BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Didn't want to piggyback on the other domestic shipping thread so I figured I would start a new one. I am looking for an inexpensive way of getting my 2002 R1150R over to Europe, preferably Italy next month from NY. Have spoken with a few specialized shippers and all prices are around $2000-2500. this would be fine but I had originally gotten prices closer to 1000-1200 a few months ago when inquiring. My budget doesn't really want the double of cost for the shipping. BTW all quotes seem to be air, haven't gotten any ocean freight quotes. Am not particular of which route it goes.

Thanks for the help.

Check with MAXBMW in NY/New Hampshire. They shipped my bike to me in Stuttgart, air freight for about $1250. Tell 'em I said hello. I guess you already know about the international license, insurance requirements, rules. etc.

Thanks jimbob, I will contact them immediately. I know of the international license and am investigating the rest, but I would love to get any information you are willing to part with. If you'd rather take it off the forum, my email is mikieg18 at gmail dot com.

OK - this is just guessing on my part - but have you considered bike rental???

If you are moving permanently - fair enough to ship your own bike ...

Bike rental = 150E-200E per day. I'll be over there for 6 months to a year. Much cheaper to buy and ship a bike over. Plus I get to keep it/sell it when the trip is over.

that sounds permanent enough to me

Hi,actually does any of you know exacly what do I need to get bike to eur.As far as ins.,documents and shiping.Whole nine yards.Thanks in advance for info. Regards Mark

Wil E, et al,
Glad to be of assistance. There are a few different scenarios to consider. If you are just on a tourist, or work visa, you can own a US spec vehicle/bike/car and not have to meet any of the EU standards. If you are planning on staying, or your US vehicle registration will expire, and it requires more than a mail in to the local DMV, then you must register it with the local authorities. I'll use GE as an example because I know the most about it; other countries are similar, but different in small ways. In order to register it for German use, it will require inspection by the TUV, local insurance/DMV agents. They will NOT accept any revisions to the bike other than factory. So, for example, you show up with loudazz pipes - nogo. In order to sell it to a local, they must have it inspected by their local TUV agent. Once again, same factory standards apply. If any upgrades are purchased during ownership of the vehicle, an accompanying letter stating compliance with ABE must be included. The new owner must also pay 19% sales tax based on STATED cost. DO NOT understate sales price by a lot as you may be investigated for tax evasion(yeah, really).
Further depending on your status as an employee and your servicing organization, the expatriate relations manager should have a local expert who can work you thru this maze. One of the expat mgrs I knew, had an agreement with the TUV for US cars, that only required tape be placed over side running lights, for example.
As for licensing? International License is good in any OTHER country than the one it was issued, meaning, if you get it here, you are good to drive in GE. If you go to GE driver's office with appropriate pic and fees, you can drive it anywhere but GE. Additional resources include knowledge of the 120 or so international signs that you will be interpreting. http://rmv.hqusareur.army.mil/ is a good source for an online driver's handbook with sample test questions and more good stuff to know.
HTH,

I ,am a citizen of czech rep.so no problem w/d.license,however I was more concerned about documents to transport the bike,any declaration,and req.for Us.side.Do you have to put in crate or will be ok without it?How about insurance for transport.Iam not sure about these cargo handlers on airports(given that I did use to work as cargo tech)Simply what I have to have to take the bike out of here,just in case that I will have to move. Thanks Mark

Just figured I would post an update. On the BMWMOA site they have listing of different companies/organizations that help out in this area. I contacted Warren from http://www.worldmotorcycletours.com and he was uper helpful. Got an extremely reasonable price and will be shipping my bike to Munich, Germany for a December 5th pickup.

Living in GodZone, we tend to get a lot of riders bring their bikes over here for a good holiday!

Anyone thinking of transporting a bike internationally needs to decide on AIR or SEA. Obviously air is quick, but expensive. Sea, slow, but cheaper.

Working in sea transport, I can only speak confidently about that (although some of the lessons would transfer).

Most bikes are shipped in containers alongside other, general cargo. Hence a good sturdy crate is a must. Expect it to be handled with a forklift/hoist. If you're not going to crate the bike yourself, you may find your BMW dealer can do this for you. Don't try to hide the fact it's a bike! You'll probably find that it will be handled with more care because the cargo handler knows it's a bike!

DON'T put originals of any important documents in the crate! Nothing worse than needing the docs in order to clear the bike through Customs, before you can get the bike, when the docs are in the crate!!!!! Believe me, it happens.

Make sure the bike is spotlessly clean. Here in NZ every used vehicle is inspected for grass/seeds/insects etc. If anything is found, then your bike will need treatment = delays and more cost!

Check whether you'll be able to unload bike from crate and ride it away from the freight depot. We don't allow this for health and safety reasons (too many idiots over the years!!!!).

To find out about costs and local requirements, suggest contacting a reputable freight forwarder (oxymoron?).

Good luck.