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31 Mar 2005
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buying a bike in europe?
is it possible to buy, license and insure a bike in germany, or anywhere else in europe without eu citizenship. I am a canadian tourist who wants very badly to get on a bmw, somewhat legally. any info or references would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
bobby
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1 Apr 2005
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Welcome. This subject has been discussed extensively. Please search the forums here.
My understanding is that the UK is the easiest place to do this. As a bonus for you, they speak English. (I'm assuming you're not Quebecois.)
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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,
Peter.
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2 Apr 2005
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thanks so much peter for the info...
bobby
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7 Apr 2005
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How did you go with trying to sort out a buying etc in Germany? I am an Australian thinking of doing the same sort of thing. Also wonering if I can bring the bike back to Oz at the end of the trip (without getting massively taxed). Damn shame I don't have an EU passport!
Quote:
Originally posted by bobbyraydomingo:
is it possible to buy, license and insure a bike in germany, or anywhere else in europe without eu citizenship. I am a canadian tourist who wants very badly to get on a bmw, somewhat legally. any info or references would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
bobby
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7 Apr 2005
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An American friend bought a K100 with my help last summer. Registering the bike in his name was easy as he had the use of a UK residential address. Insurance should not be too hard in the UK with UK registered bike.
Beware of taking a bike back home to OZ - for you to do, that exact model must have been previously/currently imported legally in to Australia - check out beforehand. Can't help on the import tax question though?
If you need a UK residential address for insurance purposes, let me know.
It maybe beneficial if you could pass yourself off as a Kiwi to avoid the various taxes levied on Australians over here?
Quote:
Originally posted by RichardD:
How did you go with trying to sort out a buying etc in Germany? I am an Australian thinking of doing the same sort of thing. Also wonering if I can bring the bike back to Oz at the end of the trip (without getting massively taxed). Damn shame I don't have an EU passport!
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="">quote:</font><HR><font face="" size="2">Originally posted by bobbyraydomingo:
is it possible to buy, license and insure a bike in germany, or anywhere else in europe without eu citizenship. I am a canadian tourist who wants very badly to get on a bmw, somewhat legally. any info or references would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
bobby
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</font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
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7 Apr 2005
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Getting insurance for a UK registered bike is VERY hard for a non-resident. Buying is easy if you have a UK address to do a C/O.
I am frantically trying to arrange insurance now... here are the sources that I have uncovered and am trying to see if anyone will insure me  If you find out something I don't please let me know...
Association of British Insurers (yet to contact them)
http://www.abi.org.uk/
Specialists in UK insurance for Australians/NZ (waiting on response)
http://www.duinsure.com
Tip - sort out insurance first and the rest will be easy!
Cheers,
Paul
Hope to have some positive advice soon 
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7 Apr 2005
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OK - update...
Short version is: The UK is a very unfriendly motorcycle touring place! Don't attempt to buy a motorcycle in the UK for touring.
1) No insurance companys in the UK insure non-residents
2) Insurance companies outside the UK will only insure outside the country of registration, unless it is on a tourist plate.
3) The DVLA ( http://www.dvla.gov.uk) inform me that they do not provide the ability to register a bike as a tourist (so this make the above not an option).
If someone can prove me wrong I would be very happy.
(Note: UK bikers your goverment needs a kick up the ^%&^%)
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8 Apr 2005
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True! insurance is a nightmare in the UK. Here is my suggestion based on a trip I made last year.
Get a UK resident to buy the bike and reigister it in their name.
They put the insurance in place and insure you as another driver. Takes a bit of pressure but they did it, don't deal with the person on the phone - try to get someone like a supervisory person,or an underwriter. The persons answering the phone invariably do not know much other than if the caller askes for this - say that, if it's anything else, take a name then forget about it.
This worked for me. They provided a green card for europe and I was able to get break down and recovery insurance through the RAC which I used in Salamanca - no problems. 4000 miles later back in the UK arrange for the sale of the bike by the same trustworthy person.
One other thought is to contact the German Automobile Club. They do Green Cards on a monthly rate which is the bare minimum you need to operate in Europe. You will need get the registration document to them somehow in advance. I'll be in Germany in late May,if I can help get back to me jcorker@seascape.com
Good luck.
Quote:
Originally posted by internetscooter:
OK - update...
