G'day,

Ok here is the dilemma !

I’m an Australian trying to buy a second hand bike in Spain for export, eventually. Obviously I want to get it registered and insured, on tourist / any plates for that matter so I can use it in Europe.

I have read through, talked to, used google translate, called Spain, even got the interpreter in and still cant get a straight answer on the subject !

It's worth a carton (boxes of ) or two..... to anyone who has the wood.


Cheers Dave

G'day Dave,

I've not bought a motorcycle in Spain, but I have bought in foreign countries before. So while you are waiting for a Spanish expat to chime in I checked the Spanish expat website:

Buying and Selling a Second Hand Car in Spain : Second hand cars in Spain: Spain Expat

and another on buying vehicles in Spain that is written in English:

Buying & Selling a Car in Spain - AngloINFO Costa Blanca (Spain)

And they both say pretty much the same. The above sites are talking about cars, but motorcycles and cars have the same requirements. As usual it is a convoluted process involving transfering the three main documents into your name which in Spain consist of:

Permiso De Circulación - In the UK its called the Log Book. In the US we call it the title. It gives the vehicle details, number plate, chassis number, make and model, year of first registration, and most importantly the name and address of the current owner.

Inspección Técnica - Also called the ITV. In the UK this is called the MOT. In the US it would be called smog check. It gives the vehicle details, and is stamped and dated with the last ITV inspection passed and stating for how many years (1 or 2) this is valid.

Impuesto Sobre Vehiculos - This is equivalent to a road licence fee. In the US this is called the registration. It is payable yearly to the Ayuntamiento where the owner is registered.

If these three documents are in order it appears that is the most important thing. It could go pear shaped if the Inspection is old, or the back impuestos haven't been paid for a couple years, or you are not dealing with the actual owner on the permiso de circulation.

It also sounds like you can hire Gestors whoever those are who will manage the transfer for you for a fee. Some expats say on the above website that is the way to go. I personally have never used helpers in other countries and bumble through the process. Anyway Gestor looks too much like Joker to me even though its probably pronounced hestor.

It also sounds like you should insist that the owner goes with you to the Jefatura de Vehiculos (Dept of motor vehicles) in order to clear up any questions of ownership transfer.

You will need some sort of residence address to buy a bike and have the ownership papers sent to. This varies by country. Hopefully others will know more about Spain.

If you've got the cash and the patience, there's always a way.

Cheers,
John Downs

__________________
South America and back on a 250 Super Sherpa Minimalist Adventure http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=831076

G'day John,

Thanks for your reply & research, I have done the same and read through the threads sent and more.

After much deliberation, research, email and phone calls all over the world, I have found, if a forigner is to purchase a second hand bike in Spain He / She must have NIE - (Número de identidad de extranjero) to have the bike registered and insured in thier name.

To do this I will need an address in Spain where someone is willing to sign a lease and forward mail to my home address in Australia, all but impossible, unless you know someone I guess, which I do not.

This is a difficult and time consuming process, airfares, hotels and days lining up to get all the paper work done in Spanish, it could take weeks, time and money I do not have.

The bloke selling the bike is not willing to negotiate on the price and the bike is not in his name, his fatheres I'm told.

It's just getting too expensive and difficult and I've told him so.

Either he comes up with a few answers and drops the price fast. Or I stick with the K100RS.

Cheers again mate,

Dave

Check chief,

Good call. I would forget about that bike. Not worth the hassle. Especially if the owner isn't about.

Riding a KRS around Europe sounds like fun to me. Spending less on a bike and more on traveling isn't necesarilly a bad thing.

Best,
John Downs

__________________
South America and back on a 250 Super Sherpa Minimalist Adventure http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=831076

If I found myself really wanting to buy a bike in Spain, I'd use the communities list on this site to request someone's help (an address, a lease, mail forwarding, or whatever) in exchange for kharma, money or . I've not done this...but I did ask for six or eight month's storage in Spain once, and I found a good situation with someone who happened to be a nice guy AND a reliable mechanic with very reasonable prices. It's worth a try.

Only, of course, if you really want to buy a Spanish bike. If the seller doesn't sound motivated, or gives some sort of convoluted story about ownership, or in other respects makes you nervous or irritated, why bother?

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

G'day Mark,

It might be worth a try thanks.

It boils down a few facts, time of life and it's right for me now, where the best priced bike is, once a choice has been made. It is also a personal choice, sure any bike would get you around and I've toured on everything from Vespa's to ZX12R's, it is a pleasure just to get around on 2 wheels wether you have a case of "leading elbow" or not!

I believe most on this site have a global outlook as I do. I've searched every continet to find "the bike" and would have gone to any to collect. Spain came up with the best value for money. Unfortunatley the Spanish economy has taken a turn for the worse and this is I believe why.

However ... it is a mission, knowing what I now know. Given my zest for 2 wheeled travel it is worth another shot.

Thanks for the giddyup

Cheers Dave

Hello,

I read quickly the posts, but wanted to point this out (I'm in a rush now). YOU CAN GET NIE ALL BY YOURSELF, do not need an address in Spain. Spaniards have NIF (Fiscal Identification Number), foreigners get NIE, to pay taxes when they inheritate, buy/sell a property, buy a car.

You can obtain the NIE in person on arrival to Spain on Foreigner's police offices (list by regions available on line) or you can do it in person in a Spanish Consulate.

No matter what they tell you, you do not need to justifiy with documents the need of NIE, just expose it, I know well the procedure, it is done after a new law since July.

You need these forms: EX-15 (application), 790 (payment of fees) and photocopy (and original) passport. You can get them on line.

If you need further info, PM me.

I'm Spanish but live abroad, cannot really tell you about the buy, my case may be different. But JohnDowns is right about the documents. You may need a contract, taxes for the selling will be based on the year/model of the bike. But there was a recent thread on it: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...in-spain-60946

I can help you with translations or phone calls if you want me to.

Sorry, have to leave, best of luck,

Esteban

Ok guys thanks for your informative links,

Here is what I have found so far, on best advice, yet to be put to the test. I will write again with the outcome once put to the test. After the 20th of May 12.

Prior to buying a bike in Spain, download NIE Application (and the english version free) from EX-15 at NIE number in Spain: SpainCorp there is plenty of great info and help on this site.

Also you will need Form 790 Administrative fees. This is the Spanish Ministry of Justice website in english, download here.
Form 790 - Personal formalities and procedures - Ministry of Justice

Once you have these filled out head to the Tourist Police Station or the Spanish Embassy, submit, pay & wait. Some places the wait is up to a month, others I'm told like Madrid you can get your NIE on the spot or so I'm informed, address below.

Provincial Brigade of Foreign
Avenida de los Poblados, 37, 28024 Madrid, Spain.

Just to set you straight, I am buying a bike for export and will require GREEN PLATES, valid for 60 days only. There may be another option of "Z" or Tourist Plates, which can be renewed, a better option although I will chose which is easiest.

Cheers Dave

If you decide to apply for the NIE in Spain, it should be quicker, according to the regulation maximum 5 working days BUT, in some places you get it inmediately or the day after, in others (a minority)... I wonder if they'll respect the 5 days. Anyway, quicker than in a Consulate/Embassy.

You can choose a "Comisaria de Extranjeros" (Foreigners' Police Station) in the official site of the Police (Interior/Domestic Affairs Ministry). Click on a region and just look for the word NIE among the "tramites" (=procedures) available in each police station. You have their contact details. In case of doubt, just ask me.

Best of luck,

Esteban