Buying a bike in Europe
 

I think I read that now if you want to buy a bike in England you have to be a resident.
Is this true? If so, is it the same in Germany? I bought and rode one around Europe before, no problem. Of course that was 30 years ago.
Thanks

I don't think you need to be a resident to buy a bike in the UK but you will probably need a UK residential address if you want to insure it with a UK insurance company.

Look here fore recent threads on the insurance issue:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/cgi-bin/forumdi splay.cgi?action=topics&forum=Trip+Paperwork&numbe r=6&DaysPrune=365&LastLogin=

However, the UK vehicle registration document, known as the Logbook, has recently changed to a 4 page item. I have one at home but have not really looked at it. I will do so this evening & post any significant changes. In the meantime, you may find addituional information here: www.dvla.gov.uk

Steve

[This message has been edited by Steve Pickford (edited 27 May 2004).]

For Germany there are two options:

Either

you are eligible (EU citizen, work permit holder, etc.) and you register as a resident. This requires proof of residence, but is free. You can then register a bike normally.

Or

You register the bike using export plates. This is much more cumbersome and expensive, but the only option if you don't qualify for the above. The details are discussed in this forum further back.

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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.

Peter et all: thanks for the responses. I have found a few 650 gs's that i could buy in and around paris. what does TTC mean? is it the same as vat? if my brother a diplomat in france buys it, is he exempt? if i export it will i get it back? also, is motovert a good insurance company.

thanks
rao

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Ray,

TTC means All Taxes Included, so it's a dealer selling it. The Brit. equivalent of "incl. VAT".

You'll have to ask your brother about his status, I don't know any diplomats.

Never heard of motovert. I'm with La Mutuelle des Motards, an insurance founded by bikers for bikers. You get a good breakdown assistance with them. AA assistance in non-existant in F. But, strangely, they are no longer the cheapest.

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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.