Short version is: The UK is a very unfriendly motorcycle touring place! Don't attempt to buy a motorcycle in the UK for touring.
1) No insurance companys in the UK insure non-residents
2) Insurance companies outside the UK will only insure outside the country of registration, unless it is on a tourist plate.
3) The DVLA (http://www.dvla.gov.uk) inform me that they do not provide the ability to register a bike as a tourist (so this make the above not an option).
If someone can prove me wrong I would be very happy.
(Note: UK bikers your goverment needs a kick up the ^%&^%)
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21 Apr 2005
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Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Hi there,
I'm a Canadian leaving next week for exactly the same thing. I am buying my R1200 GS in Germany, registering it as a non-resident for the purpose of export, getting full insurance, and then off on my trip for a year.
Bike: Highly recommend you contact Stefan Knopf (Knopf Tours) or email some of the fellow Germans on this site. They have all responded with gracious offers to help me find a bike. Stefan has been amazing help, and he also offers other services like tours, b&b, and insurance. You can also find bikes on the German autotrader site www.mobile.de. The advantage of buying a bike as a non-resident of Germany is that you are exempt from the VAT (16%) if you buy from a dealer and you register it as "for export".
Registration. Several Germans have checked, the dealer and Stefan have confirmed that I can register the bike for export. Once registered, I must leave Germany within 12 days and the bike cannot return (unless you re-register it at a cost and inspection. Find that info on another topic about paperwork)
Insurance. Knopf tours is arranging ADAC insurance which is their version of CAA/AAA. A good thing to have if you read what it offers. Finding insurance from a European company was impossible unless you are a resident. No insurance company in Canada would offer it. It came down to two companies, Motorcycle Express and Sunrise Insurance. Both of them were extremely helpful, and basically offer identical plans. They offer just liability (green card) or full comprehensive, theft, and liablity. Also, they have passenger and accessory coverage. My rate was very fair for a year's coverage. You can pre-arrange the paperwork, then finalize it when you acquire the bike and within a few days, you/they fax each other and you are ready to go. The very mininum you have to have is the liability green card.
Shipping back to home. I'm not planning to do that, but it costs about $1000 Cdn. to get it to Florida. I don't know about emissions compliance for Canada.
Good luck with your travels. If you want to see about meeting up on the road with another Canuck, email me at jimlimultimate@yahoo.com. I saw that there is also another HUBB rider from Canada heading to Europe, as I'm sure there are others - check the Travellers topic.
"Wrist cocked, Head up, Pegs down"
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21 Apr 2005
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Nice & comprehensive post Jim. I'm sure the info will be useful for others following in your footsteps.
I'd just like to point out that http://www.mobile.de./ has been bought by Ebay. It is linked into the Ebay system and as a consequence it now costs money to post ads there. There are now less offers and prices have gone up (more dealers).
A free alternative is still www.motoscout24.de.
Have a nice trip.
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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,
Peter.
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5 May 2005
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thanks guys, i will post new info as i go through the process in germany.
brd
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6 May 2005
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Does anyone know how prices on used BMW's in Germany would compare with in the US. I got my 1979 R100T in good condition for $2000 here in US and put another $1000 into it, now she's perfect. Anyone think I could get a good used BMW in Europe for $3000-$4000us ?
Sure would be nice to not have to deal with shipping.
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6 May 2005
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Try www.motoscout24.de
Unfortunately only in German.
Hans
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do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
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9 May 2005
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Thanks Vaufi.
It looks like it is indeed possible to find a good used BMW for cheap in Germany.
uc
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19 May 2005
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Quote:
Originally posted by motorcylingJim:
Hi there,
I'm a Canadian leaving next week for exactly the same thing. I am buying my R1200 GS in Germany, registering it as a non-resident for the purpose of export, getting full insurance, and then off on my trip for a year.
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Hey Jim,
How about an update?
Did the bike registation go as smoothly as anticipated? How about the insurance, how long is it good for and what are the costs?
I'm leaving in 3 weeks to do the exact same thing, straight to Germany to find a bmw and off on my trip (though im thinking 2-3 years.....
Would love to hear how it went.
Im searching the websites right now and am impressed with the available bikes for cheap....
thanks
g
[This message has been edited by Universalcat (edited 19 May 2005).]
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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)
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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.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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