Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
[moved] riding US bike in Europe [moved] riding US bike in Europe
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 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 16 Jul 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 4
[moved] riding US bike in Europe
Not sure if you're still looking for info on this, but I shipped my bike from the US to Europe with Stefan Knopf of Knopf Tours. Great experience with the shipping. All the paperwork is easy, and you just need to buy "Green Card" insurance for the bike while you're riding it in Europe (you can get the insurance through Stefan). I did have to provide a copy of my passport as part of the paperwork, but I don't think there'd be any problem with a foreign passport. In fact a lot of people shipping bike with Stefan are Germans who come over to buy Harleys and then ship them back home.
I rode my bike around all summer with US plates and the green card insurance and had zero issues. The only thing is it's expensive, roughly $200/month for liability only, and I'm pretty sure you can't get full coverage. Not an issue for me, but if you're buying a new bike you might care...
Last edited by Chris Scott; 2 Mar 2014 at 00:09.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Germany
Posts: 32
Warming up the thread.
Regarding the EU citizen riding a bike that is registered outside the EU.
It is not allowed and dangerous.
A court case went through the media not too long ago.

A swiss national went on vacation for two weeks and loaned his car to his German friend in Munich. The guy now using the car was stopped by the police and in the end charged with tax fraud. He ended up paying more than €5000 in tax and fines.
So, as a UK citizen you have to import the bike with roughly 8% customs and 21% VAT.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Ireland & France
Posts: 142
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bell driver View Post
Warming up the thread.
Regarding the EU citizen riding a bike that is registered outside the EU.
It is not allowed and dangerous.
A court case went through the media not too long ago.

A swiss national went on vacation for two weeks and loaned his car to his German friend in Munich. The guy now using the car was stopped by the police and in the end charged with tax fraud. He ended up paying more than €5000 in tax and fines.
So, as a UK citizen you have to import the bike with roughly 8% customs and 21% VAT.
With respect, the OP is (apparently) a US national shipping a US-registered bike to Europe for an extended tour of Europe. Not sure what the circumstances were for the Swiss national lending his bike to a German national, but there is no reason why an American should worry about bringing a US-registered bike over for a tour of Europe. Sure, the insurance might be expensive, but we can completely empathise with the reassurance of having your own bike, having taken our own British/French registered bikes to the US in 2006 and 2009.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Germany
Posts: 32
Yep. He is Australian. Why did I think he is from the UK?
Oh well, forget everything after 'Good morning'.

Why was this thread separated from the rest?
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 storing a motorcycle in Europe wheatwhacker Trip Paperwork 22 8 Oct 2024 17:36
Change Bike in Argentina / Europe Luis Lancastre South America 3 30 Aug 2012 13:43
Best country for a US citizen to buy/sell a bike in Europe? dantasse Europe 2 19 Apr 2012 00:02
Transfering Title In Buenos Aires kwelfl South America 7 28 Dec 2008 16:06

 
 

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 09:57.

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