Buying a Motorcycle In Australia (2010)
 

This Post is meant to give one person's experience buying a motorcycle in Australia for the sole purpose of riding around the country and then selling it at the end of the journey. I rode from the end of May through July, 2010

Rider: I am an American. My USA motorcycle license was valid for my entire time there and from what I was told by the the NSW "Road and Traffic Authority" (RTA) is valid indefinitely. One only has to get an Australian license (issued by the state of residence) if they plan to reside permanently in Australia. Furthermore I was not limited by the tiered licensing requirements that apply to Australians, meaning that my non-tiered California license allowed me to ride any size or type of bike. I was under the impression that this is true for most English speaking countries

Bike: I was looking for a Dual Sport bike, in the mold of a KLE 500 or DR 650. I found, and was told, that these bikes are not very common in Australia. They also, not unexpectedly, carry a premium over more road oriented bikes. I wanted to spend no more than what it would have cost me to ship my own bike, there and back, from California ($3500-$4000 USD). I settled on a 1996 VFR750. Not the best choice for Australia's roads, but given where I planned to ride, and that I had less than two months, it made sense (see attached map).

Buying Process: I paid $3900 AUD from a dealer, and sold to a private seller for $2200 AUD. I took a bigger hit than I would have liked, but buying from a dealer, one will always pay more, and I did not want to spend weeks at the end of my trip trying to sell the bike. The dealer I went with in Sydney, "Bikebiz" (Bikebiz - New & Used Motorcycles, Motorcycle Parts & Motorbike Accessories), were helpful and their inventory of used bikes seemed well maintained. I would recommend them over the other dealers I visited (I had not a single mechanical problem with the VFR in over 12000 miles). There are number websites to look for bikes and to try to sell on after. I used primarily Trading Post - Online and Mobile Classifieds, and Used Motorbike For Sale - Buy and Sell Motorbikes Australia - bikepoint.com.au, while searching for motorcycles.

Paper work: The paper work process is surprisingly easy in Australia. Every motorcycle that is up to date has what is called "Rego" (registration). This paper serves to show who is the registered owner, that the fees are up to date, that the bike is road worthy. It also serves as insurance paperwork, as personal liability insurance goes with the motorcycle. Therefor ones does not "have to buy" insurance when buying a bike. The Process is listed below:
1) Find desired bike and pay seller
2) Have seller fill out the sale portion of the "Rego" paperwork
3) Take this to any state RTA office
4) Be able to produce proof of residence within that state (I used my Hostel accommodation address and all I needed was a copy of a receipt showing that I stayed/was staying there, signed by an employee)
5) Passport and drivers License from home country
6) pay 3% of sale price of motorcycle, for taxes and fees.

That was about it. I was then off for two months. The main thing I learned while over there is that, in comparison to the USA, motorcycle parts and labor are 30%-40% more expensive, even when exchange rates are taking into account (A rear Michelin Pilot road cost me $300 AUD in Perth, and I was told that was a deal). While I paid more than I had expected for the VFR 750, knowing it came from a dealer, who gave me a three month warranty, New tires, and that the bike had gone through a complete service, was worth the piece of mind knowing I was less likely to break down in the outback, or need to use the services of an expensive repair shop (hourly rates were often in excess of $100 AUD/hr)

All that being said, buying and selling a bike is a very easy process in Australia, and unless you are greatly attached to your own bike (yes big BMWs and KTMs are readily available, just expensive), it is far easier and cheaper to buy a bike and then re-sell it when your tour is over, either to a third party or back to the dealer you bought it from (albeit taking a bigger hit)

Also, Sydney and Melbourne are by far the two best places to buy motorcycles. Everything in WA is more expensive. Bring your own gear as well, as helmets, gloves, luggage etc. is extremely expensive

Cheers

Matt

Did you not try and sell it back to the dealer you bought it off in the first place? Would have been interesting to see what he would have offered. Given the extra miles you put on the bike, I don't think you did too badly on the depreciation front.

