Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Australia / New Zealand
Australia / New Zealand Topics specific to Australia and New Zealand only.
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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Jul 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: The World currently !
Posts: 10
Buying Bike In Australia as Non-National

Hi,

I've been travelling for the past 2 years around the world on a Dakar but the recent addition of a new Girlfriend and ultimately the uninspiring performance of the Dakar has led me to decide to change bikes for the last leg of this trip which will be 7 months across Australia and New Zealand. I've decided to get an BMW Adventure instead.

I do however need some help in the form of answers to a few questions which I haven't found posted on this forum since the end of last year so I hope I'm not covering too much old ground. I did e-mail about 5 prestigious Australian BMW dealers but none have got back to me.....yet, and I fly out on 4th August.

So here goes...

) Is it possible for me to legally ‘own’/register a motorcycle in my name? I do have a friend in Brisbane who would ‘lend’ me her address if necessary.
2) What documentation would I need to take the Bike to New Zealand and back ?
3) How easy is it normally to sell this style of bike in Australia ? i.e. How much time should I reasonably allow to sell it before leaving ?

4) I would also want to have some metal panniers fitted. Are they readily available ?How much should I expect to pay for say a reasonable pair providing approx 40l each. I do have a pair but they and the frame would require siginifant adaptation to fit an Adventure.
5)Is it easy for non-nationals to get Insurance ?
6)How can I determine if a bike (I'm buying) actually does belong to the seller ?
7) Are people in Australia generally 'happy' with a bank transfer for the payment of a vehicle ?
8) How much does it cost to fly a bike to NZ and back and how much is involved ?

O.k., that's about it I think. I appreciate there is quite a lot there so if anyone feels like answering just one of the questions I would be grateful.

Regards,

Mike

Mike & John's Explorations
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Jul 2007
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Dave Mulligan from Get routed might be a good place to start about shipping your bike. He organises lots of that stuff.
GetRouted : Bike shipping and Tour Operator
But it can be easier and cheaper to buy in NZ and do it the opposite way.

Kind regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Nth Oz
Posts: 27
1) Is it possible for me to legally ‘own’/register a motorcycle in my name? I do have a friend in Brisbane who would ‘lend’ me her address if necessary.
not sure, but you can have a look around this link or send them an email to find out - other states are likely to be the same as Qld
Motor vehicles and motorbikes

5)Is it easy for non-nationals to get Insurance ?
Don't know, but a few major insurers in Aus that you can follow up yourself via the www are;
NRMA
GIO
AAMI
Plus i am sure there are some more bike specific insurers - shannos have ads on TV;
Car Insurance Quote Australia - Online Car Insurance Quotes - Shannons


6)How can I determine if a bike (I'm buying) actually does belong to the seller ?
check out this link for an example of the Queensland system
https://www.service.transport.qld.go...ck/Welcome.jsp
each state has a different system, but a "REVS" check is avalable from each state, and will tell you if the vehicle has money owing on it. Plus they can give other info usefull when buying such as crash history. each state will have something on their websites to help you - google will get you there.

7) Are people in Australia generally 'happy' with a bank transfer for the payment of a vehicle ?

Yes generally. takes 2 days to officially clear into their account usually. though the bike i just bought was with cash to get the best price.


hope some of that helps
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Jul 2007
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
1) Is it possible for me to legally ‘own’/register a motorcycle in my name? I do have a friend in Brisbane who would ‘lend’ me her address if necessary.
yes, you have two options.. use your friends adress.. but you will have to prove residency.. I.e. have some mail sent there...
two busters in melbourne have a sell and buy back service.. (easy option).


2) What documentation would I need to take the Bike to New Zealand and back ?
all you need is a carnte.. and clean the bike VERY VERY WELL

www.dotars.gov.au

www.aqis.gov.au

3) How easy is it normally to sell this style of bike in Australia ? i.e. How much time should I reasonably allow to sell it before leaving ? If you buy it in oz, no trouble selling it time wise it may depend on when and condition of bike.

