|
|
15 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 11
|
|
US trip June -August 2014
Hi
First time Hubb user here.
My wife and I are from Australia and have booked our flights and will be spending 2 months in the US this summer. Flying in/out LA, so the plan is to buy a bike in LA and spend about 7 weeks touring the US. Plan is to try as many of the great biking roads as we can in those 7 weeks (without getting riders burn out!). Looking at buying a fjr1300 or similar, so won't be venturing on to the dirt.
A few items we are seeking feedback on are below:
- have done searches on foreigners buying/registering bikes in CA and it seems straight forward as long as you have access to a CA address for the paper work to be sent to (which we do). Let me know if you think this isn't the case.
- let me know how far you think is feasible to cover in 7 weeks. Should we stay in the western states, or do you think it would be feasible to get over to the east and do the Blue Ridge Parkway? I have a feeling that a loop to the east might be too much in the time (will be returning to LA to sell bike and fly home)
- some great bike roads I have heard of in the western part inc. bear tooth pass in Wyoming, San Juan mountain hwy in Colorado, pacific coast hwy, CA, hwy 12 Bryce Canyon national park & Capitol reef NP in Utah and going to the sun road in Montana. Would love to hear views on the above roads and other must ride roads particularly in the west.
- we are looking at spending some time in national parks (yellow stone and Grand Canyon), suggestions on other lesser known parks would be greatly appreciated.
- would be great to meet with local riders as we travel too. So let me know if you are keen to catch up for a ride.
Looking forward to hearing your suggestions,
|
15 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 1
|
|
Hi mumfoda,
I am planning a similar trip and would like to add two questions to yours:
- How long does it typically takes in CA for the bike to be fully registered once you've found a dealer (hours/days/weeks) ?
- Is it possible to get a short term US basic insurance to cover damages in case of accident ? (I am 24 and just got the UK motorcycle licence; I also have a standard french driving licence for cars).
Thanks !
|
15 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 1
|
|
Registration in California
I am a US/California citizen so am not sure about differences that might affect registration for non-US persons. When you buy a vehicle from a dealer, they will issue a temporary registration immediately that is valid. It expires in 60 days but your hard-copy should arrive with plates (for new) from the Department of motor vehicles in 10-14 days.
The link below covers the requirements for non-resident registration:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...,d.cGU&cad=rja
|
16 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 11
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmckeith
I am a US/California citizen so am not sure about differences that might affect registration for non-US persons. When you buy a vehicle from a dealer, they will issue a temporary registration immediately that is valid. It expires in 60 days but your hard-copy should arrive with plates (for new) from the Department of motor vehicles in 10-14 days.
The link below covers the requirements for non-resident registration:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...,d.cGU&cad=rja
|
Thanks Mckeith, had a look at the link. Doesn't seem to raise any issues for me.
One further question: when registering a bike and providing the CA address do I need some proof that this is my address (e.g. Utility bill in my name) or is it just taken as read by the DMV?
|
16 Feb 2014
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
|
|
Quite refreshing to see you have done your research, so at least have a clue how things work here. As you've found, getting a bike registered should be no problem. Your chosen areas and routes are good too!
I've helped TWO sets of foreign riders buy & register bikes ... two Kiwis bought KLR's here in California, rode to Tierra del Fuego and sold them off. An Irishman and German also bought bikes here. All 4 bikes registered in California and legal. (I mailed the permanent titles onto them in Mexico)
The Kiwis (on our advice) arrived in USA with NO riding gear since it's MUCH CHEAPER HERE than NZ. So while we shopped for bikes, they ordered everything they needed online ... they said it was 50% to 75% cheaper here than New Zealand. Not sure about prices in Oz?
If you want to try gear on before you buy, (I would) check out Chaparral, just East of L.A. Biggest bike store in the world (true!) far as I know. Loads of stuff ... so no ordering /waiting. They've got most everything in stock, on the shelf.
Mens Street Bike Gear - Chaparral Motorsports
As mentioned above, Temp registration is good immediately, permanent vehicle title (called Pink Slip here in California) takes 2 to 4 weeks typically. But for USA and Canada travel the 60 day Temp registration is legal in ALL 50 states.
With a used bike bought from a private party you keep the same license plate. If you buy a New bike, the dealer gives you a temp plate and temp registration.
With a Used bike private party purchase, you go to local DMV (every town has one) and transfer title into your name, fill in some forms, pay fees and sales tax. Done.
With a dealer sale, you need do NOTHING. They do it all and you receive documents (pink slip, plates) in mail later. This is true weather you buy a NEW or USED bike from a dealer. (a used bike may stay on it's original plates) It's their job to handle registration, pay tax and all fees. (which you pay to the dealer!)
Dealers can also sell you insurance .. but may not be the cheapest ... but it is convenient and is effective immediately ... with NO work (other than paying) on your part.
Beyond this, I don't know much about insurance. I know foreigners have limited choices ... so the dealer option may be good?
The Kiwis and Germans I helped DID NOT buy any insurance here since they had only to make it to the Mexican border (120 miles South of L.A.)
USA insurance is not valid in Mexico, once in Mexico, you buy Mexican insurance. Also, California law allows you 10 days to buy insurance after buying a bike. (new or used)
Some folks mention Progressive as a company for insurance. But in my experience, they are crooks. So ask around, try to find a fair and inexpensive solution.
YOU WILL NEED to show proof of insurance if you get pulled. Honestly, you could probably show your OZ insurance ... and police would probably accept it. But ... in case of an accident you'd be screwed.
