Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Buying a motorcycle in Europe?? Buying a motorcycle in Europe??
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree6Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Oct 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Charlotte,NC,USA
Posts: 14
Buying a motorcycle in Europe??
Being a US citizen and having no residency in Belgium or Germany,can I buy a new or used motorcycle in Europe travel for 4-5 months and sell it back?
I know there had been some discussions about this but I want to learn the current situation.
Thanks to everybody for the input.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Posts: 26
I'm a Canadian and bought a bike in Italy.

I went to a Mom & Pop dealer and explained to them that I wasn't an EU resident and would that be a problem.

Much head scratching and debating ensued in Italian. I'm not fluent in Italian so, I'm not really sure how they went about it. A large volume dealer probably wouldn't have given me the time of day.

In Italy, where there's a will, there seems to be a way. That might not hold true in northern Europe.
__________________
The motorcyclist encounters the road as the writer encounters the page.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Nov 2005
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Two other possibilities come to mind. Search the HUBB for "export plates". Contact your nearest BMW dealer to see whether BMW still run the factory delivery scheme: you buy a new BMW through your dealer in the US, travel to Germany to collect it, they register it for you on export plates. At the end of your trip you either keep it and ship it home or try to sell it in Europe.

Good luck!
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Nov 2005
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
Sadly the BMW factory delivery scheme is no longer on, and if it was it would be pointless if you were just going to sell it in Europe anyway.

Note that bringing a Euro bike back to the US is more trouble than it's worth.

You should have no trouble buying a bike in Europe and then reselling it after a few months. Lots of ways to do it.

Contact Stefan Knopf - sponsor of this forum - he can probably sort you out easily.

Grant
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Nov 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Charlotte,NC,USA
Posts: 14
Thanks for the help everybody.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jan 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: aachen/germany and valence/france
Posts: 95
[QUOTE]Originally posted by doubleplay:
[B]Being a US citizen and having no residency in Belgium or Germany,can I buy a new or used motorcycle in Europe travel for 4-5 months and sell it back?

if you (somebody else) are still looking for a bike (especially an airhead) to buy or rent in central europe, sent me an email.

regards...
-=airhead=-
(http://le-chais.de.vu)
__________________
regards...
-=airhead=-
http://www.euroheads.org
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Jul 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1
Any Advice?
Quote:
Originally Posted by doubleplay
Being a US citizen and having no residency in Belgium or Germany,can I buy a new or used motorcycle in Europe travel for 4-5 months and sell it back?
I know there had been some discussions about this but I want to learn the current situation.
Thanks to everybody for the input.
Did this work out for you? I want to do the same thing. I will be over in Europe for atleast 7 months. I want to buy a bike and sell it when I leave.

Chris.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Jul 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester UK
Posts: 6
Red face buying in UK for your tour
Most EU countries require only an address of residence to send speeding fines and owners documents. As you will need the bikes log book (not a book really, just a sheet of paper). This can take two-three weeks to process and be returned. Crossing borders or being stoped by police, many will want to see the log book and insurance etc : In UK we have MOT certificate for bikes older than 3 years old, this is a test every year for road worthyness. In Germany bikes have to be original with no none-standard parts fitted (engine,exhausts etc).
UK prices seem higher for new bikes, but can be less for used machines. Maybe use an agent here (UK) to secure bike and register it here before you arrive. Buying here easier for you as we speak a similar tongue. Travel through tunnel under the sea for £50 pounds. See London or even better the North of England.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Jul 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
bluto has it right
No idea why, but in the uk second hand prices drop much farther faster than in the rest of europe. Personally I would buy a new bike in france (no mot or road tax ), or second hand one in UK. However, if you are interested in a second hand BMW, there is a guy near me who makes his living buying ex gov ( mostly police) bmws, then refurbishingthem for resale.. he does this when he is not doing repairs. At the moment i have been eyballing some of his latest machines, including a 2002 bmw R1150RT-P it is single seat with an armchair of aseat, and is quite a low seat also. no doubt you could either rent or buy with abuy back from him, if that is what you looking for.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 1
Let's try again
I too am a US citizen and would like to purchase and register a motorcycle in Europe for touring. Does anyone have any first hand knowledge (not speculation) of this being done in any EU country (I'm flexible). I have a couple of friends that live in Germany that I could use for a mailing address but I would not want the MC registered in their name, too much liability for them.

I am considering purchasing a BMW R1200RT, new if necessary, touring for a few months and then putting the bike into storage for use on future trips across the pond.

Any help appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2 Apr 2007
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Your best bet IS to register the bike in one of your friends' name. Failing that, search these forums for "export plates". The subject has been discussed extensively.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Posts: 35
I'm in the same boat. However, I want to do things as legal and fast as possible so I'm looking around for a bike swap.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 3 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: aachen/germany and valence/france
Posts: 95
swapping, renting, buy/sell back..
friends from overseas,
if you are planning to come over to germany/europa for a motorcycle tour and look for a motorcylce, on a private base i have a few airheads (ready-to-go) available.
tell me what you plan, i will make you an offer.
__________________
regards...
-=airhead=-
http://www.euroheads.org
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 3 Apr 2007
Vaufi's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,060
Check this thread:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...=export+plates

It isn't a problem to get export plates plus insurance in Germany - max time is for one year. But to keep a vehicle here for future trips would mean to have it registered as a local, meaning you'd need a local address. If you haven't got a friend to register the bike for you, it might prove to be a bit tricky.

Hans
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 12 May 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Santa Barbara
Posts: 43
Buying a bike
I am in the midst of planning a 3-4 month motorcycle trip through Europe, Russia, and Turkey and maybe North Africa. The biggest hurdle to overcome is the fact that, coming from California I will want to purcahse a bike in europe. It would be the easiest for me based on my route and linguistic abilities to purchase this bike in either italy or spain.

I guess my questions are, how does an american purchase a bike in europe, get all the necessary paper work and insuarnce (specifically to enter russia), and then sell the bike back when he has finished the trip.

As far as bikes go i was looking at Suzuki Bandits (400 & 600), SV650s, GS 500s, Honda CB 500s-600s-750s.

Any advice would be graetly appreciated.

Thanks
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:55.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top