Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Import a motorcycle from EU

  • 14-09-2021 2:30pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 455 ✭✭


    Hi

    Am I correct in thinking that if I import a bike from EU (ie. France, Belgium, Netherlands) that I will only have to pay the normal VRT charges? (€2 per cc etc) and that there will be no extra charges in these post Brexit days.

    Does anyone have any suggestions on bike dealers in these countries which I could contact?

    Thanks in advance.

    Max



«134567

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    Yes, brought one in from Germany last week, just did the VRT today, all good, no hassles (e.g. didn't ask for officially translated documents which, I gather, can in theory happen).

    Websites mobile.de autoscout24.com (might be others, just google it).

    In Germany you should get your own number plate to export it (plates are personal to the owner). I gather you MIGHT get away with any old numberplate to get you on the ferry but I don't know you if you would come unstuck when trying to VRT it. My dealer threw it in with the bike so no brainer to do it fully properly. If you dont want to go yourself then about €450+VAT to get someone to bring it back for you (Dublin for that price, more if further) - Jarvis Transport 087 646 3753.

    Make sure its 6 months old and 6,000 km on the clock or you'd owe VAT on top of VRT, which would probably take the good out of it, which is why I didn't look at the UK, bought cars from there in the past (post Brexit there'd be VAT, & maybe customs, due). I ran a VIN Check Europe & History, Odometer, Accidents... - 100% (vinspy.eu), dunno how good it is but it picked up the correct bike so its not a complete scam anyway.

    If going yourself (marginally cheaper and you get an adventure) then make sure you have your own Satnav and are used to it. I was planning to use googlemaps but phone wouldnt work (even with roaming & what not) - would've been....interesting.... if dealer hadn't thrown in an old satnav. I can give you dealer name but he's BMW & I think I got a good deal on a Suzuki he maybe didn't want hangning around, so if it's a Beemer you're after let me know. Unless you're very good with mechanics you're probably better off buying something relatively fresh, would be a bummer to go, not like, and have to book a last minute flight home. I brought cash, debit card wouldn't work (we tried). You probably need to have your dealing done before you go, realistically they are probably not going to knock off a few quid for a scratch or whatever when they know this is your only way home... Anyway, so far so good after about 1,500 kms.🙏🙏



  • Registered Users Posts: 455 ✭✭maximus02


    Thanks for quick and comprehensive reply.

    Coincidentally I am considering a BMW so any further info would be appreciated. I am getting into older years and am thinking of getting one of those C400 BMW scooters. I have been off bikes for a number of years but have about 25 years experience of riding road bikes. 

    So any further info would be great. i.e. What vehicle documents I need to collect from German dealer, dealer details etc.

    Thanks again for info.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,083 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    If the bike is <6 months old or <6000 km you'll get hit for Irish VAT, you can reclaim the VAT you paid in Germany because VAT is only paid once in the EU. How easy or fast to get the VAT back I've no idea but don't rule out a bike because of VAT. Britain being a 3rd country you can't reclaim VAT, but you can still import VAT free from NI if you can find a bike which meets the criteria.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    http://www.bmw-otto.de/ are the guys I dealt with, Thomas Otto. Fly into Frankfurt, train & taxi.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    There should be all the docs like Cert of Conformity, QC, then the German version of the log book showing the previous owner(s) - this is on green paper, shows the old reg, VIN, date first registered etc. (which will dictate your Irish plate year).



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 43 KaiserSochez


    Have a look at the C650 Sport Maximus! An absolute hoot and I’ve owned everything from 50cc mopeds up to the current fleet of RR,1300GT, 690, Zephyr 750. The C650 is simply amazing...180kms top speed and loads of grunt.




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 730 ✭✭✭Debub


    A good site for looking at used bikes from Europe. Its a site that consolidates all ads and clicking on a particular ad takes you to the actual page/site where it is being advertised. I was looking at prices for a few models (in Germany and France specifically) and these look to be much cheaper than here in Ireland where the availability itself is poor to start with - even with the €450 shipping charges and VRT. A 660cc 2008 model is about €100 for VRT for example




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 730 ✭✭✭Debub


    Has anyone used Jarvis Transport? I have heard that they will have a quick look at the bike for as well...



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    I used him to export a vehicle to Austria, and it worked out well for me and the buyer, so I was happy with his service.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users Posts: 729 ✭✭✭SupplyandDemandZone


    Used them several times for bikes mostly UK stuff but the continent only once. Never a problem.



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 170 ✭✭tenreds


    Can I ask would a bike that is first registered in April this year in NI fit the criteria for not paying vat customs import charges



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 985 ✭✭✭Mjolnir


    Do you mean a 2021 registered in April or one imported into NI in April?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,814 ✭✭✭horse7


    Good question.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    I recently bought a bike, first registered in EU (Netherlands) in April 2021, and rode it back.

