Buying a bike in Australia Vs USA

Considering options.

Every motorcycle dealer in USA will sell you a bike - not a problem. Problems arise when you want to get a title of ownership and register the bike.

The problem for me as a non-resident was that I did not have an address. A temporary address does not meet the legal definition of 'resident'. Why is that a problem?

What rate of tax to apply? Every state has a different rate of sales tax that applies to their residents even if a purchase is made outside of their resident state. The state in which you reside imposes their rate of tax before giving you an ownership title to your bike. In order to register the bike you must have a title and be a resident!!!!

One dealer was happy to use an address of someone I know in Ohio but I had to falsely claim that I was a resident of that state.


Every dealer would provide 'transit' registration for one month. That enables the purchaser to get the bike to his home state and register it there. I contacted several state Departments of Motor Vehicles and the answers received back were all the same. A non-resident cannot register a bike in their state.

So what is involved when buying in USA -


Getting someone to sell you a bike not a problem.

If you need registration for one month only then it is not a problem. If longer term required then some lies will have to be told but that wasn't an option for me. Some people go to the trouble of buying a US address from companies online - they forward mail etc to your correct address.


Insurance as a non-resident was not a problem. There are companies that specialise in that such as MotorcycleExpress.

Getting the bike back into Australia not a problem if (rough guide) -

1. If the bike is less than twenty years old and you have owned it for longer than twelve months and have used it throughout that period. Your passport is checked by customs to verify use. (If you are in Australia and the bike is in America then you could not be using it.) Work OS for twelve months is the go.
   
2. If the bike is older than twenty years.

Buying in Australia -

Not a problem for an Aussie. Registration, ownership and insurance as per normal.

Not a problem getting the bike out of and back into the country. (No matter the age or length of ownership).

Decision made.

Buying the bike in Australia for me was the best option when taking into account the costs involved and the least hassle involved. Purchased a bike from 'Quick-Fix', Harley Davidson Dealership in Mildura, Victoria. The Sales Manager, Jason Phillips, was a straight forward, honest and easy to get on with sort of guy. The previous owner, the only owner, had the bike for three years and it was like new.

The bike is a 2005 BMW R1200GS.