Just one warning about buying a vehicle in NSW - they have annual roadworthy tests which must be completed when they fall due otherwise the rego/insurance becomes invalid.

Queensland and Victoria have roadworthy tests that have to be completed within the previous 30 days before the sale, which makes life easier when travelling for an extended period and not wanting to return to NSW for a test.

Each State varies in the process for buying and selling - the websites for each transport authority has good pages on what's needed.

Drivers licences only have to be exchanged when becoming a resident in Australia - visa.

Buy/sell is by far the easiest way to travel around Australia. I'd expect that if you'd owned the bike for a year or had a month to sell it then you would n't have taken the $1700 hit - but $30 a day for travel is not too bad - try to get a hire deal for that price.

I had a loose agreement to sell it back to the dealer, but they said they would give me $1500-$2000, assuming I brought it back only with extra miles. Plus, while in Townsville, a couple of drunk twats pushed the bike over in the middle of the night and broke the mirror, footpeg, and scratched up the fairings

This is a very good thread, thank you for sharing it is very informative! I plan on going down the same road so this is priceless! Speaking of buying gear before going, what do you think of this thread? You think its worth waiting to get there to buy a helmet?
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...tandards-51407

Thanks!!

FYI- SA do not have roadworthy tests unless you are transferring rego from another state - but then it costs $$$

As far as helmets go, Australia has a unique (at least in my travels) holographic sticker, for approved helmets. I brought my own Helmet from the USA (DOT & SNELL) approved and was told at the dealer that it wasn't legal in Australia because it didn't have the holographic ticket. That being said, I never had a run in with police so it was never checked. I would assume if you weren't doing something stupid on the bike they would cut you a break.

As far a rego, everything I heard is that is difficult and expensive to transfer registration to a different state especially for a foreigner. Of all the states, Western Australia and the Nothern Territory seem to have to least beurocratic red tape in general.

We also plan a trip of 5 1/2 month Australia and New Zealand from Germany and I´m actually checking all possibilities of "bike transport", "bike long term hire" and "buying a bike over there" (Thought in Australia shipping it to NZ and back means splitting Australia in two parts).
Would be good to share our informations.
What I know from now:
with a carnet for such a time you have no problems in both countries with customs. The problem which might occur is to clean the bike like that that you won´t have problems with this quarantine authority who´s ckecking it. Also your transport box has to be made of certified wood or metal. Transport by air seems too expensive for us (we need two bikes). By ship it is round about 3500€ for two F650GS, by air approx. double. (GER - NZ; AUS - GER). And you still need the transport from NZ to AUS.
Regards
Robert

Around the world traveller
 

Hy. I want to travel around the world . I was thinkink to travel by hitchhiking to Australia and after that when i'll be there to buy a bike and travel around the world with it . It is possible ? Wich is procedure for registration in this case ? How should i do ? I need an advice . I am looking for an honda ct 110. Thank you so much

they have notice boards in most hostels which i have seen bikes for sale on

Gumtree is an excellent place to buy a bike from what I have seen, many of the bikes are already set up for traveling.

Some very lonely roads there
 

Looks like a great trip you have have planned. I had a quick look at where we're planning to ride to. Think carefully about the weather conditions that we'll be travelling in. Many parts of Northern Australia suffer flooding during the wet season (basically Dec. to Feb.) and roads (especially in Outback Queensland) get closed. That having been said you might be lucky and the rain holds off. We've just had two very (and I mean very!!) wet summers here in Queensland and travel has been difficult.

Also be aware that some of the roads you are travelling on will be very lonely. You'll need to carry water and be self sufficient to a degree. Getting petrol (gas) when travelling on a bike (with limited range) also needs to be factored in.

Enjoy Australia!

bike in Oz
 

Hi Robert,

good place to look for bikes and to get an idea about the market is:

Used Motorcycle For Sale - Buy and Sell Motorcycles Australia - bikesales.com.au

The beauty is, you can do it from home. Depending on your age you can also join the Ulysses club, here in Australia or in Germany, members are very helpful. In case you come to the SW of WA, call in. You wouldn't be the first German riders i went for some trips with.