The places and routes you've picked are all really good IMHO. Try to avoid hottest weather. Some of your route is VERY hot mid Summer. Try to time your ride to go into Sept. and October if possible. Best weather. Wise to stay out West. The East and South are another trip. So much to see in the area you've mentioned ... a thousand good places and a thousand fantastic roads.
If you come through Northern California, PM me and I can help lay out a nice route around here. Riding paradise if you know where to go.
|
16 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 11
|
|
Hi Mollydog
Thanks for all the information. Will be buying some gear when we arrive in US, it is much cheaper than aus. Chaparral looks good so will probably spend an afternoon out there stimulating the US economy.
Think I will buy a second hand bike from a dealer so it sounds even more straightforward if the handle all the paper work. Will have to do more research on insurance, I have heard that progressive is one of the few choices for foreign riders.
Heat may be an issue on our ride, we arrive in June and staying to mid August, so I think we will just have to deal with it. Thinking of heading south first to Arizona then work north through Grand Canyon then Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Washington then back down the coast to LA. Hopefully that way we avoid the hotter southern parts during late July/august.....well that's the plan anyway.
Will be heading back through Northern parts of CA, so will PM you about some routes.
|
16 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: lobethal south australia
Posts: 37
|
|
Hi,
First of all good luck on your up coming trip and welcome to the Hubb.
Myself and my wife are also from Australia and have done two tours of the states in the last seven years. The first one was about 15,000 km in 6 weeks through the western states and up into the midwest and Rockies, the one we did last year was an 11 week 30,000 km ride that took us up to Alaska, across Canada, down to the Great Lakes to Arkansas back west through New Mexico and up into Idaho.
On both trips we did ship our own bikes so we can not offer any advise on purchasing or registering a bike in the U.S. We have to agree with the comments about buying your gear over in the states, we brought over a few items but the majority we ordered on line and picked up when we arrived.
The route that you have chosen sounds good, if we can help you in any way or have questions you may like to discuss with an Australian who has done it before feel free to send me a PM and we can discuss it in more detail.
Good Luck and ride safe,
Jeffrey
|
16 Feb 2014
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
|
|
|
16 Feb 2014
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
|
|
Some good points in the thread above. One thing ... several NON Californians talked about Smog Checks. One guy got it right. California has NO SMOG CHECK for motorcycles. Some states do have Smog checks but not California.
Another big tax saving tip if you buy from a private party:
When you buy a bike from a private party the seller must fill out the Pink slip with certain information:
Mileage shown on bike
Sale Price
Buyers information
Date of sale
Bike details
It is very common practice for the buyer and seller to "agree" on a price to put down on the Pink Slip "for the DMV". Don't get greedy here ... but typically if I'm paying $5000 usd for a bike ... the seller is happy to put down $2500 ... or even less. If you do this, be sure the seller puts down the agreed upon figure on the DMV release of liability form he sends to DMV to alert them to the sale. So the two figures must MATCH. They NEVER ask about price unless the bike is BRAND NEW. If someone at DMV do ask just say it was sold in "As Is" condition ... indicating it had crash damage. But they have never asked me, ever, in dozens of bikes bought and sold.
So, when you go to DMV to turn in the pink slip and register the bike in your name, you have to pay sales tax on the amount stated on the Pink Slip.
So you've just saved 9% of $2500. A nice savings.
A dealer will typically NOT help you out with this ... too much at risk for them I guess? But does not hurt to ask.
|
18 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 11
|
|
Thanks Molly Dog.
Will keep in mind re potential tax saving, but likely to be buying from dealer for ease. Will look for a bike on cycle trader I think.
|
19 Feb 2014
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 91
|
|
I don't have anything to add to the buying a motorcycle thing, but some places you can go and see. Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is amazing and very much worth a visit. Also King's Canyon is very similar to Yosemite without the crowds, and General Sherman tree is the biggest on the planet.
I'm sure you know this already, but the Moab area is stunning even if you aren't going off road, and there's always man made wonders like Golden Gate and Hoover Dam. And stuff like the extraterrestrial Highway, Roswell, White Sands, the Salt Flats.
You know, there's probably way more than 7 weeks of stuff to see unless you narrow down the requirements some.
|
20 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 11
|
|
Thanks, will check these out when planning our route.
|
12 Mar 2014
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 57
|
|
Hi mumfoda,
I'm another one heading to the US this year. I'll be there mid July for two months. Will you still be there? Maybe we can meet up somewhere?
Cheers,
Matt
|
18 Mar 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 5
|
|
hi everyone
Can anyone explain if "having a californian address" only means having an address to pickup the paperwork (without necessarly living there or being registred there as a citizen). So can it be an address of a friend who lives there?
Or do you somehow have to be an American that is registred there? Or does the address have to be in your name e.g. a rented appartment.
Because I'm trying to buy an US plated Moto as an non-us citizen.
Thanks for any info.
@mumfoda:
as my trip suggestion: yosimety and zion are two of my favorite parks in the US. Cool (or sad) thing about US Nationalparks is you can basicly explore everything without getting once off your motorcycle or out of your car. It's like a huge drivethrough. When in Zion I recommend you the angellanding hike though. 2h hike. one of the coolest things I've done in the US. Also the highway nr. 1 is super curvy and for sure fun by bike!
let us know how it works out...
|
24 Mar 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 11
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by OzMatt
Hi mumfoda,
I'm another one heading to the US this year. I'll be there mid July for two months. Will you still be there? Maybe we can meet up somewhere?
Cheers,
Matt
|
Hi Matt
We will probably be up in Wyoming or Montana by mid July. Whereabouts are you starting your trip from?
Regards
Damon
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|