Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Buying bike in US, whats required?? Buying bike in US, whats required??
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
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 12 Jan 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 5
Thumbs up Buying bike in US, whats required??
With my US trip moving ever closer I am still trying to decide the best course of action on what way to supply a bike for the 6 week duration (possibly longer).

If I do buy a bike out in the states, whats the score with paperwork etc. I am from the UK so what would the insurance requirements be. Can you get 6 weeks cover on an international (European) licence.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for looking
Peter
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Jan 2008
DLbiten's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
For the new bike.
lots of $
You may need a address (may need a USA one) if your getting a new bike, anyones will do they gust need some place to mail the paper work to. After the title gose through. licence plate.

For you.
Drivers licence with bike endorsement your UK one will be fine. Insurance for the bike. Pass port. Bike registration. To be totaly legal.

Insurance you will need an address as well (not that it matters) there are lots a search on the forms will show you more. Its easy in the USA and depending on the bike cheap as well. Many bike shops have Insurance you can get.

If your drivers licence has some motorcycle endorsment on it any place you will be ok. But rember the cop will probley have never seen a licence like yours before. Dont talk down to them, be cheeky, or try that dry humor on them. I have found most to be self richous with a God complex add in a gun, caffeine, and people trying to kill them. I tread lightly around them.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: atlanta , georgia
Posts: 45
If you are planing to buy a bike in the U.S. go for a cheap one.Check out cycletrader.com.Click in the price range and model that you want and state that you will pick it up in.Insurance shouldn't be a problem and you may check with the local tag office or dmv for a temporary license plate for your stay here.Good luck and ride safe...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Jan 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 5
Thanks for the replies guys. If the bike dealer can sort some form of insurance that will make it easier. I do have the option of using an address in the states and may look to buy before going. Hopefully that way I may be able to get a better deal on insurance before hand.

Regards the police, if you have not been to the UK before you might not realise what a patronizing, sarcastic arrogant bunch the UK cops can be. I guess there not all bad, just haven’t meet a good one yet.

Should be OK with the US police, though your advice is gladly taken.

Any particular states I should watch out for?

Cheers
Peter
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
I am Danish an I bought a KLR a month ago in Clifornia.

You will need to find a US address ( ask here or advrider) and just register it there. Insurance is something you drive to an insurance dealer and get on the spot.

You will need the permanent papers to leave the state probably, so buy in a state that you wish to stay a while in and give your american contact a stamped envelope so that he can mail you the registration.

easy easy if you find someone to help you.
__________________
Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
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 in Pokhara, Nepal aviad Which Bike? 1 15 Feb 2008 05:29
Buying a bike in Chile - HELP! wicksy1979 South America 20 27 Sep 2006 01:54
Buying a bike in Chile - HELP! wicksy1979 Trip Paperwork 0 2 Mar 2006 23:00
Buying a bike in Lima, Peru Amrahd South America 0 14 Mar 2004 23:07

 
 

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 17:06.

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