Servus

R M

bying a motorcycle in Australia
 

Hello.:oops2:
Abouth going around Australia, I shipped my Harley last year to Australia,started in Melbourne on September the 1st,and went back to Melbourne on Januari the 12th this year. I did Melbourne,Adelaide,Alice Springs,Darwin,Broome,Perth,Nullarbor?back to Adelaide. Then inland via Broken Hill,and Bourke to Townsville and Brisbane ,Sydney,and back to Melbourne. I did 25.000km in 4,5 months,had temperatures between 8°C,in the morning in Melbourne,and 44°C :Beach:in Fitzroy Crossing,at noon. Ionly had 3 days of rain on my whole trip. So I think if you be gone in Darwin before the wet season starts,you are fine.
Thaks.
Chris.:scooter:

Nice !
Did you met some problems to ship your bike ?

bying a bike in Australia(2010)
 

Hello.
No,I shipped my bike with Getrouted; www.getrouted.com.au from the UK to Melbourne,on Carnet de Passage. I give my Carnet to Dave of Getrouted,when I get my bike to Felixstowe,he did the Customs clearance in Australia. When the container arrives in Melbourne,Dave just gives me a call,to pick up the bike,reconnect the battery,and GO;
No problems at all.
Thanks.
Chris.

Great discussion for getting around Australia
 

I'm from Kiama near Sydney NSW Australia. I'm very impressed with the discussions and comments from both Australians, past visitors and potential new visitors.
A few summing up comment I would like to make with respect to buying a bike in Australia with Australian registration (Rego).
There are 6 states and 2 territories in Australia. Its a technical difference between a state and territory so think of it as 8 states. Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory (Where the Federal government lives) Each state has its own state government which controls the registration requirements for that state.
The down side is that state registration requirements vary for state to state.
The up side is once you are registered in one state you can ride/drive in any state. Driving licenses are also state owned but you are allowed to drive in any state with the same license. Sorry I can help with international license requirements.

A word of advice
1. Always make sure your vehicle is registered. The cops have cameras that can take your licence number as you ride /drive past and before you have gone another 100 meters they will know if you vehicle is registered. Usually there is a police breathalyser unit (booze bus) just past the rego check camera and they'll know your unregistered before you even get to them.

2. To get a vehicle registered you will need to have prepaid a compulsory injury insurance. They wont register the vehicle without this. This is to cover injury to people in case of an accident. This insurance is transferable with the registration. i.e if you buy a vehicle you also get the balance of the registration and the compulsory injury insurance (fact in NSW, you'll need to confirm for other state.

3. In Australia we also have a vehicle insurance split into 3 categories
a) comprehensive insurance where if the accident was your fault the insurance will cover your vehicle as well as the other vehicle(s)
b) Third part property. If the accident was your fault your insurance will cover the other vehicle only. You vehicle will not be covered.
c) Third party Fire and Theft. As per b) but will also give you money for replacing your vehicle it was stolen and/or burnt out.

I each case the premiums would vary quite significantly. The option b) Third part property will cost about $140 to $200 per year. Your can probable get a cheaper premium to cover a shorter term. You are liable to be sued for damages if the accident was your fault and your insured (not good for a holiday)

A few hints
If you plan to visit Australia and buy a bike here. Look for a bike in the first state you plan to travel or buy a bike with enough rego that will cover the time you are in Australia. This will save you the hassle of registering on another state. It can be a real pain if you rego is in NSW and your in Western Australia when the rego runs out.
The Third Part property insurance belong to you as the licensed rider and IS NOT transferable with the registration of the bike.

Use the web google and type in the state name followed by "vehicle registration". This will give you the state government registration web site, they usually are identified with .gov somewhere in the address. This will give you all the registration details for that state.

I can assist anyone wanting help in understand information for New South Wales (NSW) but for other states it would be great if other HU members from that state could help.