If you imported it on a carnte.. you cant..

4) I would also want to have some metal panniers fitted. Are they readily available ?How much should I expect to pay for say a reasonable pair providing approx 40l each. I do have a pair but they and the frame would require siginifant adaptation to fit an Adventure.
As far as i can tell there is no supplier of ali panniers.. I ended up making my own.


5)Is it easy for non-nationals to get Insurance ?
as above.. but Victoria 3 party insurance is part of your registration.. and you do not need more... but it makes rego cost $300+ !!!


6)How can I determine if a bike (I'm buying) actually does belong to the seller ?
as above..


7) Are people in Australia generally 'happy' with a bank transfer for the payment of a vehicle ?
I nor anyone i know would take it.. cash or bank check it the usual way... but maybe i am paranoid.. and I have never been asked to accept it.. I would not let the bike out of my hand until it cleared and I would charge you all the associated fees.. (aussie banks are evil with fees).. for example I transfered ££ from my HSBC UK acount to my HBBC AUS account and they charged me 40£!

8) How much does it cost to fly a bike to NZ and back and how much is involved ? sorry cant help here ..but it is not uncommon so cant be that hard

__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Jul 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: The World currently !
Posts: 10
Buying bike in Australia

Thanks for your feedback chaps.

Incidentaily I've subsequently found out that you can buy Jesse panneirs & Hepko & Baur(a name like that anyway) in Australia. The guys at MTD, selling Jesse panneirs have been very helpful with my first enquiry.

If anybody else has anything further to add I'd be very grateful.

Regards,

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Jul 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: The World currently !
Posts: 10
Panniers

....sorry, forgot to mention they are Ali. Hepco also do a natty plastic set which have a second skin to enable carrying 2.5 litres of fluid in each pannier/top box.

Regards,

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Jul 2007
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
Quote:
Originally Posted by exploringrtw View Post
Thanks for your feedback chaps.

Incidentaily I've subsequently found out that you can buy Jesse panneirs & Hepko & Baur(a name like that anyway) in Australia. The guys at MTD, selling Jesse panneirs have been very helpful with my first enquiry.

If anybody else has anything further to add I'd be very grateful.

Regards,

Mike
Would you have a url for them.. as a couple of people i know are looking for a set too??
__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Jul 2007
KennyE's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Gold Coast Australia
Posts: 194
Try these sites:-
Home

MTD Australia/Queensland

Both of them sell great quality Panniers and heaps of other accessories
__________________
Just Ride!
www.rocktravels.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Jul 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
My general rule of thumb

1 week to buy a bike
2 weeks to sell a bike

But it will vary with where you are and when.
Be prepared to drop a lot in price .. the reality is it is not as much as shipping you bike over and back.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 3 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Back in Asia
Posts: 322
Panniers

I have a set of Jesse's on one of my bikes and Touratechs (Zega) on another one. The guy in Caloundra who sells Jesse is very helpful. toursdownunder.com.au

For TT try info@touratech.com.au and speak with Tony

For Hepco & Beker try Munichmotorcycles.com.au

Good luck
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 3 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Back in Asia
Posts: 322
Red face wrong url

Sorry guys the first site was wrong, it advertises Kyaking in NZ......haha!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 13 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Gierle Belgium
Posts: 51
Buying Bike In Australia as Non-National

