Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Buying and registering a bike in EU - Austria Buying and registering a bike in EU - Austria
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree9Likes
  • 3 Post By Wauschi
  • 2 Post By LC8Joe
  • 1 Post By OzMatt
  • 1 Post By Tony LEE
  • 1 Post By chris
  • 1 Post By wheatwhacker

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Austria
Posts: 193
Buying and registering a bike in EU - Austria
I've travelled the world with locally arranged vehicles.
That's very doable in many parts of the world.

When I returned home to Austria from my last trip I was wandering why not more people start their adventure here in Europe. There's plenty of outstanding routes and one can easily continue to Africa or the East. The vehicles are usually in good condition and are very affordable. It turned out it is quite challanging for non-EU-citicens to get locally registered and only then you will be able to buy, register and insure the vehicle.

We sat together with the officials of my town and the insurance company.
I think we figured out a way to legally, locally register a vehicle and get a green insurance card for someone with a valid 3 months tourist visa.

I am offering support to someone interested in locally arranging a vehicle in Austria.
Feel free to PM me in case you are serious.

Wauschi
__________________
One life - live it
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Mar 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Munich
Posts: 77
In Germany is also very easy to register a bike, if someone would like to start a trip from Munich and need help just let me know.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Apr 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Germany
Posts: 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by LC8Joe View Post
In Germany is also very easy to register a bike, if someone would like to start a trip from Munich and need help just let me know.
And here I thought one needs proof of local residency and a German bank account for the deduction of road tax...

Are you referring to an export plate ?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Apr 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Munich
Posts: 77
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bell driver View Post
Are you referring to an export plate ?
Yes, you've a month to leave Germany, that should be enough for most travelers
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Apr 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 57
Buying a bike.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LC8Joe View Post
In Germany is also very easy to register a bike, if someone would like to start a trip from Munich and need help just let me know.
Hi mate,
I saw your post about foreigners registering a bike in Germany and I would like your help and advice.
I want to come over (from Australia) in August and September and ride around. I would like to but a bike and then find somewhere to leave it and return once a year or so and do more riding.
I've seen a bike near Cologne that I'm interested in - what's the deal with changing the plate to the region you live?
Any more information you have will be greatly appreciated.

Matt
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Apr 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Munich
Posts: 77
Quote:
Originally Posted by OzMatt View Post
I've seen a bike near Cologne that I'm interested in - what's the deal with changing the plate to the region you live?
Matt
Hi Matt, changing plate is the normal process, you buy where ever and get the plate from the place you where you register it.
If your plan is to leave the bike in Germany after traveling around, then the process I described may not be the most appropriate.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Apr 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 57
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wauschi View Post
Feel free to PM me in case you are serious.

Wauschi

Message sent.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Jul 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1
Buying a used/registered motorcycle in Austria.
Thanks for your info. I have a son in Vienna. I am considering 12 months of motorcycle travel Europe, beginning in Vienna ... Thinking I should buy (previously owned), travel, and sell in Vienna ... this would be in 2018 - 19 ... any thoughts ?? I ride a Harley Davidson bagger ....

thx ..

G
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Jul 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
Quote:
Originally Posted by LC8Joe View Post
Yes, you've a month to leave Germany, that should be enough for most travelers
So then you are roaming around europe and the rest of the world without valid registration, number plates and no insurance. Doesn't sound much of an idea.

OzMatt, you can't register and insure a vehicle in Germany unless you are a resident. The other way is to have friends in Germany who would be willing to own it on your behalf. An Australian can get resident status in Germany without a lot of hassles since the whole process is done at the local level but you still need an address that the local officials will accept. I'd say the same restrictions apply to the whole of the EU and when I asked around a few years ago a Dutch company offering proxy ownership of dutch vehicles for foreigners actually used Dutch citizens to own the vehicle. Somewhat shonky but does the job.
We have "owned" a motorhome in Germany for about 5 years and go back every now and then. When we aren't using it, it is deregistered and de-insured and sits in the motorhome dealers yard. They register and insure it in the company name and lend it to me.
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Jul 2017
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Can't comment on the legal situation of buying and registering a motor vehicle in Austria as I have no experience of Austrian bureaucracy.

However, contrary to what's claimed above, as already described at http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...bike-non-91226 in posts 7 and 13, it is possible to buy in Germany as a non resident, but NOT register a vehicle legally, unless you yourself are registered in Germany. One of my passports is German (issued at the German embassy in London ) and I can't register a vehicle in Germany as I'm living in England.

I can't comment on how difficult it is to register as a person in Germany. As an EU citizen probably straight forward, but from elsewhere, unless you have a work permit...

Easiest in my experience is the UK to register a vehicle. There you just need an address. The UK hurdle will be getting UK insurance if you don't have a UK driver's license.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Jul 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Scotland
Posts: 10
The problem buying a bike from another country is getting insurance FOR THE BIKE
It's quite easy to get Green Card (3rd Party insurance) as I have found buying a bike in Czech Rep. but impossible so far to get it covered for theft.
Meaning I won't be able to sleep at night for fear of going out in the morning and finding my £5k bike has been lifted into someones van and been stripped for parts while I have to sort out getting home.
I am just going to have to risk it and have organised at great length to get the bike locked in a garage every night at the B&B's I am staying in..not camping..been there.
My UK insurance (Bennets) for my other bike won't touch it.
If you buy an old undesirable bike (early BMW K series springs to mind although I quite like them, or an early Triumph Trophy 900/1200 with panniers) then it is far less likely to get thieves attention.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 3 Aug 2017
HUBB Advertiser
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Cork Ireland
Posts: 181
Hi guys.
The process of buying a bike in The UK and Ireland is very basic.
All you need is an address.
I have been buying bike on behalf of riders all over the world for the past 5 years in Ireland.
The issue is insurance. Local insurers will not insure non residents without an valid EU license.
Some of my clients have been buying online insurance by basically ticking all the boxes they need to tick in order to get basic coverage and in many instances, the breakdown coverage they offer works very well.
Under EU law, everyone is entitled to buy insurance no matter where you come from but, the insurers are fussy.

Here's how you can legally get a quote from Irish insurers.
3 letters of refusal and make sure the date/time is noted clearly of the inquiry
Details why no quotation
Send detail to declined@insuranceireland.eu
Also, send whatever documentation you have, rider training, copy of licence, current insurance policy's etc.


Lobagola B&B | design bed & breakfast in the center of Zagreb in Croatia seems to be after finding a way to insure foreign riders on EU bikes and offers a very professional service.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 3 Aug 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Germany
Posts: 32
Classifieds, ebay...
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 6 Feb 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2022
Posts: 3
riding in germany
Quote:
Originally Posted by LC8Joe View Post
In Germany is also very easy to register a bike, if someone would like to start a trip from Munich and need help just let me know.
Hey. I know this is several years later but I was hoping to get some of that aged advice?
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
Buying and Registering a bike in Iran DavidZweig Trip Paperwork 3 11 Oct 2015 14:32
Buying and registering a bike in Peru Hemlokk South America 7 25 Feb 2014 03:55
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination South America 20 30 Oct 2009 18:02
buying and registering bike in the u.s coors Trip Paperwork 1 30 Sep 2009 07:29

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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 15:09.

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