Bying a bike in Germany

**Alec** · #1 8 Jan 2006

Rather than shipo a bike to Munich I am planning to buy a bike there for a trip to Ukraine through Czechia and Poland. Any suggestion of German sites to access the selleres. Also, what docs one need in Germany.

**Milka** · #2 10 Jan 2006

The only way to get a bike registered if you are no resident here is to go for a so-called "export license plate" (total cost without insurance 50 EU; valid 1 year max.)).
You need to buy a bike in road worthy condition (TUV), special insurance (called ARISA; available i.e. from German AA, ADAC) and the bike registration (plate). I really recommend to buy a used bike from a dealer / shop since those bikes are usually checked, in good condition (with TUV) and the dealer will do all the registration work for you. So all you have to take with you is your intl. driving License, passport and credit card.
Best sites to look for used bikes from shops are mobile (in English), and of course yamaha-motor, honda, suzuki .... all sites have a "de" domain.
However, if you are driving with an export license plate it could happen, that the customs of your final destination asks for import duty and fees. Should be negligible for a cheap, used bike but better check in advance.
Michael

**crijns joseph** · #3 15 Feb 2006

Quote:

Originally posted by Milka:
The only way to get a bike registered if you are no resident here is to go for a so-called "export license plate" (total cost without insurance 50 EU; valid 1 year max.)).
You need to buy a bike in road worthy condition (TUV), special insurance (called ARISA; available i.e. from German AA, ADAC) and the bike registration (plate). I really recommend to buy a used bike from a dealer / shop since those bikes are usually checked, in good condition (with TUV) and the dealer will do all the registration work for you. So all you have to take with you is your intl. driving License, passport and credit card.
Best sites to look for used bikes from shops are mobile (in English), and of course yamaha-motor, honda, suzuki .... all sites have a "de" domain.
However, if you are driving with an export license plate it could happen, that the customs of your final destination asks for import duty and fees. Should be negligible for a cheap, used bike but better check in advance.
Michael

SO if you cross the border you have to pay dutys and fees?

**uganduro** · #4 15 Feb 2006

no problem crossing borders, that's the idea behind "export" license plates.

Only when "importing" the bike somewhere, i.e. registering to obtain regular license plates, local VAT may apply - depending on the age of the bike and/or inside EU or not.

Every EU country has such export plates, in Belgium they're red with a white number on them.

**beddhist** · #5 15 Feb 2006

For in-depth info search the HUBB on "export plates". If you do use export plates make sure to get valid them for the entire period of your trip.

Try registering as a resident in Germany. Rego is a lot easier that way.

www.mobile.de has been bought by Ebay, so you get a lot of dealers advertising there. If you are looking to buy privately I suggest www.motoscout24.de

**crijns joseph** · #6 17 Feb 2006

Quote:

Originally posted by beddhist:
For in-depth info search the HUBB on "export plates". If you do use export plates make sure to get valid them for the entire period of your trip.

Try registering as a resident in Germany. Rego is a lot easier that way.

www.mobile.de has been bought by Ebay, so you get a lot of dealers advertising there. If you are looking to buy privately I suggest www.motoscout24.de

any suggestions about registering,for non residents?

**uganduro** · #7 17 Feb 2006

joseph, do you want to buy a bike in Germany and drive it to Belgium?

then just get the export plates ("Zollkennzeichen"), the seller of the bike knows what to do.

**crijns joseph** · #8 18 Feb 2006

Quote:

Originally posted by uganduro:
joseph, do you want to buy a bike in Germany and drive it to Belgium?

then just get the export plates ("Zollkennzeichen"), the seller of the bike knows what to do.

the thing is i wonna by a bike in germany(better deals) get the plates+insurance and drive it to belgium.so thats a way off getting around ...paying duty and taxes....

**beddhist** · #9 18 Feb 2006

No taxes to pay if you move a bike around the EU. However, changing the rego from one country to another does cost money. Unless you have a relatively new bike with EU rego you need to get a certificate of conformity from your local importer, so you can register it at home. They charge 100 - 150€ for that. Then you need to get new Belgian papers. The export plates cost money, too, plus whatever you spend travelling to find your bike and get it home.