Buy in UK or abroad?
 

I can't help noticing there are some mint teneres on French ebay for about 2/3rds of the price of England, generally in better condition and with about half the mileage. Most are garaged and used to dry, warm weather. I speak relatively good French and go there occasionally, can anyone think of any reason why I shouldn't buy there? (Other than the strong smell of garlic and the hairy armpits obviously) Also why are new XT600's and XT750's so cheap? are they structurally weaker not as well equipped etc?

There's no MOT here in France for motos. In my experience this means that they are less well looked after than UK bikes in general. So best to know bikes a bit before splashing out.

That said, all things have traditionally been a bit cheaper here than in UK for the last ten years, including motor vehicles. The price difference continues in the lower cost second hand models.

Simon

Thanks Simon, So if I find something with a full service history it should be OK?

Interesting.
We are about to move from the UK to France to live (next week) and I've done some research about bike prices and I thought they were more expensive in France.
I do hope you're correct though Simon.

Check Germany too MotoScout24: Motorradmarkt - Motorrad, Roller, Motorräder, Mofa, Moped und Quad-Bikes for example. Germany has a very strict TUV (MOT) test and bike prices are really good there. For your info no MOT on bikes in Belgium either but I don't see any truth that bikes aren't as well looked after as the Uk because of the UK MOT. The MOT is only a very basic safety check and anyone with half a brain can see if lights are working, tyres are bald or brake pads worn.....:confused1:

Thanks for your replies. I think I will need to touch up on my German! Similar prices. The reason for the bikes being cheaper on the continent is simply that they were imported in higher numbers and received with greater popularity there than here. Cars are ridiculously high priced in france second hand though.

bikes are cheaper in <uk
 

I have lived in France for 8 yers and can state quite categorically that bikes in France are about 30% more expensive here. There is no MOT although in my experience bikes here are quite well maintained. There is no problem with running a UK registered bike in France. There are plenty of insurance companies that will insure on UK plates and the French Gendarmes never want to see an English MOT. Hope this helps
Martin