Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Australia to Spain / Turkey - Ship bike or buy there? Australia to Spain / Turkey - Ship bike or buy there?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
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 13 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 100
Question Australia to Spain / Turkey - Ship bike or buy there?
Hello
I'm planning a trip from Spain to Turkey (or the reverse) in early 2010. I would be keen to see if it’s cheaper to purchase a bike in either Spain or Turkey than shipping mine over and back from Australia (approx $2500 Euro). I had heard that you can't purchase a bike in Spain unless you are a local. Any advice would be greatly appreciated - thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Sep 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 76
Aus/Spain
Quote:
Originally Posted by Adastra View Post
Hello
I'm planning a trip from Spain to Turkey (or the reverse) in early 2010. I would be keen to see if it’s cheaper to purchase a bike in either Spain or Turkey than shipping mine over and back from Australia (approx $2500 Euro). I had heard that you can't purchase a bike in Spain unless you are a local. Any advice would be greatly appreciated - thanks!
Hi Adastra,

I live in Brisbane and have a trip planned next May starting in London. I don't know about Spain, but I had no probs buying in England and found it to be substantially cheaper to buy and kit out there, compared to buying here. What you'll pay in freight is close to the cost of a decent bike. Also, the UK is far easier to obtain carnets (if you need one).

The only drawback with my strategy is bike storage in England (I've already purchased a bike) and the hassle of selling once the trip is over, although I'm seriously considering importing the bike into Aus.

Have you considered renting a bike?

Also, Turkey can get very cold if you're thinking of travelling Jan/Feb/Mar.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 100
Hi

Thanks for your thoughts - much appreciated!
I think the problem I have is that I'm going one way. I thought it might be worthwhile purchasing a bike in England...but not sure what I do with it in Turkey?? Shipping it back might be an option. I have about 3 months (starting in May too) so hopefully not so cold in Turkey by the time I get there. It may be a little expensive to rent for 3 months...and not sure how I would get the bike back to England :-)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Sep 2009
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
Quote:
Originally Posted by Adastra View Post
...and not sure how I would get the bike back to England :-)
Adastra
It's a really nice ride fromTurkey into Greece, across to Igoumenitsa then FastFerries overnight to Ancona, Italy-
Italian Alps then UK!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 100
Thanks for the advice - I appreciate the help!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 296
Hi, if you travel from Spain into Turkey it may not be possible to sell a bike there and then leave the country (i am not exactly clear on the rules). It should though be easy to go back into greece ( both EU members) and sell it there.
I spent a month touring Turkey this summer and loved the place; petrol is expensive but everything else is cheap.
I would recommend travelling through the Balkans rather than down Italy.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 100
Thanks Andy!
Good to know you enjoyed Turkey. Did you find 1 month long enough? I was keen to see if I can travel the Kemaliye Stone Road, but not sure if I can fit it in.
I'll check about selling the bike in Greece. I was not sure about the Balkans...silly really I'm sure it would be completely safe for a woman :-)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 296
Hi, Turkey is a large country and we did not travel to the SE something I would like to do someday. We did travel the 'Road of Stones' which was excellent and Kemaliye is a very friendly place to stay. The road (dirt) from Bayburt to Caykara was also worthwhile.
With the exception of Albania i found the Balkans very safe.
Your trip sounds great, cheers Andy
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
buy bike in australia vs. buy bike in canada ship to australia cdntraveller Australia / New Zealand 12 28 May 2009 11:20
To ship or not to ship to Australia from the UK mattcbf600 Trip Transport 12 15 Dec 2008 12:14
ship US registered BMW R80GS from Dubai to Malaga, Spain dean@rdf.com Trip Transport 0 12 Dec 2005 06:45
Ship Uk to Sydney, Australia twinadventurer Trip Transport 1 30 Dec 2004 16:52

 
 

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. 11-14
  • 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 07:36.

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