Greetings all,

I have recently arrived in Istanbul, Turkey and would like to buy a motorcycle. I have tax number, a job and resident's permit.

I realize there are posts on this topic, but the ones I could find are very old and contain information which is not definitive.

I'd be very grateful for a concise rundown on what the situation is regarding:

. foreign ownership
. insurances
. registration
. use of notary
. taxes
. etc

If I buy second hand, say from Sahinbinden, is the process relatively straight forward or would I need to run around from tax office, to notary, to plate issuer, to etc.

I am leaning towards a new bike, and I understand there is a tax free option for foreigners. Any views on how difficult this might be for later should I need to on-sell the bike? New bikes without taking up the tax free option seem quite expensive here.

Additionally, any tips on riding around Istanbul would be appreciated. I have noticed the road surfaces can get quite shiny where the aggregate in the mix is not great quality. I've noticed bikes wheel spin occasionally.

Would be happy to hear from anyone who has something for sale also in Istanbul. 800cc+, low kms, touring or naked style, late model.

Any other thoughts?

Many thanks in advance,

George

Merhaba George,

Welcome to Turkey and good luck..

I guess you are working for a private company not diplomatic mission and
situation in this case is........

1-Unfortunately that part of EU vehicle laws are not accepted by the government yet and seems will stay same with current government..

2A-You can only buy yabancıdan yabancıya not sahibinden.com and have blue number plated (only you and your family members can drive/ride)or guest number plated SECOND HAND vehicle...Paperwork is a nightmare including turkish turing automobile club paperwork with carnet and deposit..Also blue number plated bikes have long waiting period when you decide to sell..Be careful,it must also have confirmation certificate by Turkish standards institute..first step is notary and does buy and sale paperwork on computer and is not carefull for the missing doc.s
For traffic paperwork,a commissioner is a must...

2B-You can buy a new one without value added tax, and vehicle import tax
if you have
1-tax number for foreigners,
2-idendity number for foreigners beginning with 9.
3-your name in mernis population system.

Selling agent will do all the paperwork in your name with a letter of attorney
(all firms have staff for this purpose) if you get the turnkey price which will be about %20 less than we pay but still will be more expensive than europe even without taxes..

So what some other friends has done are:

1-a second hand on a turkish friends' name with a letter of attorney in english and turkish given by his name covering riding it inside and outside turkey and selling ..first notary sale...Then get an appointment online for traffic registration..official owner has to go to Traffic regist.office of the address where his residence is....It takes only 20 mınutes and you will receive doc. by post very soon...you will keep number plate and registration piece for the bike and only owner piece will be changed...

2-Sometimes there are bikes for sale in motocamp bulgaria generally by UK. friends...letter of attorney is ok for travelling everywhere..ı ve met several travellers who has done so and headed asia..you can keep it in turkey for 180 days per year but have to keep it outside turkey for the other half of the year..

Hope all clear..
All the best..

__________________
Mehmet Zeki Avar
''Borderlines divide countries,HU friendship finds a way to reunited"
https://www.facebook.com/mehmet.avar.12?ref=tn_tnmn

I was wondering if a letter of attorney is required for borrowing a bike which is registered in Turkey to a local (or a hire document?)? Is it possible to travel outside of Turkey if so?