Buying bike in US, whats required??
 

With my US trip moving ever closer I am still trying to decide the best course of action on what way to supply a bike for the 6 week duration (possibly longer).

If I do buy a bike out in the states, whats the score with paperwork etc. I am from the UK so what would the insurance requirements be. Can you get 6 weeks cover on an international (European) licence.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for looking
Peter

For the new bike.
lots of $
You may need a address (may need a USA one) if your getting a new bike, anyones will do they gust need some place to mail the paper work to. After the title gose through. licence plate.

For you.
Drivers licence with bike endorsement your UK one will be fine. Insurance for the bike. Pass port. Bike registration. To be totaly legal.

Insurance you will need an address as well (not that it matters) there are lots a search on the forms will show you more. Its easy in the USA and depending on the bike cheap as well. Many bike shops have Insurance you can get.

If your drivers licence has some motorcycle endorsment on it any place you will be ok. But rember the cop will probley have never seen a licence like yours before. Dont talk down to them, be cheeky, or try that dry humor on them. I have found most to be self richous with a God complex add in a gun, caffeine, and people trying to kill them. I tread lightly around them.

If you are planing to buy a bike in the U.S. go for a cheap one.Check out cycletrader.com.Click in the price range and model that you want and state that you will pick it up in.Insurance shouldn't be a problem and you may check with the local tag office or dmv for a temporary license plate for your stay here.Good luck and ride safe...

Thanks for the replies guys. If the bike dealer can sort some form of insurance that will make it easier. I do have the option of using an address in the states and may look to buy before going. Hopefully that way I may be able to get a better deal on insurance before hand.

Regards the police, if you have not been to the UK before you might not realise what a patronizing, sarcastic arrogant bunch the UK cops can be. I guess there not all bad, just haven’t meet a good one yet.

Should be OK with the US police, though your advice is gladly taken.

Any particular states I should watch out for?

Cheers
Peter

I am Danish an I bought a KLR a month ago in Clifornia.

You will need to find a US address ( ask here or advrider) and just register it there. Insurance is something you drive to an insurance dealer and get on the spot.

You will need the permanent papers to leave the state probably, so buy in a state that you wish to stay a while in and give your american contact a stamped envelope so that he can mail you the registration.

easy easy if you find someone to help you.