Late note, There are heaps of speed camera systems in Australia and again the uses and type varies from state to state. a few are as follows
1. Marker and unmarked police car travelling towards you or up from behind
2. Stationary police car.
3. Camera cars (not police cars) take photographs from the side of the road, they move around the local area.
4. Fixed speed cameras on a pole
5. Red light cameras on a pole at traffic lights
6. Fixed speed and red light cameras on one unit on a pole at traffic lights (that the new one)
7. Point to Point cameras where the first camera takes the picture of every vehicle and if you reach the second camera 5 to 20 km away to quickly, the second camera will take you picture. Don't worry there is plenty of notice when you go through the first camera and when you come to the second camera.
8. Point to Point police monitoring from the air. This is usually on the big open roads in low populated areas. Again warning signs are usually notifying a police aerial patrol area
Again ask you state HU members for help in understanding how the police in that state operate.

On a brighter note http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ilies/clap.gif Australia is a great place to visit. It upsets me when I hear Australians think they have to go overseas to see something when they have never looked in their own backyard.

Regards Hesso http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...es/mchappy.gif

Thanks Hesso for such comprehensive info.
It sure is great to know about the eccentricities of the different states.

Would it be road legal if I was to borrow an Oz mate's bike and use my commonwealth (malaysian) driving license, to ride around Oz for a month? I was thinking of either beg/borrow or steal a mate's bike or to maybe buy 1 (also under his name) and park it in Melbourne ~ thereby giving me a reason to pop into Oz every year :-)

Appreciate any input.
Cheers.

Hey hurricanemax joko
I am no expert on international licenses but I believe you can drive any registered car/bike as long as the license permits that vehicle type.

You may just need to consider if your mates bike insurance will cover you if he has it. You might need to get your name on the policy.

Maybe someone with international license experience can help here

As long as you have your driver's licence and an International driver's permit you'll be covered - the IDP should be available from the Malaysion motoring club. Third party injury insurance will be covered by the bike's registration. Insurance for the bike and any damage it may cause maybe a different matter - your mate will have to check his insurance policy to see if it covers you. Most insurance companies will either increase the excess or demand more dollars for cover. Just remember that the ownner of the vehicle is liable for damages not the rider/driver, so its best to make sure you are covered in case you have an accident and hit a Rolls Royce and leave your mate with a $50k bill!!

I can add a little bit here.

In most states besides NSW you pay the compulsory injury insurance as part of your "rego" fee. NSW and ACT is I think the only states where you go and buy your own "green slip" compulsory insurance seperately before you pay your "rego".

Most insurance policies will cover you while riding a bike insured in your mates name provided you are over 25. However the excess paid on an at-fault crash may be much higher (eg: $1500 instead of $500) and you will screw up your mate's no claim bonus. :(

Another gotcha is the Roadworthy test. In NSW they are annual (pink slip). If the bike/car has been unregistered for more than three months you need the more thorough Blue Slip test. In most other states you need a Roadworthy only when a regsitered vehicle changes hands or an unregistered one is put back on the road. There is no annual test. In South Australia and maybe Tasmania and NT you dont need a Roadworthy at all.


The fees for Rego and Roadworthy also differ wildly. NSW used to be the most expensive and Victoria or South Australia the cheapest.
But, as already said, best to check with the authority where you inted to register the bike.

Cheers,
Brett.

Some good information here. Rusty Max, I checked out the bikesales website and saw a bike I thought would be ideal - Kawasaki KLR650 which at AUD6990 looked a good deal. That included panniers, rear rack and tank bags. Tried to contact the dealer via the site but couldn't as I didn't have an Australian postcode or telephone number. Any ideas how I may be able to contact them? The bike seemed ideal for circumnavigating your great country (Dec to May/June hopefully), if you think differently let me know!

My wife and I travelled Cairns to Perth in 2007 in a camper van. Saw some wonderful sights, met some very friendly people (and a few colourful characters) and had a fantastic time. Sadly, she lost her fight with the big C so I'm on my own - hence the decision to ride. Anyone with any ideas about the best place to start and finish (taking the weather into account) please get in touch.

