Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Buying A Bike In The Us As A Tourist Buying A Bike In The Us As A Tourist
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Jan 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Moscow
Posts: 4
Exclamation Buying A Bike In The Us As A Tourist
Couple of my friends from Moscow, Russia are planing to visit US as tourists for 4 weeks in Feb-March this year. They plan on buying bikes in The US (don't know what state they will buy them in yet) They want to ship them to California unless they buy them in California and then ride from California to Florida. What are the procedures to transfer ownership, getting temporary license (for how long is it valid) and were and how do they get insurance for this bikes to cover them through their stay in US. Is there an easy way of solving all this problems. I know that in US every state might has it's own rules?
Last edited by mmakhanko; 15 Jan 2008 at 13:53.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Jan 2008
scouse's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Leeds, UK
Posts: 37
Hi

I'm British & I bought a bike in Houston in Sept 07 at half the price in the UK and have ridden it to Colombia so far.

Registration
In Texas the registration process takes about 3 weeks, but in the meantime you can get a paper plate (bike registration plate) which is valid to ride around the state. To register, you have to pay the sales tax which can be pricey, depending on the state.

In Texas I surfed & found an insurance company that insures foreign nationals for a one month minimum, so this wasn't a problem although it is more expensive for short periods as opposed to a year.

I've also read that the state of Oregon does not charge sales tax, so this makes buying a bike there even cheaper.

If you're buying from a dealer then they should be able to help you with these questions beforehand, although I got very little help from a suzuki dealership as they were only interested in selling the bike. When I arrived I found a bike with a small dealer & he was very helpful, sorting out the paperwork.

I got an international license from the UK before I left, which validates my UK license anywhere in the world; this might be an option for you.

Good luck
Graham
__________________
when the road is straight & true, I romp ahead
when it twists & turns, I make the best I can - Lao Tsu
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Jan 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Moscow
Posts: 4
Thank you for you information, but the thing is we are trying to find out specific uinsruance companies that work with foreign tourist, the companies that will be willing to sell the motorcycle insurance to foreing tourist for a bout a month. The price is a factor, but considering our situation we willing to pay higher premiun. Guys if somebody can tell us specific companies that sell insurance, and maybe companies that can help in buying (title transfer and so on) We would really appreciate your help.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Apr 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Australia
Posts: 70
www.progressive.com
Progressive Auto Insurance Co insure foreigners with foreign licences in the US, and then upon your cancellation will refund the remaining premium pro-rata (whatever amount is unused) less a cancellation fee of USD30 or so. I believe that rate to be competitive, as i paid $USD400ish for 1yr for a KTM 640 Adv.
Last edited by Simon D; 29 Apr 2008 at 19:39. Reason: Pasting the web address in main text resulted in Progressive`s text once posted.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 23
Try these companies:

info@fernet.com
sunrisegroup@cfl.rr.com

You could also contact Gail Goodman at Motorcycle Express. Her email is gailg@motorcycleservices.com

There are many others but I am confident these companies will provide the required insurance.

Cheers

Ozzie

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: RTW
Posts: 19
Insurance for tourists/tourers in U.S.
I can also recomend Gail Goodman from Motorcycle Express.
Excellent service.

Good luck shopping around.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 7
Buying and registering a bike in Florida, how?
Have been trying create my own thread but unable, new to HU. So, a few questions. First, I am a Canadian and would like to by a bike in Florida, to ride across the states, as a Canadian I can get a license there for a year do I need residency? An address? Would I need a validiting bit of paper say from my bank with the Florida address on it? Insurance, is residency also a must? And if choose to roll on my Canadian license, do I need an address to register the bike?
This should be the fun question: Which bike? Either a Victory, really only good for the states; or if I decide to go further a Honda Transalp or a BMW?

Broad questions I know but if anyone as some advice or tips I'd be greatly appreciative.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: RTW
Posts: 19
Florida license
I had a florida license for ten years now even though i am not resident there and every time i am there i renew it. Very, very easy it must have something to do with all the elderly, retired people down there.
You do need to pass a computer test and possibly a driving test depending on where you come from, both can be done in a day when you make an appointment. No need to be resident in FL but they require a mailing address which is not a P.O. Box.

After 9/11 they only let you have the license for the duration of your allowed stay in U.S. so you need to bring your Canadian license, passport and any immigration papers you have.

You can find information, make an appointment or download a handbook online on Florida Division of Driver Licenses.

For insurance see messages above, no insurance requirement in Florida.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 3 Jun 2008
discoenduro's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 132
I've taken driving tests in several countries and hold licenses for Australia, New Zealand and California, as well as my original UK one.

The day after i flew into New Zealand i took and passed their theory test. And in California, from what i can recall, I used my UK license for about a week and then took the Cal practical and theory tests, which were dead easy to pass. The cost of taking the tests is recovered by the lower insurance premium. If you're only riding in a foreign country for a month or so, then it's probably not worth it, but for an extended period of time, it makes financial sense and having local ID has advantages.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Jul 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1
Bike registration- permanent title
mmakhanko can you write how did you manage to get bikes registered as a turist? Me and a friend want to go for almost the same trip except that we are going to go to Mexico too. I've read that it takes 4-6 weeks to get a permanent title for the bike in California, and we need to do our paperwork in less then 2 weeks.

Did you get permanent title? If so how long it took and in what state? Please share your expieriance... or mabey someone could help.
Last edited by pogromca; 13 Jul 2008 at 15:54.
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
Buying a bike inAustralia? skip Australia / New Zealand 6 11 Sep 2006 14:37
Buying a bike in Chile rbaetens South America 1 26 Sep 2005 04:40
Buying a bike in New delhi to go to Cambodgia Alexis Which Bike? 5 14 Jun 2005 16:13
Buying bike in Germany benaus Trip Paperwork 1 25 Jun 2003 14:34

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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 18:51.

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