Noah,

One of the best things about this list is that you're rarely the first person to do anything and you can rely on advice and help from all the kind people who subscribe to this. I've received a lot of help and advice, so now it's time to give back.

I've just done exactly what you're talking about and I live less than 5 miles from you in San Francisco. (although I'm currently in London). Here's a short list of the things I've done..

Went to AAA in San Francisco and purchased an International Driving License for 15 dollars.

My brother also did A LOT of legwork on the insurance front and phoned around 20 companies and brokers with results from 'we don't insure non uk license holders' to 'sure for 750 pounds a year'. Eventually he came across one bike and an incredibly nice guy called Paul. You can try emailing him at paul.ashburn@obis-uk.com. I managed to get insurance with Norwich Union (a huge insurance company in the UK), with European breakdown (AAA) for 360 pounds for the year. When you're done with your insurance you can cancel it and they will pro-rate the refund. Paid for it on my US credit card. One VERY Useful thing is getting a letter from your US insurance company, stating that you haven't had any accidents, claims or convictions in x years. Which in my case is 9 years, so this really helped to make the UK insurance cheaper. In the UK they have the concept of 'no claims' bonus. Think of it as a 'good driver discount'. It's based on the number of years you've had insurance without making a claim. It can give you a significant discount, so worth considering.


I used Bike Trader UK - Buy & Sell New & Used Motorbikes, Motor Bike Loans Finance, Bike Insurance, News & Reviews at Bike Trader to find a bike (admitedly with a lot of help from my brother who lives in the UK - looking at bikes, checking them out). BUT the process is the same, you will just need more time upfront in the UK. I found a Honda Varadero 2005 for around 4500 GBP. Yes bikes in the UK are outrageously expensive. I picked up the bike on Friday and filled out the registration form for the DVLC (DMV). All you need for this is a UK address.


I found A Ferry to France, UK, Ireland, Spain, Holland - Book LD Lines Stena Line P&O Ferries and more to be an invaluable resource for booking ferries. Much cheaper than any of the other quotes I've seen on the internet. 35 pounds to get to France, return, with my bike and wife... can't be bad!

We're leaving on Wednesday from Dover to Calais if anyone wants to join us. Heading to San Tropez via Reims and Dijon.

Good luck Noah and let me know if you need any more help!

Chris

thanks all. preps are almost done. leaving in a month. appreciate all the tips!