Carnet
 

I plan on buying my bike when I arrive in europe. Do I get the carnet when I am there? or can I set one up in the states before I go? Any tips on this would help alot...Im a first time travler very excited with alot of planning to do in the next few months input on experiance and just tips/ideas would help me out alot. Thanks for your time.

W-D-L

No need for carnets here if it's a EU European bike. The problem you may have is buying a bike in the first place as you will need to have an address to register the bike. Insurance wise, I'm pretty sure all EU insurance already includes the old 'Green card' these days as it's an EU mandatory thing. The problem (always red tape eh!?) you may have with obtaining insurance is they always seem to ask for a local drivers licence. If you don't have one for the country you have chosen (I am speaking as if you choose the UK), they either won;t want to insure you, or you will pay extra (not sure how much extra but they love to increase insurance). I would suggest trying Spain or Italy if you can speak Italian or Spanish. Maybe even Greece? All Eu countries but some are more relaxed than others http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif
Cheers
Dave

You don't need one. Keep reading back through the appropriate forums here and don't hesitate to use the search function. The things you have asked about have already been discussed here (like where tobuy a bike and how to go about it).

Have fun.

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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.

Thanks for the info spud. I have an aunt and uncle in london, I hope to use their address to register the bike......Do they check if the bike is insured at border crossings?

Border crossings within the EU are the same as within the US - non-existant. When you enter the EU with a non-EU registered vehicle they should check that you have insurance. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. If your bike is registered within the EU it is assumed that it is insured...

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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.

Hi yeah as Peter said, they expect you to be insured really. Riding with no insurance in the Uk is a bit of a no no and I personally wouldn't risk it anywhere in Europe. You can buy your bike here in the UK and register it at your famly's address no problem. If you have a UK registered bike and address, you could do a bit of calling and I am sure someone will insure it on your licence.

When getting your bike, check the MOT (road test) and tax. MOT lasts for 1 year (if bike older than 3 years old) and tax either 6 months or 1 year. Easy to get either.. MOT is a test which will cost you about 30 pounds, then with that and your insurance cert you can buy your tax (small paper disc). Easy peasy! If your bike has these.. no need for new ones until they run out (carry over to the next owner along with the registration plate).

Your UK insurance will allow you to ride your bike most places in Europe. Places that you may get stopped would be Switzerland and any sea crossings.
Cheers
Dave