Buying in Germany/Registering in France

[Chalyons3]

I know topics such as export plates, certificates of conformity, Green and Grey Cards have all been discussed at length. However, I'm also coming across a lot of contradictory information. I wanted to share my situation to get some clarity.

I'm an American student in Paris, France for 5 months (long-term French student visa) with an international motorcycle driving license I got from AAA. I'm looking to buy an R75/R from the fine individuals over at Ulis Motorradladen (Alles für Ihren BMW Motorrad Oldtimer - Everything for your Beemer) in Frankfurt, Germany. I plan on selling the bike once I am done traveling around Europe on it and living out one of my all time dreams!

Simple right? I think....I hope.

My understanding after much pouring over the advice given in the forum is that I need to obtain "export plates" in order to legally drive while I wait for my French registration to come through. In order to obtain export plates, all I need is: vehicle registration (it is German), my passport, and insurance for the duration of the export plates. I have heard an assortment of things regarding how long these export plates can last (generally 1 month - 1 year).

Once settled in Paris, I contact the manufacturer (BMW) to send me a form for a Certificate of Conformity, mail it back, and wait for up to 3-4 weeks to receive the actual certificate. I then take the German registration papers, the Certificate of Conformity, proof of residence (ex:copy of lease but perhaps my actual residence permit is require...i have not gone through the steps to obtain this yet), passport, and moto insurance (green card). The French registration process begins and ends in either the same sitting or possibly weeks later and I receive my Carte Gris? I then have plates made for my bike and I'm set to drive anywhere I'd like in Europe! Then I can either sell the bike back to Ulis at a significant loss or try my hand at selling the vintage BMW in Spain or Italy where the market will pay a bit more for them~~~

Am I right?! I hope in going over ALL of this information again it will not only help myself but anyone else who attempting to find a solution for their unique situation by piecing together advice! At least mine doesn't seem as exotic as others.

Oh, and thank you everyone for creating an INCREDIBLE resource for those planning international motorcycling trips! I hope I can share my wisdom for this experience and contribute myself.

[Chalyons3]

Ah! also, i would assume their are companies out there that can assist with registration, carnet, and similar issues if not even expedite the process. I don't know of any myself nor have I came across anyone speaking on them. Perhaps it might be a good opportunity for anyone with any knowledge to speak up.