Flying to Germany and buying a bike
 

I live in California and I plan on flying to Germany this summer and buying a bike to meet up with a friend in Greece. I've found a company that will insure me if I buy a bike (tourinsure.de). They told me that I would have to have the bike registered on "new custom plates." Can someone explain this to me and what the process is to get this done as a non-resident?

Off the subject but if you are staying for more than 90 days, the Schengen zone rules may apply to you.

Sorry - I should mention that I am a dual citizen with Switzerland so I will be able to stay past 90 days visa free. (I've lived in California for most of my life)

Hi,

Am not a German and therefore not a 100% sure what they refer to.

I do believe that they mean the German
"AUSFUHRKENNZEICHEN ", which is a register plate for exporting vehicles out of Germany. They have red numbers showing for how long they are valid on the right of their plate. You can acquire It for a time from 2weeks up to 12 months.

Similar to the German internal "KURZKENNZEIHEN", which is meant for internal 5 days transfers within Germany. But can also be used for exporting vehicles. They have yellow signs.

Easiest way to obtain the Kennzeichen is via the dealer from whom you acquire the bike from, they will handle the insurance, register and plate for you.

If you buy from a private person you need to get the insurance, plate and register the vehicle on site. This will take one full day ! Or if you have the bike details already you can obtain them online.

Regards.... --BoTZo--

Hi,

Thanks for the info! Are you saying a dealer will be able to set me up with insurance as a non resident? Is there anything I need to know about before hand about buying a bike online remotely aside from not being able to see it before hand?

Thanks,
zurfa

Hi,

My experience comes from buying one (!) car some years ago. Assuming same applies for motorcycles.

Some smaller dealers had only experience from internal and not export plates. But they will handle the necessary paper work, including registration, mandatory (vehicle) insurance and license plate. Germany is a large country with cheaper prices than neighboring countries and therefore they are used to foreign customers exporting. If you find a bike online tell them that you a exporting and ask if they can handle the (export) paper work and plates.

In general doing business in Germany is a bit hmmm traditional: cash is king, for everything you need a permit, but in general very reliable.

However be sure that once you are on site and they know you are a foreigner with a tight schedule that price negotiations are tough and you are very unlikely to be returning to them with any warranty issues.... I would not do business with any back yard dealer in the U.S. nor in Germany.

In my experience the German market is good to buy used vehicles, the Germans do in general keep good care of their cars and motorcycles. But they are also importing form neighboring countries and try to sell them further with German price levels. Make sure that you know what you are buying.

Hope this helps...--BoTZo--