Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Ride Tales, Trip Reports and Stories > Ride Tales
America-Purchasing/Registering/Insuring America-Purchasing/Registering/Insuring
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Ride Tales Post your ride reports for a weekend ride or around the world. Please make the first words of the title WHERE the ride is. Please do NOT just post a link to your site. For a link, see Get a Link.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Apr 2009
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: India/UK
Posts: 22
America-Purchasing/Registering/Insuring
I tried to find out as much information as possible before my trip to the States in 2009 and now home thought I'd sit down and type out a few lines for the benefit of others. From the Uk I purchased (via ebay) an 8,000 mile 1982 GL 500. The bike was in Alpena Michigan and I flew to New York then got myself up there. The bike was mint and totally standard and still in its single seat spec. Prior to leaving the Uk though I managed to find an original rear seat (ebay Canada) and have it shipped to the bike owner. I turned up with my cardboard box suitcase (unpack / load bike leave it behind etc). and set about trying to register and insure it in my name. I was informed prior to my trip that this wouldn't be possible by those more
knowledgeable than me but thought it worth a go. There was little internet information available. It was so easy I thought I must've got it wrong!

Tips,

1. Find a bike

2. Get yourself a friend who'll let you use his/her stateside address or hire a mailbox. This can be anywhere in US and doesn't have to be in the purchasing state.

3. Purchase no frills liability insurance cover (in case you hit anyone else but your bike not covered so ride well or ride cheap)

4. Go to local DMV (Dept Motor Vehicles) office register bike, get given rear number plate and fit it.

5. Head off

In all it took me 2hours during which time I also had time for a coffee.

Costs

Bike - Your call
Insurance - $70 for a six month policy
Registration- $18

Each state has different taxes and you also pay tax on the bike that you buy even if it's old / second hand. In agreement with the previous owner I 'officially' paid $300 for the bike as written on the form so my additional purchasing tax was low.
You can arrange insurance cover from the UK but for me it was $250 for a 2 month policy so thought I'd try and sort it once there.

In summary, go for it! My advice would be to avoid purchasing in big cities and try and find small town America. If you get to Alpena you'll find one of the best places I found in America with people so friendly and helpful you won't believe it.

As for the trip.......... loads of miles and most of the States (that I'd hoped to see) covered. I was there for the election but couldn't really see the point as there was really only one choice! I finally ended up in San Diego and having got attached to the bike thought I'd ship it home. My thought process was that as I was using it right up untill the day before I left I thought that if I tried to sell it I'd propably take a hit. As a result Rinkens international in Los Angeles collected it and shipped it back for me. It went in an open crate (cheaper) suffered no damage and arrived in the Uk within a couple of months. It's far from being my usual sort of bike but now back in the Uk it can be used or sold on depending on circumstances. I'm pretty much certain there's not another one in that condition in the Uk (I'm taking it to Belgium in May so say hi if you see me!).

All in all a great trip.

I'm not that good at this 'blowing your own trumpet' travelling stories bit but thought that the information might help someone in the future. I am now once more living back in India (but that's another story) and enjoying the chaos that is Indian driving. Should anyone like any information on that particular bit please get in touch.

I hope this has been of benefit and if interested on my latest 'plans' please check out Index. The trumpet thing still rings true for me but it's all for charity! The website was needed to help publicise the event and was put together by far far clever people than me!

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: London UK
Posts: 141
Insurance information
Hi Simon, great feedback, that's what one needs : people giving as much information as possible particularly when they didn't find something specific on the subject they want to report back.

I'm currently in Miami ( Just got here yesterday on a flight from the U.K) and as I am ready to jump onto any opportunity that might arise to buy a bike, I would like to know what insurance company you used for $70, this price looks great especially for me because I won't be in the usa for long fingers crossed.

Could you help with Insurance company name and phone?

Cheers

Marco
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 May 2009
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: India/UK
Posts: 22
Insurance details
Hi Marco,
Apologies it's taken so long to get back to you. I'm now back in the Uk (but it still feels like India as my computer just crashed as I was halfway through replying). I guess you're sorted by now but the details are,

LOOK! Insurance Ageny of Alpena 2670 U.S. 23 South Alpena Michigan 49707

I don't have a contact number but the email address is look@alpcharterinternet.com If you address it to Rhonda I'm sure she might be able to help or offer advice. Alpena is a great place and the people are fantastic!

This might be a helpful tip..............I struggled re internet access early on (few cafes) but all public libraries have it and is at a bargain rate.

Have a good trip,
Simon
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: London UK
Posts: 141
Thanks for the information Simon, I guess you had a nice time in India and hope you are having a good time in the U.K too.
I had to look for other alternatives and opted for Progressive insurance. I am supposed to pay quarterly as the policy is for one year but I will cancel it as soon as I leave the U.S.
It would've been great to get the same type of policy you did, especially when you want to save some bucks for petrol or s but I am quite sure the information will be very helpful to someone else.

Keep posting useful information, it helps.

Take good care of you.

Marco
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Jun 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Perth
Posts: 2
Taking it to the next level - purchase in US and drive it to SA
Hey guys,
It sounds doable purchasing a bike (or car - we're still deciding) in the US, but once registered in our name etc etc, can we then take it into Mexico, Central America and eventually down to Argentina?

Any advice would be much appreciated...

Cheers,

Kris
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: London UK
Posts: 141
Hi Kris, I had the same hesitation than you before going to America and actually do it. I bought my bike in Florida and came into Mexico a week ago via Brownsville-Matamoros on the east part of the border. I had no problem whatsoever but you have to do the temporary importation at Banjercito office once you have got your tourist permit at immigration. The offices are close one to another in the same building and it takes about 30 minutes to sort that out.

I ll be in Mexico for another week or so then going down to Ecuador.

Take care

Marco
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Jun 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Perth
Posts: 2
Keep us up to date!!
Awesome Marco - that sounds very promising!!! Thanks for giving us some confidence! And if you think of it and feel like it, do keep us up to date!

Have a fantastic trip!

Cheers,

Kris
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Jun 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 42
Remember, we have 50 states.
Hello from New York. Just a reminder that we have 50 states with all sorts of different laws and rules, so what worked in Michigan won't necessarily work in New York or another state. For example, here in NY we have rather elaborate regulations on establishing your identity and your address: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/forms/id82.pdf

I would suggest checking out the individual state regulations prior to flying over with the expectation you can register a new bike, but I suspect it is doable in most states.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: St Neots UK
Posts: 3
Realy usefull gen
Some great info there. Just what I've been trying to find out.

What was the rough cost of getting the bike back to UK and Import costs?

Thanks in advance.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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 UK and insuring is as a non-resident? internetscooter Trip Paperwork 9 6 Feb 2021 09:18
Insuring bike (theft or fire)? pecha72 Trip Paperwork 4 27 Jul 2007 16:35
Insuring a UK bike in France jimbokeeno Trip Paperwork 3 8 Sep 2006 13:45
Insuring my UK bike in Oz IslandTraveller Trip Paperwork 0 17 Oct 2005 04:39
Insuring my UK bike in Australia IslandTraveller 4 wheel Overland Travel 0 17 Oct 2005 04:37

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 11:10.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top