How long?
 

Hello,
I am an italian citizen living in the US (I also have US citizenship). I am planning to ship a bike to Europe and possibly keep it there as I come every year for at least a couple of months. How long can a bike stay there? Do I need to register it there? Can I insure it in italy or do I need a green card?

Regards,
Alberto

Ciao Alberto,

Wouldn't it be a better idea to buy a bike here in Italy ? importing is a bit of a hassle, and having italian (or eu) reg bike would save you time and energy. It's also possible to pay for a year's insurance initially, but suspend cover for the months during which the bike is in storage. In this way you don't need to pay again until your whole 12 months have been used up even if it takes a few years to do so. I use this method so I save a few months in winter when I don't use my bike, but get full green card cover, valid also for north africa and some of the middle east.

Saluti, e mandami pure un messaggio in privato per altre informazioni.!

Antonio.

If you are able to register the bike in Italy then I agree with Antonio. You save the shipping costs and no insurance hassles.

If you do ship you must have a valid Green Card, available from the ADAC in Germany (visit in person required) or Knopf Tours (link on this site).

Ciao Antonio,
thanx for the answer. I know it would be better to buy a bike in Italy but since I have a few over here in the US I rather not spend the cash for a bike there. Mostly I was wondering hw long can a bike stay in the EU before needing to register there. I know I can shpi the bike to paris and ride from there and I was tryong to see if I can just keep it there or need to ship it back to the US when I finish my vacation.
I know about the insurance deal as my family's business in Italy is an insurance agency....

Regards,

Alberto

A neighbour in France keeps his old Merc permanently parked in the garden of his villa - with US plates! You will very likely get away with it keeping the bike in Europe permanently. Just don't get caught.

I had several German registered vehicles in France for years, but I also have an address in Germany. If I get stopped then I'm only visiting. I even used my bike for commuting, but that's cheeky.

Since you'll be using yours for travelling there won't be a problem.

Still, since you have family in Italy it may make sense to buy a bike there. Shipping isn't cheap, either. Used bikes aren't that dear.