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Buying a motorcycle in Europe?? Buying a motorcycle in Europe??
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Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
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  #1  
Old 9 Jul 2006
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Location: Manchester UK
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Red face buying in UK for your tour
Most EU countries require only an address of residence to send speeding fines and owners documents. As you will need the bikes log book (not a book really, just a sheet of paper). This can take two-three weeks to process and be returned. Crossing borders or being stoped by police, many will want to see the log book and insurance etc : In UK we have MOT certificate for bikes older than 3 years old, this is a test every year for road worthyness. In Germany bikes have to be original with no none-standard parts fitted (engine,exhausts etc).
UK prices seem higher for new bikes, but can be less for used machines. Maybe use an agent here (UK) to secure bike and register it here before you arrive. Buying here easier for you as we speak a similar tongue. Travel through tunnel under the sea for £50 pounds. See London or even better the North of England.
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  #2  
Old 9 Jul 2006
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bluto has it right
No idea why, but in the uk second hand prices drop much farther faster than in the rest of europe. Personally I would buy a new bike in france (no mot or road tax ), or second hand one in UK. However, if you are interested in a second hand BMW, there is a guy near me who makes his living buying ex gov ( mostly police) bmws, then refurbishingthem for resale.. he does this when he is not doing repairs. At the moment i have been eyballing some of his latest machines, including a 2002 bmw R1150RT-P it is single seat with an armchair of aseat, and is quite a low seat also. no doubt you could either rent or buy with abuy back from him, if that is what you looking for.
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  #3  
Old 1 Apr 2007
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Let's try again
I too am a US citizen and would like to purchase and register a motorcycle in Europe for touring. Does anyone have any first hand knowledge (not speculation) of this being done in any EU country (I'm flexible). I have a couple of friends that live in Germany that I could use for a mailing address but I would not want the MC registered in their name, too much liability for them.

I am considering purchasing a BMW R1200RT, new if necessary, touring for a few months and then putting the bike into storage for use on future trips across the pond.

Any help appreciated.
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  #4  
Old 2 Apr 2007
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Your best bet IS to register the bike in one of your friends' name. Failing that, search these forums for "export plates". The subject has been discussed extensively.
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Europe to NZ 2006-10
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  #5  
Old 2 Apr 2007
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I'm in the same boat. However, I want to do things as legal and fast as possible so I'm looking around for a bike swap.
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  #6  
Old 18 Dec 2012
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Buying/selling in the UK
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluto View Post
Most EU countries require only an address of residence to send speeding fines and owners documents. As you will need the bikes log book (not a book really, just a sheet of paper). This can take two-three weeks to process and be returned. Crossing borders or being stoped by police, many will want to see the log book and insurance etc : In UK we have MOT certificate for bikes older than 3 years old, this is a test every year for road worthyness. In Germany bikes have to be original with no none-standard parts fitted (engine,exhausts etc).
UK prices seem higher for new bikes, but can be less for used machines. Maybe use an agent here (UK) to secure bike and register it here before you arrive. Buying here easier for you as we speak a similar tongue. Travel through tunnel under the sea for £50 pounds. See London or even better the North of England.
This thread is a bit weird - it was dead for years with a few attempts at resurrection and now it seems to have some interest and input - the quote above goes back about 7 years and so far as the UK is concerned it is still relevant. The UK procedures have become even more computer-based (and that will continue) but the procedure here in the UK is outlined above.

There is a fuller thread that covers the intricacies of the UK system for making a UK bike fully legal in here:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ong-term-39472
And there are other sticky threads in "trip paperwork" about aspects such as the all important insurance.
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  #7  
Old 20 Dec 2012
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Location: Cork Ireland
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Buying a bike in Ireland is simple, much the same as buying in the States.

Here is the process I recommend.
Search the local internet site, DoneDeal.ie - Ireland's biggest classifieds site for used motorcycles.
Pick out the bike you like and shoot me or anybody else in Ireland an email with the link. I/we can check the bike out and finalize the deal.
What I have done in the past is just pay for the bike and wait for the wire transfer to come through from the new owner or, just wait for the new owner to come with cash.
It takes 2 weeks for the title to be mailed and when this arrives, green card insurance can be obtained.

I have done this for 6 US citizens and one Australian so far without any issues, either purchase or insurance.

This service is free and all I ask is enough to cover my expenses.
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  #8  
Old 28 Mar 2015
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Buying a bike in Eire
Hi,
I have a lot of friends in Ireland and am considering coming for an extended stay. I want to buy a used BMW motorcycle and travel in Europe.

If I am physically present in Ireland and have cash, how long does it take to complete a purchase and get the necessary documents to cross boarders and travel in Europe?

I'm primarily interested in a late model 1200GS with less than 80,000 miles.

Thanks
Rob
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  #9  
Old 23 Dec 2018
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Posts: 429
Can't comment for Ireland, but if you come to Croatia, and you're physically present we can provide the service of purchase and changing the ownership in just one day including sorting out the third party liability coverage for the desired amount of time.

So in total, we're one stop shop, providing services of bike finding/negotiating/purchase, docs transfer, green card insurance, bike storage, service, spare parts, transport etc etc.

We're located in Zagreb, from where Alps are 1,5 h ride as well as Adriatic coast 1,5-2 h ride.

Here are our threads on HUBB:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...een-card-93020

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...torcycle-95881

You can also check our services on ADVrider and see our involvement and contribution for Croatia on TET: www.transeurotrail.org

You can also email us: borderinsurance@lobagola.com or mototours@lobagola.com

Cheers
Dooby
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