I have friends in California who can help you.

I'm not sure if I missed or nobody wrote it but... as a foreign in the US with a tourist visa, can I but a bike in the US and register it in my name? I'm in Washington, near Seattle and I saw a very interesting offer and maybe I will buy it for my next US trip

Short answer: read the thread. Then google Washington State DOL (department of licensing). Read the regulations. Note the need for a local address, and for insurance if you're riding the bike, even briefly.

Perhaps one of our American friends could help with my question.

Here's a hypothetical .... I purchase a new bike from a dealer (in this case the dealer's in NC), take out insurance and the dealer will give me the MSO and Bill of Sale in my name (MSO is not a Mexican Spotted Owl, it's a Manufacturers Statement of Origin). I therefore have ownership that's in my name.

I don't register the bike (no 'tax and tag'). In most States I'm legally permitted to use it for at least 30 days before I have to register it, so I can ride the bike out of the country within those 30 days, and tour Central and South America for a year. (https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...ithout-a-title).

When I return to the States, I ride the bike directly back to the same dealer. The dealer has said they'll purchase it back even under MSO ownership.

Leaving aside that the dealer will offer a crap buy-back price, the only problem I envisage is the return leg from the US border to the dealer. However, if the bike's insured and I use it for less than 30 days, I can't forsee a problem.

Comments gratefully accepted.

Thanks for all the good advice, here's my question.
I've found a bike to buy in New Jersey, and I have friends in New Jersey who will keep it for me - is it better to simply get it registered in his name and I use it when I come over as a 'named' rider or get it registered to me (if possible?) and sort out my own insurance etc. for when I ride it?

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

Read the Board
 

QUOTE=Mike Carr;396938]
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Mike[/QUOTE]

As said before ... read the Board!

On the assumption you're fixed on NJ, the relevant question is where you intend to travel. If it's within the USA, I'd suggest letting your mate register the bike. From what I've read, it's not easy for a non-resident to register in NJ.

If you want to cross into Central and South America, a legal clean title in your name is best.

My two cents.

Buying in California
 

Is there anyone from LA area who can assist with the purchase of 2 bikes, registration, insurance and luggage storage?
We are planning a trip from LA to Central America in December/January and would really appreciate anyone in SoCal who can assist us.
Will happily pay for the service.
Thanks!

Chris
+61437886509

Hi, are you still offering this service. I am planning my trip for May/June 2020