Cheers, Oldrider

Put in a dummy phone number like 03 9898 8888 and a dummy postcode like 3000 (Melbourne CBD). :)

Thanks for that bnicho. Will try again tomorrow.

Try ADV Australia market place:
OZ Flea Market ***** PLEASE-READ THE RULES in FIRST POST ****** - ADVrider

Plenty of good deals to be had. Suzuki DL's are always popular here. As for where to start-you mean to buy or to tour?

Hi Squily,

Thanks for the link. I've had a quick look and will check it fully over the next few days. My intention is to buy a bike, tour Australia and then sell the bike when I'm done (I may export it back to the UK if I really get on with it - depends on costs). Was initially thinking of a camper van but a bike is so much more fun! Any tips/advice welcome. Maybe get to meet up in Esperance, was there in 2007 and it's on my list to revisit.

If you decide to come to Esperance- let me know. Have plenty of room and and good workshop if you're interested.

Being here before- you probably know the sites and conditions, so no point in informing you of that. Personnaly- I think buying from an inmate on ADV is a good way to go. There's always a few bargains to be had and the guys are really helpful in assistance and organising- I've been helped out of the jam a few times.

As to what bike- Hmmm... How long is a piece of string? Guess it depends on where you want to go. If you stick to major routes, any DP would do. If you plan to be more adventurous and do things like the Canning and Simpson- probably trail bike is better. All a compromise as you know- but whatever you choose- choose something reliable. Personally, I'd stay clear of KLR's. Seen enough guys "going around Aus" with KLR's (bought new) falling apart halfway through the trip to make me wonder about them. But that's me...

As to advice:

1. Reliability is key
2. Comfort is important, but not as important as reliability- try crossing 2000km between towns with no support
3. If you're going off the bitume- keep it as light as possible. Aus has sand, sand and more sand
4. Buy something you'll get support for everywhere- Even the most out of the place places support things like DR's, but KTM dealers are spread wide and few
5. Servicing costs in Aus are expensive- oil is around the $80 mark (don't use car oil as they have additives here that bugger up a wet clutch)- so something that needs servicing every 1000km it going to cost you and it's impractical (you'll need to suervice it twince before you reach the other end of the Nullarbor :)). That includes technological marvels- most of Aus is remote and can you fix it with some ducktape?
6. Highly tuned angines will probably give you grief. Some of the remote areas have some pretty crap fuel and low-octane at that. Best to stick to a low-compression machine
7. Plan to break down and you'll be ok (e.g. how will you deal with it and can you survive on your own for a few days
8. But mostly- have fun

But scan the forums - there are some pretty good ride reports of Aussies as well as international travellers and you can learn a lot by seeing what they struggled with and so forth. If you're more visually orientated- look into the Motorbikin' DVD series. Phil is a well-experienced traveller that goes to some amazing places He uses several machines (KTM, DR, Tiger, postie bike etc) and you can see what worked and what didn't (e.g. on one of their unsupported desert crsiings, they destroyed all their tires on the big KTM's halfway thorugh the trip and had to 'pack it in' and go home cause theree was no replacements to be found in the middle of Northern Teratory

Lastly- there is a system called the 'red book' in Aus. That indicates the 2nd hand value of vehicles. When you you see bikes on offer- compare it to the red book and you'll see whether it's above or below market value. Another way is to go to one of the on-line insurance quote engines like Insure-my-ride and typing in the details of the bike there- it'll automatically tell you what they think it's worth.

And expect to take a knock on the resale (especially if you're in a hurry to sell afterwards). If you plan on getting back 50% of what you pay, you know you won't be disappointed and anything more is a bargain.

And finally, finally: where you buy the bike will impact on registration costs as not all States use the same system. E.g. NSW and Victoria are probably the most expensive, whilst WA and NT is the cheapest (ranging from $200-$1000/annum). And some of teh States may require you to do a road-worthy if you sell/buy or even annually. Here in WA it's relatively cheap, and as long as you pay your rego, you never need to take the bike back over the pits.