    Make sure what you're looking at is over 6000kms, otherwise VAT will be charged here and you (more than likely) cannot reclaim it in the EU country of purchase.

    The process couldn't have been simpler:

    Buy bike, ride home, VRT appointment, pay VRT on the day.

    And I got an 1100km road trip on the way home in glorious 18 Deg C and sunshine.

    Win-Win methinks.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users Posts: 170 ✭✭tenreds




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    then you'll be ok so long as mileage is over 6000kms

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users Posts: 458 ✭✭robbie_63


    Is it the same as a car where its the mileage at the time you present it to get registered rather than the mileage when you bought it?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 985 ✭✭✭Mjolnir


    Yea, millage when you present to the vrt centre.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,218 ✭✭✭WestWicklow1


    If you're flying over, book a return flight, just in case.

    It happened to me (just once) that the bike pictures in the advert were a few years old and the bike wasn't as described. I walked away.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 167 ✭✭jeremyr62


    Having bought some of my bikes in the UK before, that is now not an option for me due to the complexity and cost of the importing process. Anyway, does anyone know which EU countries are the easiest to deal with? We have the Netherlands, Belgium, France Germany and Italy reasonably close.

    Having the dealer speak English is going to be an advantage and that's much more likely in the Netherlands and then maybe Germany. Good luck with France and Italy 😉

    Reading above it looks like Germany can be a problem with the number plate? I wonder if that is true of other EU countries. I suspect this is going to become a frequently asked question too.



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,364 ✭✭✭cmyk


    Newbie rider here considering import, on phoning for insurance quotes on a hypothetical bike, one of the questions I was asked was, what is it an import? There's hardly a loading on EU imported bikes is there?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 756 ✭✭✭Sir Galahad




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,260 ✭✭✭goblin59


    Just a question they have to ask incase something comes up. But when you import a UK vehicle that was a write off, it isn't mentioned on the irish VRC cert that its had substantial damage before or was an insurance write off.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt



    Just been through this recently from Netherlands, from a dealer : it's easy-peasy: look, buy, fly, ride home. VRT in & out the door in 20 minutes.

    Bike came with export plates and 2 weeks Green Card insurance (TPO, mind) and a full tank of petrol included.

    What a refreshing change.

    Nice 1000km spin home across NL/BE/FR in 17/18 Degree temps and no rain :)

    I've done Germany previously, and equally painless.




    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 730 ✭✭✭Debub


    thanks for the info, but if we want to have it shipped home? Are dealers reliable - buy without seeing the bike over there in person and have it shipped over? This is a general question as I guess all dealers might not be the same



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 167 ✭✭jeremyr62


    OK, that's good to know. Did they organise the export plates for you? Been kind of spoilt importing from the UK for so long. It's a wrench to go further afield but good to hear it's doable. The adventure side of it holds no fear, just the red tape when you try to import it.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    It was actually easier than many of the UK ones I've done in the past. Dealer organised everything : plates, insurance, fuel even. I just turned up with my gear, put destination in the sat-nav and hit the road.

    No red tape of note at all. All the negotiation, paperwork, payments done in advance by email and a few phone calls, I literally got a bike handover session, signed the delivery papers, hit the road.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    I've bought & had bikes delivered from Germany in the past. If it's coming on a pallet you don't need any plates, but you do need the KFZ-schein (log book to you & I). Most are proficient at strapping bikes to shipping pallets, but you have to arrange the courier yourself usually. (well I used to anyway). Here's how a main BMW dealer straps a GS I got, some years ago:

    Someone like Jarvis Transport in Dublin will collect it for you without a pallet too.

    I didn't ship the GW that way because of the sheer size & value of it.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    or, an R1100RT from even further back - a particularly good pallet imho.


    And, I think Overlanders in Wexford can facilitate shippping into Ireland as well - they move bikes to/from Ireland all the time, so they might be worth a call.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 730 ✭✭✭Debub


    Thanks - was thinking of Jarvis as they came highly recomended. I have bought cars from the UK, but then flew over to have a look phyiscally... My German friends assure me that even private sellers will be ok to buy from as sellers there usually will be quite honest about the goods that they are selling. But offcourse you are always nervous about buying something without looking at it - Jarvis apparently helps in comms and looking over the bike as well for you - thats a plus point for me



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 756 ✭✭✭Sir Galahad


    If you are looking to ship a bike home then Phil Gunne from Cork is highly recommended. I’ve used him twice. And he will check the bike for you at collection as well.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 756 ✭✭✭Sir Galahad


    He regularly travels Europe. He’s in Spain presently.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    How did you manage the payment bit? I hoped to pay by card, but it didnt work on their machine so it was lucky I had cash. It was a dealer, I prob wouldn't buy private from overseas. Still and all I'd probably be reluctant to pay online before I went at all - what if it wasnt as advertised etc. etc. I know you're in a shite bargaining position anyway, it is your ride home.... but if all came to all you could walk away. If the ****** have your cash you are rightly over a barrel.



