Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 8
Buying a bike in the UK

Gidday all. I'm new to the forum so sorry if this has been asked before. I want to know if a non EU person can buy a motorbike in the UK, run around on it and then sell when finished.
Here in Aust backpackers buy cars and then sell them on when their finished.
Anybody know if I can do the same in the UK.
Thanks in advance.

Darryl
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Mar 2009
pottsy's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: london, uk.
Posts: 360
I can't think why not... i think all you'd need is a UK address, but things are pretty straightforward - buy a bike, get the Logbook filled in with the new owner stuff and sent off (about 10days to get returned) and get bike insurance from one of the multitude of Co's here. You'd ideally buy a bike with most of a year's MOT(annual mechanical test by a garage, if vehicle is older than 3yrs) and RoadFundLicence(annual road tax - bought at the Post Office). The Registration/Number Plate comes-with/stays-with the bike. I think thats all... Look on Biketrader.co.uk for bikes.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Mar 2009
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
I bought a Triumph tiger in the UK
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 25 Mar 2009 at 07:36.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK
Posts: 100
Glad to Help

Hi Darryl

Be glad to help and have a good option for you that I've arranged for a few Aussies and Kiwis over the years. Also good to hear Patrick's advice about London and agree with him, don't deal in London. I should know I'm a Londoner and now live in Oxfordshire!" I'm also a "real" motorcyclist.

Send me a PM and I can let you know more.

Cheers


Chris
__________________
[/SIZE] "Live dangerously for as long as you can!"
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Mar 2009
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Caloundra Queensland Australia
Posts: 62
Hey Chris, keep looking for those R80's mate were ready to start the ball rolling, Locky.
__________________
Happyness is not around the corner, happyness is the corner.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by lockyv7 View Post
Hey Chris, keep looking for those R80's mate were ready to start the ball rolling, Locky.
My 1985 R80 RT is for sale... ready to go anywhere. only thing not nice are the panniers are very battered.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 3 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK
Posts: 100
Hey Lachlan

Hi Chaps

Nice to hear from you Locky and a friend has bought the R80RT and will be preparing it for a trip and we should get it for a good price, as he will ask me to sell it in a fw weeks. I will take pics this week and e mail them to you.

Hi OldBMW, let me know more and where abouts are you? PM me.

Cheers


Chris
__________________
[/SIZE] "Live dangerously for as long as you can!"
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 May 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NSW
Posts: 14
Another Aussie wanting to buy in the UK

I am an Australian looking to buy a motorcycle in the UK to travel around Europe and Morocco for 12 months or more. I used to think I was a reasonably intelligent person until I started to deal with this. This website is about the only useful place I have found for info, but I’m still unclear on some things.
I think I can purchase and register a bike using the address of a friend in London who can vouch for me staying there. Or maybe, as someone suggested, get the dealer to use their address.
Except for registration I need insurance (third party minimum). I would like something a little more comprehensive to incl. theft, breakdown etc.
Gail Goodman from Motorcycle Express/Motorcycle Services has indicated they can cover the compulsory liability (green card) for AU resident riding in Europe. There seems to be a few other options for this including this Knopf guy or Arista.
Comprehensive insurance for the bike seems impossible to get.
Carole Nash would cover everything…if only I had a UK licence…which requires UK residency.
The same problem exists with other UK insurance companies contacted thus far. So I can’t get even the minimum compulsory insurance in the UK where the bike will be, but I could get it from Germany or anywhere in the EU where i can't register it, because i don't have the friendly address??? Which all means i can't register the bike in the UK either for want of insurance.

I have been told no-one will cover the bike outside Europe/UK but “green card” insurance can be purchased at the borders. Does everyone traveling in Morocco (which is hardly the end of the earth) do so without bike/theft/breakdown cover?
Is there a more straight forward way of doing this?
Does anyone know of an insurer that will cover AU licensed rider to register a bike in the UK.

Is this whole thing retarded or is it just me?

I know some of this is canvassed elsewhere on the forum but there is nothing quite definitive.
Any help would be…helpful.
Sorry for the essay.

Jim
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 May 2009
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim82 View Post
I have been told no-one will cover the bike outside Europe/UK but “green card” insurance can be purchased at the borders. Does everyone traveling in Morocco (which is hardly the end of the earth) do so without bike/theft/breakdown cover?
Jim
A lot of UK insurers include cover for Morocco in the "green Card" scheme.

Sorry, can't help with any other info :-(
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 May 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: hong kong
Posts: 3
Hi Guys,

I'm looking to do this too? I was hoping the whole process was only going to take a couple of days max.

I don't like the sound of spending 10 days waiting around for bike registration.

I'm heading to the UK later this month.

I have somebody that would be willing to give me an address however does there need to be a real proof of address such as utilities bill etc?

Dagsadoo and co were you succesful in doing this?

Thanks,
Travis.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 6 May 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Quote:
Originally Posted by traviso View Post
Hi Guys,

I'm looking to do this too? I was hoping the whole process was only going to take a couple of days max.

I don't like the sound of spending 10 days waiting around for bike registration.