Thanks Squily, I've been giving it a lot of thought over the last few days and have just about come to the decision on what to get. I'm flying into Cairns or Brisbane and will pick up the bike there, I figure I'll be able to shake down any potential major problems in a fairly populated area. I'll hopefully get to chat with you over a beer in a few months, I'm planning on being around Esperance February time if all goes to plan and will, no doubt, see you musing on the HUBB.

John :thumbup1:

Good luck with your trip oldrider.

One small addition to the advice above regarding servicing costs. There is nothing to stop you buying your own oil and giving that to the mechanic to use when you have your bike serviced. You will find most auto parts stores (Super Cheap Auto, Autobarn, Bursons, Repco etc) sell wet-clutch bike oils considerably cheaper than what the mechanic will charge you for the same oil. (But don't buy the cheap oil filters from Super Cheap Auto. They are total crap.)

Cheers,
Brett.

Thanks for that info Brett, I will definitely remember that one. As a matter of interest, do you have the same system of service record that is used in the UK and Europe where the dealer stamps the record book and annotates the date and mileage? And, is this reflected in the resale value of the vehicle? I assume it is the case but not having any experience of buying and selling in your fair country.......

I really appreciate the advice and help that is on offer on these threads, it is a reminder of the warmth and friendliness we received when we were in Oz in 2007

Thanks again,

bier

John

found a bike yet
 

Know you said Queensland- but have you seen this bike that came on offer today:?

ADVrider - View Single Post - OZ Flea Market ***** PLEASE-READ THE RULES in FIRST POST ******

No problem John. Most Aussies are very welcoming to visitors to our country. :)

In Aus we do have the same service books system as other countries. It's by no means compulsory though, so some mechanics have to be reminded to update the books.

Cheers,
Brett.

Thanks for the link Squily, I'm really giving bike selction a lot of thought. Got to decide real soon too...... just when I think I'm there another spanner hits the works!

And, thank you too Brett for letting me know about the service books. Just got to decide which bike now :helpsmilie:.

Regards,

John

Buying a bike in Vic - processing time
 

Hey guys, I've read through the entire thread and I found it extremely intriguing and informative to read!

I'd just like to find out:
1) Where can I buy a 2nd hand bike down in Melbourne and how long will it need for all the procedures to be completed for me to ride?
I'm a foreigner from Singapore and will be getting a learner's permit the day I arrive. I intend to buy maybe just a 125cc scoot for me to travel around the mornington peninsula where I'll be based most of the time during my 1-month vacation.

Hope to hear someone's expert opinion soon!!


Cheers,
Josh

No experts here- and besides, an ex is a has-been and s spert is a drip under pressure...


But- the guys from Melbourne would be much better to give you advice as licensing requirements differ from state to state. You can also check out Motorcycle licence & learner restrictions : VicRoads

In Vic, you have to ride a "learner approved" motorcycle which is 'power-limited'

Here in WA, you cannot ride alone on a learner's permit (someone with a full license need to be in attendance at all time) and you are limited to 250cc for your 1st year. And in orer to get a full license, you need to go for the rider-test, which is a bit of a pain as they make you do some funny things and they're quite particular- e.g. if you put a foot down on the ground whilst doing the figure-8, you fail, or if you put the "wrong" foot down when stopping at a traffic light (or both), you fail. Thus you'll probably need some lessons too (to familiarise yourself) before you can get going.

As for how fast can it be registered- over here, if it's already road-registered (i.e. 2nd hand), you can pay your money, collect the paperwork and drive off. If it's new, it all depends on how fast the dealers can do the pre-delivery service and get down to the regestration office. I had to wait three days for my Vara after it was delivered to teh dealer.

All in all IMO- get your license over there and come over on an international license if you're only going to be here a month

Hi,

As per above, it would be much easier to use an International Drivers Licence that has an endorsement for motorcycles.

I very much doubt you can gain a Victorian learner's permit without being a permanent resident. Even then, it would take at least a few days to study, pass the written and practical tests etc. Days that could have been spent touring!