As some of you know, I am from Belgium, and in 2005 I spent 3 months in Australia. I bought a BMW R 80 from Betterbikes ( a secondhand motorcycle shop) They gave me all the papers, I went to the RTA ( close to the railway station, and close to the youth hostel where I stayed) give them my name and the adress from the youth hostel ( the lady who helped me said it was a good adress) and in 5 minutes and 50 AU$ I had the right papers to go on the road. I went on that bike from Sydney to Perth and back,did 13.000 km in 3 Months and sold the bike to the people of Motohansa ( a secondhand shop and parts for BMW,and a fantastic crew to help you out with really every question you have.) Both shops,Betterbikes and Motohansa have a website.
Hope to helped you a little bit.
So long.
Chris.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 24 Aug 2007
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Grants Pass OR USA
Posts: 20
Last year I bought a bike from Central Coast Motorcycles. Got a fair price. The salesman wrote a letter for to take to get the Rego tht said I lived at his house. No problem. I took my Happy Trail metal panniers as luggage. Just bolted them together and put a cheap little dolly under them to make the transport easier. Insurance was no problem either. I am heading back in 4 weeks to ride for another 8 weeks and then will sell it to a friend I meet there or put it on consignment if needed. The folks there are great and I had a blast.
Al
__________________
There is just not enough time to go everywhere. But I will try.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12 Sep 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: The World currently !
Posts: 10
Some Answers.

Hi, Thanks for your responses and suggestions. I now have my own experiences since asking these questions and so I thought i'd post them as a recent experience. If I repeat what others have said, please excuse me.

1) Is it possible for me to legally ‘own’/register a motorcycle in my name? I do have a friend in Brisbane who would ‘lend’ me her address if necessary.
Yes it is but you need someones address and an official docment signed by them vouching for you at their address.

2) What documentation would I need to take the Bike to New Zealand and back ?
You can use a carnet or bond or Dave as others have suggested who covers the bond for you..
3) How easy is it normally to sell this style of bike in Australia ? i.e. How much time should I reasonably allow to sell it before leaving ?
We're subscribing to the two week theory and will start advertising the bike 2 weeks before we get back to Australia from NZ-obviously only a theory though !

4) I would also want to have some metal panniers fitted. Are they readily available ?How much should I expect to pay for say a reasonable pair providing approx 40l each. I do have a pair but they and the frame would require siginifant adaptation to fit an Adventure.
Jesse do a purpose made set for the Adventure and other bike as well. Lachlan at MTD on the Sunshine Coast and is very helpful. Hepco Bauer also supply panniers in Australia.

5)Is it easy for non-nationals to get Insurance ?
Yes it is possible but not all are happy with a UK or International driving license. I went with ebike insurance having had 2 brokers say no-one due to the UK licence, the other as the bike would be parked outside. ebike have outlets in the UK, NZ & Australia and were very helpful and sensibly priced.

6)How can I determine if a bike (I'm buying) actually does belong to the seller ?
The RTA authorities have an online and phone REVs test which authenticates the vehicle, owner and other information. The more you pay the more information you get. i.e. wether there is outstanding credit or the vehicle has been in a serious accident etc.

7) Are people in Australia generally 'happy' with a bank transfer for the payment of a vehicle ?
Yes. I explained to my seller that I would transfer payment via SWIFT and that he could keep the bike until he saw the money in his account. All I asked for in the interim was for him to sign a document that I didn't owe him any other monies and that the sum being transferred was for the full and sole payment of the vehicle I was buying. He understood my financial vulnerability in the interim period and signed happily.

8) How much does it cost to fly a bike to NZ and back and how much is involved ?
Quantas quoted me at about $AU1500 each way plus other costs. Dave is around $1650 return if I've understood him correctly BUT that is by ship and takes 2 weeks either way with all the necessary paperwork.


Well, that's it for now-I hope it proves useful.

Regards,

Mike
Reply With Quote
Reply


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 a bike & insurance in Buenos Aires ? Rienk Kentie South America 10 22 Mar 2012 19:50
Buying a bike in Chile - HELP! wicksy1979 Trip Paperwork 0 2 Mar 2006 23:00
Buying bike in Turkey James Galloway Europe 0 13 Jul 2004 18:25
Buying a bike in Delhi harryl West and South Asia 2 5 Jan 2004 23:26
Buying a bike in the USA mcnamara_mick North America 7 1 Jul 2003 05:02

 
 

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!

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 13:52.