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Buying a bike in Europe Buying a bike in Europe
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  #1  
Old 12 May 2007
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Buying a bike in Europe
Hello all,

this is my first post. I am in the midst of planning a 3-4 month motorcycle trip through Europe, Russia, and Turkey and maybe North Africa. The biggest hurdle to overcome is the fact that, coming from California I will want to purcahse a bike in europe. It would be the easiest for me based on my route and linguistic abilities to purchase this bike in either italy or spain.

I guess my questions are, how does an american purchase a bike in europe, get all the necessary paper work and insuarnce (specifically to enter russia), and then sell the bike back when he has finished the trip.

As far as bikes go i was looking at Suzuki Bandits (400 & 600), SV650s, GS 500s, Honda CB 500s-600s-750s.

Any advice would be graetly appreciated.

Thanks
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  #2  
Old 15 Jun 2007
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Hi, if you still need some help to find a bike in europe maybe i can help.
If you understand some italian try www.e-bay.it is just full of bikes for sale a good prize. May till august are the most expensive months to buy, and the best to sell back. There are also many regional motor add. papers where you can get bargains but always try before you buy. As general knowledge, between italians, i suggest you to be very aware if you choose to buy a bike in the Naples area and anywhere in southern Italy, or southern than Rome (lots of stolen bikes and rip off). Probably lots of info about paper work in the Planning Section of web site. Remember that helmet and insurance are very compulsory in Europe! I'm in New Zealand now but often go back to Italy so if you need help with translation or assistance let me know!
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  #3  
Old 15 Jun 2007
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Buying from Italy
Hi there,
I definitely agree with libero: buy from north Italy if you have to, the Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Piemonte, Lombardia, Tuscany, Friuly Venezia Giulia (the north districts) are generally safer.
Also make sure you buy at least 3rd party insurance as in Italy and in Europe in general we are very strict on this, insurance is not cheap either especially if you don't have a no-claim history.
In Italy the bureaucracy is a real pain and for what I remember (I left Italy a few years ago) sometimes it deters you from buying, I remember waiting more than a month for my bike reg certificate back in 1996 (and the transition tax was something around £200) I would expect things have changed now (especially the heavy tax) but I am not sure. I can get some more info for you if you need, still have family back there.
I know buying in Germany is quite straightforward, I personally like the UK system where you can buy a bike in 10 minutes:
-go and see the bike
-pay the seller
-seller gives you a section of the V5 (vehicle registration document)
-seller posts the other part of the V5 to the DVLA (Driver Vehicle ..something.. Agency) and then the DVLA will send you a new V5 with your name on it to your nominate address (it takes a week)
-in the meanwhile if the seller has internet connection at home you buy insurance online with your new bikes details (immediate cover) - Bennett is quite popular but there are many around
-ride off, the bike is yours

If you need help to translate from Italian I can help you no problem, also French is not a problem unless it's very complicated.
All the best.
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Old 15 Jun 2007
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Yes very interesting UK have the same system as New Zealand=quick and easy; while Italy still in the 60' every thing take forever and papers and documents and double stamps and signature ecc.....
Definitly if you can buy in UK take you 10 minutes top! (but get an Italian bike!!!)
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  #5  
Old 15 Jun 2007
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Thumbs up bmw,s in Germany used
Hello from one Newbie to another

check my post on this page,used BMW's in Germany from dealers, good research
Good used bikes. One site is from all BMW dealers and the other (autoscout24) is a site for cars and bikes in Germany and all over Europe
These sites are a good place to do price research.

cheers

Bubba45chris
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