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Registering and Insurance?? Registering and Insurance??
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Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
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  #1  
Old 11 Nov 2024
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Question Registering and Insurance??
I'm a US Citizen wanting to buy a bike in the EU to ride for the next 2 years (off and on due to Schengen).

I have many friends across Europe who said they will help me with the purchase of a bike, once I find one. Planning on April/May 2025 to start.

However, some posts I've seen on this and other sites indicate that it is very difficult to register, if not possible, and that my friend would have to register the bike in their name. Then they would write a power of attorney to let me ride it.

However, with this method, I've read it's very hard to get into Turkey, and maybe difficult to get into the Balkan Countries.

In addition: Insurance is also difficult to get. I know the insurance is 'attached' to the bike, not the rider, but does that affect my friend's insurance rates if I need to use the insurance? Do they need to 'rent' it to me instead?

Surely this has been done in the past: A US Citizen purchasing a bike and insurance, but I just see roadblocks.

Any help would be greatly appreciated....
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  #2  
Old 2 Weeks Ago
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MTBE View Post
I'm a US Citizen wanting to buy a bike in the EU to ride for the next 2 years (off and on due to Schengen).

I have many friends across Europe who said they will help me with the purchase of a bike, once I find one. Planning on April/May 2025 to start.

However, some posts I've seen on this and other sites indicate that it is very difficult to register, if not possible, and that my friend would have to register the bike in their name. Then they would write a power of attorney to let me ride it.

However, with this method, I've read it's very hard to get into Turkey, and maybe difficult to get into the Balkan Countries.

In addition: Insurance is also difficult to get. I know the insurance is 'attached' to the bike, not the rider, but does that affect my friend's insurance rates if I need to use the insurance? Do they need to 'rent' it to me instead?

Surely this has been done in the past: A US Citizen purchasing a bike and insurance, but I just see roadblocks.

Any help would be greatly appreciated....

Mototouring out of Milan may be able to help, I would send them an email.

Also, Motoferme in Ireland as well, though they had some changes to their insurance.

You can do it from UK as well, just need an address there. But, their issue is you need an annual MOT, so your insurance will expire when the MOT expires.

Lastly, it might be easiest to ship your US bike over... Shippip can do it as well as knopftours. Ive bought there several times, but i often wish i shipped my own bike over as there is sometimes less hassle, toll/speed cameras cant read it, and most importantly it is great conversation starter!
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  #3  
Old 2 Weeks Ago
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Location: Tartu, Estonia
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Depends on the country. Some are easier than others. Some countries will let a local buy a bike and put you on the registration as an authorized user (like when you lease a car - the bank is the owner, but you can take it across borders). This may affect insurance, but you're the one paying for it anyway, not your friend.

Estonia is one of the few countries where a non-EU resident can register a vehicle entirely in their name. But of course our market is small, with nowhere near the choice of Germany or Italy.
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  #4  
Old 2 Weeks Ago
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Location: Portugal permanent, Sweden during summer
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AnTyx View Post
Depends on the country. Some are easier than others. Some countries will let a local buy a bike and put you on the registration as an authorized user (like when you lease a car - the bank is the owner, but you can take it across borders). This may affect insurance, but you're the one paying for it anyway, not your friend.

Estonia is one of the few countries where a non-EU resident can register a vehicle entirely in their name. But of course our market is small, with nowhere near the choice of Germany or Italy.
Correct.
There are no common EU rules.
Every country has their own laws.
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  #5  
Old 2 Weeks Ago
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In the UK you can easily buy a bike and register it at a friend's address. The UK market is quite good and the cost of bikes often lower than in mainland Europe. The difficulty is getting insurance, as very few insurers will cover a foreign licence holder. Even if you find one who will, it'll be expensive (think thousands). Same applies if your friend buys it and tries to put you on the insurance policy as an additional rider, plus you've then got the headache of getting across borders on a bike not registered to you.

For a multi year trip you then run into duration of temporary import regs and roadworthiness inspections expiring.

https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...352#post630603
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  #6  
Old 2 Weeks Ago
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Location: Truro Nova Scotia, Canada
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Hi, saw your note on registering a bike in Estonia. Do you think I could buy a Royal Enfield bike (a Bear 650) in Estonai, register and insure it there in my name? I am a Canadian and wanting to tour eastern and western Europe, and UK.

Thanks
Larry Simpson
Nova Scotia, Canada
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  #7  
Old 2 Weeks Ago
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Sure. I don't know what a Bear 650 is, but some 650s are available here: https://royalenfield.ee/en/motorcycles/

I expect the dealership will be happy to be your representative for the purposes of the paperwork.
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