Ship Motorcycle to Germany

[gps5981]

Does anyone have any advice or suggestion whether or not to ship a Kawasaki motorcycle to Germany?

[JOFTAA]

As long as you have an endorsement on your state license to drive the motorcycle, you will be able to get a license to ride it here. No endorsement means no license here.

[gps5981]

Thanks and i do have state license. Is there any special inspection requirement for motorcycle?

[JOFTAA]

Originally Posted by gps5981

Thanks and i do have state license. Is there any special inspection requirement for motorcycle?

You will get it inspected for safety. Having a state license is one thing. I have a state license. But, my state license, even though it allows me to ride, does not specifically say I can.

You have to make sure they put the motorcycle endorsement on your license or you won't be riding. I just wanted to clarify so you are not disappointed when you get here.

You can find a lot of info regarding riding in Germany, here.

[La Migra]

YO, biker buddy!

First, you are in the land of the enlightened! Back in 2976, a bike counted as a vehicle, which meant if you shipped a bike, that was it. They did away with that, and now a bike is considered a toy....unless they've changed it again.....

By all means, ship the bike! You will find, in the right neighborhoods, lots of German bikers to hang with. Stuttgart is one _prime_ neighborhood to see fellow bikers...

But then again, are you riding a crotch-rocket or a cruiser? I have riiddem a KZ-400, a KZ-750 Triple (fastest bike on the street at the time...., and a Honda CB-650 in Germany....and felt quite comfortable doing so. Those are "cruisers", not rockets...

You ride a rocket in Germany....your life is on the line, the German drivers (IMNSHO) will NOT respect your space...I have seen an MB doing 100 MPH, being chased by a Porsche, flashing his lights, being chased by a Lambo flashing his lights! You do not want to get into that kind of a fight!

[-Lee-]

Since I am an avid motorcyclist myself, I would say "Ship it!".

Inspection requirements are far more stringent than in the US. The inspection stations are now required to inspect for comformity to the E/ECE/324
E/ECE/Trans/505 REV.1/ADD.40/Rev.1
Regulation Number 41
Uniform Provisions Concerning The Approval of Motor Cycles With Regard to Noise
Administered under:
Army in Europe Regulation 190-1/CNE-C6F Instruction 11240.6x/USAFE Instruction 31-202 (All the same document)

In a nutshell, if you have modified your exhaust and it is now louder, you probably will fail inspection. If you have done this then I would suggest re-installing the original exhaust for the inspection. This is a biggie!

Max allowable is 95 dB(A). See Table C-2 of the AER190-1

All lighting (Headlight, taillight, plate light, blinkers) must also pass a close scrutiny. See C-18 of the AER190-1

All of the information regarding these checks are in the above named documents. I have attached them for your perusal.

I hope that this helps.

[DanO]

Does anyone know what types of Harley aftermarket exhaust with baffles installed will pass inspection? My 03 lowrider has V&H Short Shot Staggered now, I seriously doubt they will pass and my stock exhaust system went bye-bye in 03. I will replace them before I ship my bike over, but don't want to spend the amount new "stock" pipes cost for a weak sounding bike. Need advice ASAP!
Thanks,
DanO

[JOFTAA]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. You will not pass with anything after market on your Harley.

[3C&Zana]

I was also debating on taking my cruiser to Germany when I PCS but I have a few aftermarket parts that may need to be converted back to stock. I have the stock pipes but turn signals may be a challenge. I requested the motorcycle inspection checklist from the 86 AW Program Manager for motorcycles so I will post it with his permission after I get it.

http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/rmv/

The website above also has lots of good information on motorcyle inspection and registration. The left side of the page has about 15 links for driving, riding, and firearm related issues.

[-Lee-]

Here is the AE Reg 190-1 that contains the information regarding vehicle inspections.

Refer to Table C1, paragraph 5.4 for information about turn signals. It's all there.

HTH!

-Lee-

[3C&Zana]

Thanks Lee! I actually opened the document earlier today but didn't look carefully enough. I think my bike will pass. The signals are made from oval fog light frames but have a reguler bulb behind an orange lens. The guy I bought the bike from did it and it looked better than I made it sound so I left them that way. Appreciate the guidance.

I have a side question: Are there a lot of local motorcycle clubs and/or group rides in the summer? It would be nice to link up with folks like I did at Langley to find out where the nice rides are.

[-Lee-]

There is a HOG chapter on Ramstein. I am not a member, nor have I ever ridden with them.

There is a group ride that happens every Sunday leaving from Restaurant BAUER SCHMIDT in Weilerbach (near Ramstein). It costs €10.00 to ride and then there is a dinner included at the end. I have ridden with them several times. Great tours that last most of the day. Good food at the end too. It does not matter what or how fast you ride there is a group for you with them.

I know that there is also the MC Kingz. AFAIK they are a sport bike club. I think that they meet at the local POLO (motorcycle accessory store) on Pariserstr in Kaiserslautern. At least they have their club sign in the entry window.

I usually end up riding alone or with just 1 or 2 of my riding friends. There are some fantastic twisty, curvy roads that are all just minutes from your door. There is also the autobahn if you are into the straight-line fast moving (read:BORING) riding.



HTH!

-Lee-

@ 3C&Zana

IRT Motorcycle Turn Signals: See also AE 190-1, C-18. b.(1) for guidance on correct positioning of front and rear turn signals. DAMHIK!

-Lee-

[3C&Zana]

Ok, that post alone may have sold me. I used to be interested in the fast and straight when I owned a GSX-R 1000 but sold that to buy the 800cc cruiser I have now. I look forward to twisty and curvy and have read about rides in Germany before, but was under the impression it was always raining...

[Eric]

Lee and 3C,

I'm PSCing to Ramstein in Sep. I have a 2006 Honda CBR1000RR. If y'all don't mind, I'd like to hook up with you and ride once I get there and get settled in. I'm looking forward to getting out on the road and taking in all the scenery.

My bike is stock, except for flush mount front turn signals. I've already ordered a stock set to put back on.

I'm optimistic, but in the event the movers mess up my bike, can you recommend a good service and repair shop?

Thanks.

-Eric

[3C&Zana]

Sorry Eric but I won't be there until next March. I was still debating on whether or not to take my bike and I'm still undecided. I'm on a year deployment right now so I don't even get to enjoy my bike this year other than the two weeks I'm on R&R .