I'm heading to the UK later this month.

I have somebody that would be willing to give me an address however does there need to be a real proof of address such as utilities bill etc?

Dagsadoo and co were you succesful in doing this?

Thanks,
Travis.
You are best to buy a second hand bike privately. You can pay the seller before you buy it and they can send the document to the DVLA (the organization dealing with vehicle registrations) for it to be registered to you and have the paperwork waiting for you on your arrival. It usually takes 7-14 days for the new document to arrive. They would have to fake your signature though.

The DVLA don't care if you live here or not.... but you WILL need a UK address to register the bike too. They do not check your residency and you DO NOT need any proof for a second hand bike.

One thing to remember.. Being the registered KEEPER of the bike does not make you the owner, although this is assumed unless there is documentation saying otherwise (eg. Finance agreement).

Your problem will be obtaining insurance without a UK address and UK license, although i'm sure someone will cover you.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 May 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 29
Some time ago I looked at shipping a bike to Europe as an alternative to renting one over there, and was unable to find anyone willing to provide comprehensive insurance to a non-EU national, however Dave Milligan at Get Routed, who ships bikes to/from Europe, can provide comprehensive insurance for Aussies who use his shipping service. He would not tell me who he is using, as he reckons it took him forever to source anyone willing to provide said insurance. You could contact him ; I wish you luck,

www.getrouted.com.au

Phil
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 7 May 2009
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Caloundra Queensland Australia
Posts: 62
I will be landing in the UK in June and have two bikes already there, insurance is a no-go for a nor resident in the UK now, i have made so many phone calls in the past week, guess is all i could wish for now was for someone that has used a getrouted trip to PM me and give me a heads up on the insurance. Locky.
__________________
Happyness is not around the corner, happyness is the corner.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12 May 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NSW
Posts: 14
Here is two responses i have had regarding Registration and Insurance.
Some other insurer (not just green card) would be handy if anyone knows.



Response from DVLA:

Re: the definition of a care-of address:-
I appreciate the difficulties involved for travellers and the like in providing a contact or mailing address. However, when registering a vehicle, the law requires the keeper of the vehicle to provide an address at which s/he can be reached. This enables the police and other enforcement agencies to contact the keeper or his/her dependants in the event of a road traffic accident or in conjunction with a criminal offence. It also enables DVLA to ensure that vehicle tax is paid.
In recognition of the difficulties involved for travellers in providing an address, DVLA will accept a care of address. This address may be a friend, doctor, hotel, hostel or similar providing the resident gives permission for the keeper of the vehicle to use the address.

Insurance Response:
We can provide you with the necessary temporary insurance while riding in Europe. If you go to our website listed below, you can download the application with rates. It will provide coverage for an AU resident riding in Europe (Green Card). The program offers coverage for Liability only or Full Coverage (fire, theft collision and vandalism)

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Thank you

Gail
International Services Manager
Motorcycle Express/Motorcycle Services
Phone (800) 245-8726 (within US/Canada)
Phone (516) 682-9220
Fax (516) 393-5996
www.motorcycleexpress.com
Hours of Operation Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm EST
Our office is closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm during lunch.
Closed Saturday and Sunday

Cheers.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 13 May 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim82 View Post
Here is two responses i have had regarding Registration and Insurance.
Some other insurer (not just green card) would be handy if anyone knows.



Response from DVLA:

Re: the definition of a care-of address:-
I appreciate the difficulties involved for travellers and the like in providing a contact or mailing address. However, when registering a vehicle, the law requires the keeper of the vehicle to provide an address at which s/he can be reached. This enables the police and other enforcement agencies to contact the keeper or his/her dependants in the event of a road traffic accident or in conjunction with a criminal offence. It also enables DVLA to ensure that vehicle tax is paid.
In recognition of the difficulties involved for travellers in providing an address, DVLA will accept a care of address. This address may be a friend, doctor, hotel, hostel or similar providing the resident gives permission for the keeper of the vehicle to use the address.

Insurance Response:
We can provide you with the necessary temporary insurance while riding in Europe. If you go to our website listed below, you can download the application with rates. It will provide coverage for an AU resident riding in Europe (Green Card). The program offers coverage for Liability only or Full Coverage (fire, theft collision and vandalism)

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Thank you

Gail
International Services Manager
Motorcycle Express/Motorcycle Services
Phone (800) 245-8726 (within US/Canada)
Phone (516) 682-9220
Fax (516) 393-5996
www.motorcycleexpress.com
Hours of Operation Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm EST
Our office is closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm during lunch.
Closed Saturday and Sunday

Cheers.
Surely thats good news !!
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

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 bike in USA johanness Trip Paperwork 1 9 May 2011 13:41
Buying a bike in the UK dagsadoo Trip Paperwork 2 8 Mar 2009 19:41
Buying a bike in the UAE Dominic_85 Middle East 2 24 Aug 2007 11:30
Buying a used bike alpiner84 Which Bike? 4 3 Oct 2006 03:03
Buying a bike in the USA mcnamara_mick North America 7 1 Jul 2003 04:02

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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!

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 16:54.