel imports.  These
are easy to spot, as they dont have things like visible Vin Numbers, which you will find on any
UK spec car offered for sale.  
Good luck with your insurance hunting Mike