Touring Australia

[rotor]

I've noticed a number of Australians on this board; so it might just happen that some of them will notice this and offer some useful pointers.

I know the continent very well, and I'd like to spend some time touring there on two wheels. It's to large to do it all in one go, so my provisional plan is to fly to a place on one coast, buy a used bike, cross the continent, have the bike stored for six months, then return for another month or two touring back to the origin point and sell the bike.

My scheme is probably only 'borderline practical' because in today's world most jurisdictions make it very hard - if not impossible - for a foreigner to have a motor vehicle insured and registered.

Please note that suggestions on itinerary are premature at this point. (But yes, Nullarbor will not be missed).

Comments, suggestions?

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Plenty of options, but if you are going to ride the Nullabor, take a good book with you.

Cheers

[rotor]

Plenty of options, but if you are going to ride the Nullabor, take a good book with you.

Cheers

What options? How do I insure and register a bike in Australia as a non-resident?

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Options? Try Google or internet sites that discuss travelling and buying vehicles in Australia. A favourite pastime for backpackers in Australia is to buy a vehicle and then dispose of it on departure. Usually a campervan. I would imagine that could transpose to motorcycles. There are plenty to buy, but selling is worth a solid risk assessment. See:

http://www.bikesales.com.au

Or

http://www.bikepoint.com.au


You could start looking at other sites. e.g. :

http://www.backpackaround.com/transport/...icles.html

That took me about 20 seconds so it may not be particularly helpful but I am sure a few months research will yield results. I am also sure that once you get some idea of the considerations involved I, or other Aussie forum members, will be only too happy to assist you where possible.

Cheers

[rotor]

Thanks, but I don't need any help buying or selling a vehicle.

All the research I did so far indicated I need to be a resident to register a vehicle in my name in any sate in Australia. If you can show me something that will suggest otherwise, I'm all ears.

Or, to repeat: this thread IS NOT about buying or selling a used motorcycle in Australia, or the itinerary touring the continent. It is about the mandatory insurance and registration of a motorcycle for a visitor on a tourist visa, with no permanent address in the country - or in various Australian federal units.

[kmoney_imp]

I did this in New Zealand at a car dealership whose only business was buying and selling tourists cars (my 1993 toyota Windom had 20 previous owners in 2004). They did all insurance and registration on-site.

I'm sure the two countries are different, but these places are all over NZ and AUS and your best bet would probably to call one of these places and ask (even if, as you state, you don't intend to buy or use them for anything). It's their bread and butter, so I'm sure they know the ins and outs of registration for tourists to a tee -- it even says this on both websites.

http://www.sydneytravellerscarmarket.com.au/

http://www.cars4backpackers.com.au/

[rotor]

I did this in New Zealand at a car dealership whose only business was buying and selling tourists cars (my 1993 toyota Windom had 20 previous owners in 2004). They did all insurance and registration on-site.

I'm sure the two countries are different, but these places are all over NZ and AUS and your best bet would probably to call one of these places and ask (even if, as you state, you don't intend to buy or use them for anything). It's their bread and butter, so I'm sure they know the ins and outs of registration for tourists to a tee -- it even says this on both websites.

http://www.sydneytravellerscarmarket.com.au/

http://www.cars4backpackers.com.au/

I'm not looking for links to someone "that can help"; please respond if you know firsthand the requirements and procedure in various states (I assume it might be slightly different).

What dealers do is submit the registration transfer request as if I was a permanent resident with the address they provide - most often the dealership itself. This is illegal, and OK only until you are stopped and required to produce your diver's license and, because it's a foreign license, your passport which shows you are in Australia legally as a tourist. And you (not the dealer!) signed a registration transfer request form stating that the address is your permanent residence.

I'm looking for competent information from an independent source, not from someone that is prepared to lead me into questionable action in order to make a buck. (my e-mail to NSW motor vehicle reg. office has not been answered yet. If and when it is, I'll report here).

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Thanks, but I don't need any help buying or selling a vehicle.

All the research I did so far indicated I need to be a resident to register a vehicle in my name in any sate in Australia. If you can show me something that will suggest otherwise, I'm all ears.

Or, to repeat: this thread IS NOT about buying or selling a used motorcycle in Australia, or the itinerary touring the continent. It is about the mandatory insurance and registration of a motorcycle for a visitor on a tourist visa, with no permanent address in the country - or in various Australian federal units.

Mate, being a resident myself I wouldn't have a clue, so I guess you are on your own.

Cheers

[metallyguitarded_imp]

In your first post, you write that possibly some of our Australian members might have some "pointers" that can assist you. You end with "Comments, suggestions?" then come off as very dismissive and unappreciative of the very thing you solicited. I hope you find the information you're looking for but must say that the tone of your messages does little to inspire other to help.

[rotor]

In your first post, you write that possibly some of our Australian members might have some "pointers" that can assist you. You end with "Comments, suggestions?" then come off as very dismissive and unappreciative of the very thing you solicited. I hope you find the information you're looking for but must say that the tone of your messages does little to inspire other to help.

I am sorry if I offended anyone. Perhaps in an effort to provide some context I was not quite specific describing the kind of help I was soliciting. It is not about buying the motorcycle, it's about the ability of an overseas visitor on a tourist visa (thus someone without the residency or permanent address in Australia) to have it insured and registered in one of the Australian states (I assume the rules might be different between those) after the purchase.