Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Keeping bike in Europe for many years Keeping bike in Europe for many years
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 29 Jun 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Homeless bum ((
Posts: 60
Keeping bike in Europe for many years
I have read many times of people shipping a bike to Europe and keeping it there for many years. Storing when they are not using it and returning to ride when they can. How is this possible?

Are they doing it with a foreign registered bike that is somehow allowed to remain for many years in Europe without local registration?

Are they registering a foreign origin bike in the local country?

Are they buying a local bike and registering it there?

Specifically I would like to ship my bike from USA to Europe (home base in Germany) and leave it there at the end of the summer to come back and ride next year.

Forgive me, as I am sure this has been addressed before. My poor internet connection has sustained all the searching it can. Links to previous threads covering this appreciated as well.
Last edited by bokad; 30 Jun 2012 at 18:07.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
Quote:
Originally Posted by bokad View Post
Are they doing it with a foreign registered bike that is somehow allowed to remain for many years in Europe without local registration?
If I had to categorise my situation then this is the closest. We've been in Europe since end of 2009 on an australian registered motorcycle. When I say registered I use that in the loose sense of the word .

I go on the principle of don't ask, don't tell. But you shouldn't take me as a good example, read any kind of example.

If you keep your bike paper work up to date and get the 3rd party insurance or Greencard as it is know here in europe. Then you won't have any troubles so long as you are not a resident in Europe.

NB it is strictly prohibited in most countries to drive a foreign registered motorvehicle if you are a resident in that country. I know this applies as a fact for Germany, Switzerland and Austria and certainly other countries as well.

Enjoy the ride, Europe is a blast!!
__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Jun 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoOrange NJ USA
Posts: 296
Quote:
Originally Posted by bokad View Post
I have read many times of people shipping a bike to Europe and keeping it there for many years. Storing when they are not using it and returning to ride when they can. How is this possible?

[See replies below]

Are they doing it with a foreign registered bike that is somehow allowed to remain for many years in Europe without local registration?

Are they registering they registering a foreign origin bike in the local country?

Are they buying a local bike and registering it there?

Specifically I would like to ship my bike from USA to Europe (home base in Germany) and leave it there at the end of the summer to come back and ride next year.

Forgive me, as I am sure this has been addressed before. My poor internet connection has sustained all the searching it can. Links to previous threads covering this appreciated as well.
[replies]
Because, after a US (or any non-EU) registered bike is cleared by inbound Customs as a "temporary" personal vehicle import, there is no followup enforcement system/ mechanism that tracks whether that bike has exceeded the legally allowed 6-12 months stay for a "temporary" import.

Yes to foreign registered bike

No to permanent registration. It is (much more) difficult for a non-citizen to buy & register a local EU bike without a legal residence or work/ study visa

Not usually a problem in Germany. See in particular, Hello, although there are many ways to do that. Just be sure, as TurboCharger says, "...keep your bike paper work up to date and get the 3rd party insurance or Greencard"...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Jun 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Homeless bum ((
Posts: 60
Thanks for the helpful responses so far.

So in practical terms when you bring in a foreign bike there is a 6-12 month limit that the bike can technically stay but there aren't any real issues with keeping it there longer?
As in if you get pulled over by the police or whatever they don't check it or make a big deal of it?
Any problem with re-exporting the bike to home (USA, etc...) after the machine has well over stayed it's legal limit?

You guys mentioned keeping the paperwork up to date...
What exactly does "paperwork" entail? Registration, insurance, and... ?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Jul 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoOrange NJ USA
Posts: 296
Quote:
Originally Posted by bokad View Post
Thanks for the helpful responses so far.

So in practical terms when you bring in a foreign bike there is a 6-12 month limit that the bike can technically stay but there aren't any real issues with keeping it there longer?
As in if you get pulled over by the police or whatever they don't check it or make a big deal of it?
Any problem with re-exporting the bike to home (USA, etc...) after the machine has well over stayed it's legal limit?

You guys mentioned keeping the paperwork up to date...
What exactly does "paperwork" entail? Registration, insurance, and... ?
Correct....no real issues as long as your US (passport, DL) registration is current, and you have current min required "Green Card" vehicle insurance

"Pulled over by the police"...EU/ national/ local police have no interest in
the Customs import status of the vehicle, nor do they have access to any
official database that would tell them vehicle import status, even if they were interested.
You don't volunteer, but if asked, you are a tourist (your passport should reflect that), operating your personally owned (imported) vehicle on a "temporary" import with the eventual intent to re-export the vehicle at the end of this temporary tourist visit--even if the vehicle has in fact been stored in EU for a period of time exceeding the legally allowed maximum for temporary vehicle imports.

"Paperwork" means your personal paperwork (passport, visa if necessary),
currently valid US/ State drivers license w/ motorcycle endorsement (in some
jurisdictions, helpful to also have AAA International Driving Permit); vehicle
paperwork means current valid US/ State registration, current valid min required (Euro) "Green Card" vehicle insurance
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 and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 03:15
Canadian buying Uk (England) bike to ride in Europe - Insurance? Zarks Trip Paperwork 11 30 Mar 2012 13:05
Buying a bike in BC or in Europe - which is best option? bcBiscuit Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 4 26 Feb 2012 16:29
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination South America 20 30 Oct 2009 18:02

 
 

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. 11-15
  • 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 05:20.

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