European move for GS

[DanielM]

All

There is a possibility of taking a new contract job in Frankfurt, and leaving Blighty for a year or so. So, do I have to make any permanent changes to my bike for riding in Europe? I have heard mention of a different headlight unit, I wonder how long you would be permitted to keep the UK spec one on for? I suppose added to this, insurance may be an issue aswell. She's only 15 months old, will the dealer network honour any warranty claims?

Anyone else have experience of this?

I did mention this to my GS and she has perked up no end, obviously trying to impress me with her MPG reading, so I don't go and buy another one over there! She keeps saying something about meeting her sisters (schwesters sp?), and reminding me that she can sprachen pretty good Deutsche.

Cheers all
Dan

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

Frankfurt, quite possibly the most boring city in Europe, if not the world.

I think you'll have to change the headlight unit and learn to sit bolt upright. There used to be a BMW dealer in Hanauer Landstrasse, give them a call and they'll give you any advice you need. They sprachen English.

 

[bmwrover]

It depends if you need to register the bike on German plates or not.
If your UK insurance is easy about a temporary move to Germany (where will be your legal address? Still UK or Germany?) and you can remain on UK plates for the duration of your stay, then dont bother with the headlight change.

However if you need to reguister the bike here, then you need to change it, otherwise you fail German MoT

At least in theory, because I drove on "wrong lights" on my UK imported Land Rover Defender for years and nobody complained.

 

[swissrob]

if u are there for 1 year or less u dont need to register the bike on german plates. law may have changed tho.

 

[DanielM]

Thanks for advice so far.

Keep it coming though....!

How can Frankfurt be the most boring city in the world, do all the pubs shut at 7pm, and the women have moustaches and never show any hint of cleavage (not quite sure which part is the most scary)?! Or, eeeek, the motorcycle speed limit has been reduced to 12kph? (i'll be in trouble for sure ).

There does seem to be a minefield of problems, MOT, Tax, insurance, registration.

Knowing my recent luck with job applications, this will not be necessary.

Are you still allowed to filter in the eurozone?


Cheers - Dan

 

[GS TRV]

You're fine for a year. Frankfurt's ok - enjoy the Autobahns - I so miss them on my Busa

Nothing to get excited about on a GS though

 

[bmwrover]

The hilly area around Frankfurt called "Taunus" is excellent for biking. Loads of fun.

 

[everywherevirtually]

I have similar questions although I'll be moving to Linz in Austria.

well that's the plan anyway.

 

[MattW]

Frankfurt's ok - I worked there for a few weeks.

Good beer.

And sausages.

 

[purds]

Woth having a read here

 

[Hustler]

Insurance can be a can of worms.
Check with your insurance company and spell out exactly what your plans are.
They may not continue to insure you but much better to find out before you go rather than when trying to make a claim.
There again there may be no problems whatsoever.
Enjoy.

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

Insurance can be a can of worms.

That'd be a bargain.

 

[Owen Snell]

Your insurance will be the most important thing to get right.

Assuming you can get back for the MOT (or know a tester very well) and keep it UK taxed with a UK address, say you are only visiting Germany and not actually moving there (to the Germans anyway).

I took a car nearly 20 years ago and ran it for 18 months on UK plates, UK lights with tape on, UK insurance etc.

If you are getting paid in the UK and working in Germany, check the tax carefully and you might get away with tax free if you are there for a full tax year.

 

[teamwimp]

if you can then stay with your UK insurer - fully comp insurance is impossible to get in Germany. If you need to switch then you will have to register your bike and in order to do that you'll need a right dipping lens and a KM reading speedo ( and unless things have changed you'll personally need to register in Germany and have a local address)

 

[nedflanders]

This is an easy one, if your bike is only 15months old theres no need for an MOT, so keep it registered in the UK with your UK headlight on, just adjust the headlight as much as is safe to reduce upsetting ze germans. Believe me I know, the extra cost you'll pay to your insurance for a year long green card( I'm touring Europe, honest guv) is nothing in comparison to A- a headlight and B- trying to get fully comp insurance in Germany ( I was quoted £3500 for a ZX10r) your lucky your not in the forces, out there we get a month to reregister with all the cost that involves. Filtering is still illegal, as is moving to the front at traffic lights etc. No need for a speedo change as your UK spec bike has both miles and KM's (now that is a pain in the arse to do) Good luck in Germany, friendly bunch (so much has changed in 70years) and some cracking roads south of Frankfurt