Buying a bike interstate?
 

Hi, I'm only in Australia since late last year and want to buy a bike over here but I'm a bit unfamiliar with the process of buying interstate. I thought buying from another state and bringing into WA would be hassle-free but some people have said I'll need to re-register and have it inspected at minimum. That's fine if it's not too much trouble and cheap but I've heard unless I get a really good deal or if I can't find what I want in WA it's not worth it. Wouldn't mind flying across the country and spending a couple of days driving back but I hate bureaucracy... Any good info? Thanks

With the price of airfares and riding back to WA from the Eastern States it would have to be a really good (cheap) deal.


I think all of the States allow you three months to get a vehicle re-registered. If you weblookup the WA vehicle registration requirements you'll get a detailed Interstate vehicle licences

You can buy and sell bikes in any state of Australia, the issue you have selling a motorcycle with an interstate plate is that it has to be re-registered in the state in which you sell it, either by you or by the buyer.

In Victoria, where I am it would need a Road Worthy Certificate (RWC) which checks the basic condition of the bike. Things like tyres, brakes, suspension, lights etc. You get this from a qualified mechanic, the test costs around AUD $140 plus whatever repairs need doing...they always find something, so it may end up being several hundred dollars.

Then you have to take the bike to the roads office and get it registered which is another AUD $100 for the plates and AUD $750 for 12 months registration.

I believe the process is similar in each state, so if I were looking at buying an interstate registered bike I would factor in around $1000-$1500 in costs.

Basically you will have to discount the bike significantly to get someone interested enough to go through the hassle of doing it.

Or you could get it re-registered in that state yourself and sell it, it would only take a couple of days, but either way it costs money.

Good luck.