Hi all,

I know this topic has been discussed endlessly, so I apologise if I'm creating a totally redundant thread or if this would be better posted in the regional Europe forum!

I'm a bit lost on the possibilities of buying a bike in Europe, when I have Canadian and EU (French) nationality. I currently reside in Alberta, and want to do a 6-month trip in 2018 (Western Europe to Pacific Coast of Russia, then back to Europe via the 'stans). Vehicle of choice will be a used KLR650 or similar.

Maps of trip for those interested:
First leg: https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Paris...47.8863988!3e0
Second leg: https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Ulaan...d48.856614!3e0


It would obviously be the least hassle to buy/register the bike in Alberta (although I won't be maintaining an address here) and ship it to Europe - I am more than willing to ride it to Toronto or New York to ship for a low cost, because extra road trips are always welcome!

However, the cost of shipping both directions basically costs the value of the bike, and I am always willing to do some extra legwork to save money. When I look at the used KLRs for sale in France, they're not uncompetitive with the pricing in Canada after currency conversion, so I might stand to save some money if I buy there.

So, I see these as my possible options:

1. Buy and outfit bike in Alberta, ship it to Europe, ride around for 6 months, and ship it back.
2. Fly to France, buy bike there (may have to establish "residency" for registration but this should be easy with French passport), ride around for 6 months, sell it in France, return to Canada.
3. Buy and outfit bike in Alberta, ship it to France, establish "residency" and import/register bike tax-free as a moving expense, ride around for 6 months, sell now-French-registered bike in EU - although I may apparently have to have it registered to me for 12 months to import it duty-free before selling it - and then return to Canada (or don't? No job will be waiting for me!).

I know option three it a stretch, but I'm just wondering if the savings with #2 and #3 are worthwhile, or if it's a whole lot of work for not much return. Any advice or knowledge on this topic is appreciated. Sadly, I have no significant knowledge of French, so my own investigation has only got me so far.

Cheers,
Sam