Motorcycle licences : VicRoads

The Mornington Penninsula is not very large and is only an hour or so from central Melbourne. You can go a lot further than that in a month.

There are loads of new and used bike dealers in the Melbourne CBD around Elizabeth Street, but you will suffer a huge loss in depreciation when you resell.

It would be cheaper to rent a small car for 30 days. It may be worth exploring renting a scooter instead. Others will need to help you with that, as I'm not a bike person. I prefer my Mini Moke. :)

Cheers,

Address for registration
 

Hi All,

I've decided on the bike and am buying it new through a dealer. I was informed that I could use a hotel address but have been advised that that is probably not such a good idea and the dealer can't register it to their address. Is there anyone out there that could help out with the use of their address to enable me to register the bike or, failing that, at least give me some definitive guidance on the best way forward. I'm getting the bike in Hervey Bay, Qld just after Christmas.

Cheers

John

Plenty of backpackers have registered cars to backpacker hostel addresses. I don't see why a bike registered to a hotel should be any different.

Put just your name and the hotel address. Leave the hotel name out of it so it sounds like a private address.

Cheers,

Hello,
I will need to transfer a motorcycle registration from QLD to NSW.
I have seen that I need a Green slip (insurance) and a Blue slip (safety and identity check).
However, if I have many months left on the old Rego, do they carry over in the transfer to the new registration? Or will a registration from state to state start always anew?!
Thanks

Hi,

The new registration will always start from new.
NSW RMS will inform QLD of the transfer of registration. You will be refunded the remaining registration, less some fees.

Regards,
Brett.

Thanks :thumbup1:

I have another question....

Is there a reliable way to ship a motorbike from one state to another one?
I would like to avoid going somewhere and have to drive back. Thanks

There are firms that do this - Bikenut is one (Google is your friend for finding them). I had a bike moved from Darwin to Sydney for about A$1000 door to door last year with a total turn round time of about 3 weeks between making the enquiry and receiving the bike. I have been previously quoted the same for Perth - Sydney and have heard Sydney-Melbourne is about A$350. Hope this helps.

Sent from my Moto G (5S) Plus using Tapatalk

I've bought a 2nd hand bike which will need to be registered in NSW.
Is it possible to have two names on the registration, mine and an Aussie local friend of mine?

I thought it would be easier to ship and drive the bike abroad if there is my name on rego. Would it?!

At the same time, I thought it would be easier once I want to resell the bike if there is name of a local resident on rego. Would it help?

Hi,

I'm confused, are you bringing the bike in and selling it, or buying the bike and leaving with it? Or just buying it, touring Aus and reselling?

You can only register a vehicle in one name.

If the bike is registered in Australia and is not leaving Australia then you won't have nay hassles regardless of who's name it's registered in.

Selling is easier if the person selling it is the registered owner. But there are ways around that using scanned documents.

Not sure what happens if leaving Aus with the bike. I'd say it would be complicated if not in your name.

Regards,

Thanks for your reply.
I have bought it already and I will leave it in OZ at my friend's.
I will use it to tour Australia.
However, I was also considering to ship it to Santiago (Chile) for a possible tour of South America and then ship it back.
Then, when the time comes, I may re-sell it.

I hope it's now clearer. :)

Following your advice, I will try to register the bike in my name.

From the 1st post at the head of this thread, I read that I have to show some proof of a residential address within the state ("I used my Hostel accommodation address and all I needed was a copy of a receipt showing that I stayed/was staying there, signed by an employee").
I will be staying at a friend's house. In this case how can I prove my residency? Any suggestion?!

The best thing is to open a bank account with the address as your friends house. Take your friend with you or a ‘receipt’ with the rent you are paying.

Once you have a bank address you are generally sweet.

Your passport is residency (depending on what visa you are on) or get a medicare card, what visa are you on anyhow?

Mezo.

I am going to be on a tourist visa.
However, as I said, from the first post of this discussion it seems that it possible to show your temporary residency while in Australia - a b'n'b affair. That's why I am asking.