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    I paid by Bank Transfer: continental EU doesn't do credit cards as much as we do, and not for big-ticket items.

    Indeed, some continental places charge extra for CC payments: they don't want to pay the banks commission.

    If you want to look before you pay, all you can do is book to stay over and do a transfer when you're there and wait for it to come through. You'd need to allow at least 24 hrs though.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users Posts: 150 ✭✭Garvan


    Great info there. Brexit really made getting a new bike a PITA and there's not a huge choice up north. I was debating the go myself or get it delivered option so thanks for benefit of your experience 💯💯💯💯



  • Registered Users Posts: 37 abmoto


    As someone looking to get back to riding this year, this is great info. Thanks.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 730 ✭✭✭Debub


    Hi Guys - how does Insurance work on a bike being brought in from EU (say Germany)? When I got my car from the UK, my existing insurance provider just transferred the policy to the new UK reg (effective for 30 days only), I got the VRT done and the policy changed to my new Irish reg. So at the moment I dont have bike insurance as i dont own a bike. Now if I buy a bike in Germany, how does one insure it in case I want to ride it back, or, have it transported in by someone - Insurance is required in both cases I guess. And what plates to put on the bike till VRT - can I ride it here in Ireland or have to store the bike till VRT day (tho I will have to ride it to the VRT office - or cart it over in a van)?

    thanks for any insights



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    You'll have to buy insurance here, before you go over. Note though that some co's won't cover a new vehicle if the trip begins abroad. (I just had that huge argument with C-N/Axa).

    If you're buying from a shop in Germany, and you intend to ride it, they will have to put temporary export number plates on it, and you should be able to insure it there to get it home as well (TPO, mind). Cover usually last 2 weeks.

    Frankly, I'd get it couriered home if you weren't up for all that palaver, and have it delivered to my door.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 730 ✭✭✭Debub


    Thanks. It will be a used bike. So if I get it shipped home, then do I need insurance for the transit (maybe the shipping company will have that insurance cover)?

    And then can I get it insured here in Ireland before VRT (essentially can I ride it before VRT)?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    the transit co should have cover for goods-in-transit.

    Once you get it here, yes you'll have to insure it here if you intend to ride it, you should be able to get temp cover (using the German Kfz schein document).

    Or, you can bring the bike to VRT centre on a trailer/in a van and just wheel it out for them to inspect it - you'll have the reg of it before you leave on the day, so can insure it off that straight away anyway.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 167 ✭✭jeremyr62


    Much as it pains me to say it, I don't think I will be buying in Europe. Too many hurdles

    Looks like the dealers are bringing bikes in from the UK so we might still have some choice here. Of course they will inflate the price, they have to make a profit, but the golden age of importing from the UK by individuals is over.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,446 ✭✭✭LollipopJimmy


    I've bought a bike in Poland, thankfully I have storage there until the weather gets better. I'm all sorted for coming home however has anybody VRT'd a bike from Poland? Any documents in particular outside of the usual that are needed?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    'too many hurdles' ? It's actually fewer hurdles.

    Pick a bike, go over & collect it, ride it home (or get it delivered), VRT office 30 minutes, out the door with reg number. Can't see how you'd simplify that tbh.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,822 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    I think riding a bike back from Europe would be a huge adventure. You'd need a big enough bike though to handle motorways etc. and all the right touring gear.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Obviously I brought my (big) bike back and it was easy. But I actually tried to avoid motorways: the Péage in France is expensive, even for bikes !

    As for gear, as this was an over & back job, I had one small backpack, that I put into the topcase. that was it. You're effectively wearing all the awkward stuff (which is PITA going out via plane btw).

    We're hoping to go to Spain later in the year, and we're bring one big and one small (250cc) bike. There's a lot to be said for the small one when you get there !

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,446 ✭✭✭LollipopJimmy


    Were there any issues with your helmet on the plane?


    I'm flying to Poznan and my only option to there is Ryanair. I can fly Aer Lingus to Berlin and train over but would rather not



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,819 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    No issues, hand carry it. To keep your baggage on board manageable wear your jacket and boots.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,749 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    I'm looking for the ideal bike to import and wondering if anyone can offer some advice? I've been looking in Netherlands and Germany, but found either prices high, or the value including VRT and shipping isn't working out... Is it worth looking at Italy? Is there a perceived difference in quality? Should I buy only from a dealer? Is there a big change in transport costs across the different countries? I'm trying to narrow my search, but there is such a big range of needs and wants...

    I'm being picky about the bike as I want it to be something particular, but also want it well maintained, I can do a certain amount of simple maintenance but I'm not mechanical and won't be confident in fixing problems...



  • Advertisement
Advertisement