Hello! Hopefully I'm not repeating others questions - I've been searching through the paperwork section here but am still looking for some answers.

Have any non-UK residents (specifically, Australians) had success buying, registering, insuring, etc., a second-hand bike in the UK and then travelling through Europe? I will have an IDP, but am mostly worried about insurance.

First problem is proof of residency when registering at the DVLA - do people just rely on friends' addresses? I could be there up to 6 months, but plan to be either staying in hostels or camping, i.e., won't have an address to give.
Second, will insurance companies actually insure non-UK residents? I've had a look at some of the links I've found on threads here and on Lonely Planet (Carole Nash, Down Under Insure, Bikesure), but it's hard to find cover for bikes, non-UK licences, and more than 90 days European travel, all in one company (also I am 22, which might pose a problem). I'm still investigating/contacting various companies, but any further pointers would be appreciated!

I'm starting to see how shipping a bike might be easier in terms of insurance, but it's a lot of extra money and time that I'd like to avoid if possible!

Any info would be amazing.
Cheers,
Stevie.