Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Buying and registering bike in Europe as a Canadian? Buying and registering bike in Europe as a Canadian?
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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By BlueSky77

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Nov 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 25
Buying and registering bike in Europe as a Canadian?
Hoping someone can give me some insights on the difficulties and expenses of buying a bike in Europe as a Canadian. I don't care which country I buy it in - would just like to reduce paperwork, fees / taxes, and future border headaches.

I am also eligible for a UK passport if that is of any use.

Would also like to sell the bike at the end of the trip.

This will be in summer of 2018.

Thanks so much in advance.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
We bought a german motorhome and register and insure it using a german company as a proxy. As far as i could find out, it is almost impossible for even EU citizens to buy and register a vehicle in any country but their own. Temporary plates, take it home, pay the taxes and register it home. Of course if they have moved to another country then that is different.
Situation in UK and Ireland is different and there you just need a legitimate address, but getting insurance might still be a problem. If you need a Carnet for some countries, that may also be difficult

Citizens of some countries can easily get residents status, ie Australians in Germany, but that still requires a legit adress in Germany.

BWCampers in Amsterdam also run a business acting asca proxy, and you can byo vehicle into their system, but have to pay duty.
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Nov 2017
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,103
Can be done in Estonia easily enough. Don't need to be a resident.

Although having an Estonian e-residency card (easy to get in most embassies or here physically) makes selling it on a lot easier, anywhere in the world.

http://eng.mototehnika.ee/ for an idea of prices and range. Figure another hundred euros for all the fees and stuff. Insurance is cheap.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Posts: 427
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueSky77 View Post
Hoping someone can give me some insights on the difficulties and expenses of buying a bike in Europe as a Canadian. I don't care which country I buy it in - would just like to reduce paperwork, fees / taxes, and future border headaches.

I am also eligible for a UK passport if that is of any use.

Would also like to sell the bike at the end of the trip.

This will be in summer of 2018.

Thanks so much in advance.
Hi Blue,

Either UK if you're holding papers, but will need someone's address so to "communicate" with authorities. YOu will get your V5C2 temporary papers and week after you will receive the real vehicle title to the address you've provided.
On the other hand Martin from Motofeirme is highly suggested, he's in Cork, Ireland. We're working together for some years now. Martin will find a motorcycle that you would like to have, arrange the purchase, handle the paperwork etc. We're here to provide insurance for third party liability.

You can also email us at borderinsurance@lobagola.com for more details or you can google us here on HUBB where we have our thread in Paperwork section but also on ADVrider.

Rgds
Dooby
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Feb 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 25
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frgich View Post
Hi Blue,

Either UK if you're holding papers, but will need someone's address so to "communicate" with authorities. YOu will get your V5C2 temporary papers and week after you will receive the real vehicle title to the address you've provided.
On the other hand Martin from Motofeirme is highly suggested, he's in Cork, Ireland. We're working together for some years now. Martin will find a motorcycle that you would like to have, arrange the purchase, handle the paperwork etc. We're here to provide insurance for third party liability.

You can also email us at borderinsurance@lobagola.com for more details or you can google us here on HUBB where we have our thread in Paperwork section but also on ADVrider.

Rgds
Dooby
Hi, thanks a lot for this response. If I were to have somebody buy a bike on my behalf in the UK do you know what the procedure would be?

Do you have a price list for insurance somewhere and a list of countries covered?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Feb 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 498
To be honest the easiest route would be for someone to buy the bike here in the UK and register it as theirs. They would then insure it and put you on as a second rider, however they must use it, as insurance companies are wise to the fact that people do this, usually with their kids as the premiums are lower. You would then get three months of European cover with the policy as a min, the owner if the bike would have to do a letter if authority basically saying you have permission to ride it when abroad. In the UK you would show up as second rider if the police do a check. Downside is that if you total it, it affects the owners claims bonus, if you make a claim. Or you could go the other route that has been suggested and therefore commit Fraud when u get it insured due to the whopper of a lie u will have to tell the insurance company........
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Feb 2018
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 619
Buy-Back.
Hi, I just spoke to a salesman of Doble Honda dealers in Croydon. They said it is possible, they have done it in the past, to buy a bike from them and sell it back on return. Of course you'll have the residence issue with DVLA for registration and insurance but it's worth chatting to them methinks.

Any other large agent would likely offer a similar deal. Doble are Honda only and sell more Hondas here than anyone else. For other makes you'd have to try a multi franchise company such as P an H, Crawley. I am not connected to either. Lindsay.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Feb 2018
Pongo's Avatar
R.I.P. - 2020
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Cotes d'Armor, France.
Posts: 377
Why not get a bike of your choice through a purchase and buy back scheme from Central France? Get in touch with Laurent Dozias at ''Ride in Tours''. He has a registered company which does sell and buy schemes and also rentals. You tell him what you want, he finds a bike for you and registers it in your name at his accommodation address in France. It's insured for Europe, and he buys it back for an agreed amount at the end of your stay. Voyagiste à moto & location moto et scooter He speaks fluent English.
__________________
-''It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction''. ( Herman Siu)
-'' Live life then give life '' (www.lltgl.org.uk)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Feb 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: bulgaria
Posts: 16
I think here is Bulgaria it would be easiest as any bike once registered and tax and insured can be ridden by anyone. It depends on what sort of bike you are looking for. You could also rent mine KTM 950 I would have to see you ride, and it would have to fit into my time table. But there are plenty of possibility's
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Mar 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Posts: 427
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueSky77 View Post
Hi, thanks a lot for this response. If I were to have somebody buy a bike on my behalf in the UK do you know what the procedure would be?

Do you have a price list for insurance somewhere and a list of countries covered?
Hi Bluesky,

Our thread is here:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...een-card-93020

and direct link to our pricelist is here:

http://www.lobagola.com/assets/uploa...17-01-26.pdf?3

let me know if you have any other questions on riding in Europe, Balkans, or Asia.

Cheers
Dooby
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 20 Apr 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 2
Check out motofeirme.com
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 bike in EU - Austria Wauschi Europe 13 6 Feb 2022 05:39
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
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

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. 11-15
  • 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 07:17.

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