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"papers" for buying a bike in US by a non-US resident "papers" for buying a bike in US by a non-US resident
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 3 Nov 2010
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"papers" for buying a bike in US by a non-US resident
#I hope I posted in the correct section ( since this is mainly a "papers" question). If not please move the topic.

Hi, I am from Europe and I am planning a trip for several months in Americas.

I am contemplating my possibilities for riding there:

1. ship my bike by plane or by boat
2. rent a bike there
3. buy, register and insure the bike there.

1. - the most obvious solution
2. - considering that I would like to spend several months in multiple countries I think the costs would be very high.

I would like to focus on option 3 in this post :
3.
- is it possible for a non-US citizen? If yes, is there a detailed description about what are the steps ?
- as far as I understand the legislation in US varies from one state to another. which would be the most hassle-free place to do this?

Thank you very much for advice
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Old 3 Nov 2010
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US motorcycle
Hi

In 2008 we bought a new bike in Utah.

Went to the dealer at 9 am, paid and left at 11.30 am with DMV registration and original number plate . The dealer handled it totally, went to DMV for registration/paperwork.

We used an adress from a friend, the original title was send there about 3 weeks later and they forwarded it to us .

No insurance possible without permanent resident, so we didn`t care.

riding the bike (german passport) to Canada, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and no issues, also brought it back to Switzerland and got it registered (6 month ownership only required)

Good luck and have fun
Thomas
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  #3  
Old 4 Nov 2010
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This question comes up many times a year a search will get you all you need. So yes on #3

I do not know all 50 state rules laws and problems and I bet no one on the hubb will but most are more or the less the same.

You do not need a "permanent resident" for insurance you just need an address it is the way the insurance provider sets the rate. It is Illegal to ride a bike in the USA (most of it) or Canada with out it. Hit someone and you will find out how much health care runs in the USA. You can be stopped at the border and asked for it and be turned back. Get it and even if someone hits you, you are covered. Progressive Auto Insurance - Car Insurance Quotes Plus Boat, RV and Motorcycle Insurance Quotes

For the most part to do it fast go to a large bike shop point at a bike you want say "I will take that one" and hand over some money and away you will go. Depending on the state the title and plate can take some time or you can get it that day. But you can be on your way that day at any rate. many bike shops can get you insurance right there.

Not to hard and with the price of shipping going up may save a little bit. some states are tax free like Oregon saving a bit more.
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Old 4 Nov 2010
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Absolutely agree with the previous two comments. I'm from the UK and flew to Alaska in July and bought a bike. Couldn't have been easier. The ONLY possible problem is that, for the title, you have to give a US address. I gave the office of the place I was buying the bike. No problem at all. I'm sure most bike shops would let you do that.

For insurance, DEFINATELY check out PROGRESSIVE. I got an annual policy with them, for a 2006 BMW 1200 GS for about $350. And when I cancelled the policy after two months (I left the US for Mexico) they refunded me $250. So cheap, easy and a reputable company.
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Old 4 Nov 2010
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Thank you very much for the answers. I did indeed used the Search before posting but most of the information I found was about buying a bike in Europe by Americans. For sure I need to improve my searching skills as well.

I would add another spin to the idea : what if the bike would be SH? From a private owner? Is the paper work as straight forward as buying new/from a dealer? Here it takes longer because the bike has to be "erased" from the old owner and then registered with the new one...

And maybe a very stupid question : is there a widely known and used website for selling, buying auto and moto in US/Canada? Something like mobile.de for Europe...
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Old 4 Nov 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DLbiten View Post
You do not need a "permanent resident" for insurance you just need an address it is the way the insurance provider sets the rate. It is Illegal to ride a bike in the USA (most of it) or Canada with out it.
That's not *quite* true. MOST of the states require you to have insurance to register a vehicle HOWEVER if you register the vehicle in a state that does NOT require insurance it is perfectly legal to operate it in all the other states. For example. New Hampshire does not require insurance, but Massachusetts does, yet NH people drive in MA all the time, and will never have a problem if pulled over and it is discovered they don't have insurance.

Of course, you absolutely need insurance because if you're in an accident and you don't have it the other party's insurance company will come after you, there will probably be court appearances, etc. So, while you can get around it it's a really bad idea in a country as litigious as ours.

I'd note that when registering you are going to be best off if you do not mention that you're just passing through. Act as if you live at the address you provide the registry and that you intend to stay there for the foreseeable future, and that you just haven't gotten around to getting a local license. Don't offer any information they don't ask for. They want an address where they believe they will be able to find you. No post office boxes, for example.
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Old 4 Nov 2010
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Originally Posted by AnjinSan View Post
And maybe a very stupid question : is there a widely known and used website for selling, buying auto and moto in US/Canada? Something like mobile.de for Europe...

Google "Craigs List". It seems to be the number one website in the US for buying and selling everything.

Just at ramdon i choose San Fransisco and Motorcycles and got this...

SF bay area motorcycles/scooters classifieds - craigslist
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Old 4 Nov 2010
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I registered and insured a bus in Montana on a tourist visa. Did it to a P.O. box i got there after i bought it in Pennsylvania and drove to Montana as i was heading that way. Worked alrite just going to Canada and back a few times the border guys weren't too impressed. They hated the fact I was living in a bus being 20 which was a lot of it. Some states are a lot easier to do it in then others. Research where you're headed.
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