I'm going to start this thread to answer questions you may have about owning a motorcycle in Europe.

Can a non EU citizen buy a bike in Europe?
The answer is yes, at least in Ireland. So far, I have purchased in excess of 20 bikes for Americans and Australians without a problem.
There is no sales tax in Ireland, thus making the whole process even simpler.
The motorcycle is usually titled in your name within 3 weeks of purchase.
I will use my address to register the bike.
Good reliable bikes can be bought here for around 1,500 to 3,000 Euro, more if you want to go upmarket.

Insurance?
Insuring a bike within Europe is not a problem.
This is a copy of the email I got from the insurance company.

Registration.
Reg (motor tax) in Ireland is 88 euro/year. There is no MOT or any kind of inspection.

Drivers license.
Any non EU license is good for up to one year in Europe.

Purchasing a bike.
The Irish form of Craigslist is called DoneDeal.ie - Ireland's biggest classifieds site. Most private bike sales are traded on this site. Texting/calling from a foreign number (non Irish) is not recommended.
If you see a bike that you like, send me a PM with the link to the bike and I will try and set up a deal.
As soon are you make up your mind you want to buy a bike, I take a deposit of 500 euro via paypal. As soon as the deal goes through and both parties are happy, you paypal/wire me the balance. All very easy.
I will then collect the bike, title it in your name and store it.

My services.
I will negotiate on your behalf as soon as I receive a deposit.
I will then collect the bike and title it in your name.
I will store the bike and, if necessary, have my mechanic get the bike trip ready.

My fee's.
I started this as a free service but, it is now eating into my free time so I have to start charging a fee to cover my expenses.
Picking up the bike I charge 1 euro/mile round trip. A 200 mile one way trip here can take up to 5 hours. This includes an inspection and, if needed, a phone call to the buyer whilst I'm actually beside the bike.
Title transfer is a flat 10 Euro.
Reg will be 10 Euro for a renewal.
Storage fee is 30/month.
The store is a 5000 sq foot insulated and very secure warehouse.

I have an onsite freelance mechanic who will handle anything that need's to be done to the bikes before you arrive. You are also welcome to use my well equipped workshop should you feel the need to get your hands dirty.
Well stocked motorcycle stores are only a short drive away.

Our location.
I am located 15 mins from Cork Airport (ORK) Cork Airport - Welcome to Cork Airport
My premises is a short walk from the beautiful town of Kinsale. Kinsale County Cork Ireland

There are a number of ferries a short drive away, both to the continent and the UK.
We offer airport pick up from Cork airport and arrange accommodation for you if you require it.

I hope this answers all your questions.
Our goal is to give the rider from overseas the chance to explore our beautiful country and the continent without having to go through the stress of shipping or the expense of renting.
Our goal in the future is to provide riders from overseas a place to buy, prepare and store their bikes and treat my place like a home from home. With an airport only 15 mins away, a 12 month riding season, except for the odd frosty morning, a ferry port to the continent only a 20 min ride away, my location is perfect. Brittany Ferries - Ferries to France from Ireland
I will also do a bike buyback should you decide to sell your bike after your trip is over.
This option is great for a rider wanting to do a once off 2-3 week trip around Europe.
Buy the bike for say 2,000 Euro and sell for 1,500, you have a bike for less than 40 Euro/day, even less if you decide to stay longer.
Sharing a bike between a few friends is also a great way to keep costs down, as switching names on the title is no big deal and can all be done within a few weeks.
Please don't hesitate to contact me at the link above - (click on my name) - if I can be of assistance.
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