International relocations are more common than ever and they require wholesale changes. However, embracing certain factors from your old life can make the transition far smoother. As a motorbike rider, taking your wheels abroad with you can be one of the best solutions.
Migrating with a bike is a lot easier than doing it with a car, especially when the new country drives on the other side of the road. Nevertheless, there are a number of factors that you must take into consideration for a less bumpy ride. Here’s what you need to know.
(This guide is written specifically for UK riders, but the general issues affect any rider moving overseas and taking their bike with them.
Transportation
The chances of riding your bike across the globe to your new location are very slim. Therefore, your first job as a rider is to ensure that the motorcycle reaches its destination quickly and in perfect condition.
Vehicle transportation services like Shiply are the best solution, not least due to their ongoing advice. When coupled with a thorough inspection before, especially for leaks, you’ll be riding the bike around your new hometown in no time.
It is a fairly big job, though, which is why you must make those preparations ASAP.
Registration
Taking a motorbike out of the country on a permanent basis is a big deal. One of the most important jobs that you’ll face is to ensure that you are permitted to ride it in the new country. Of course, the exact methods will depend on which country you are emigrating to.
Before making the new registration, though, you must inform the DVLA about your plans to take the bike outside of the UK. Only then will you be able to pick up the new registration plate in the new country.
Even if you own a personalised number plate, the transfer of bike registration is vital.
Maintenance
If your bike is designed by one of the main manufacturers, it’s likely that finding new parts over the coming years will be an easy task. However, some brands aren’t as universal as you might think. When this is the case, you need to take those factors into consideration.
This is particularly true when riding a Norton Commando or another classic British bike. If keeping the bike in great health is going to be difficult and expensive, it may be worth selling in favour of a different model. Then again, nobody should feel forced into this action.
Whatever you do, just make sure you ride in a sensible fashion and continue the regular precautionary jobs to reduce the need for major works.
Protection
Getting the bike to the new country in great health and with the right registration is one thing. However, keeping it in perfect condition is another altogether. Frankly, this is an ongoing challenge. Although the principles are no different to the UK, it’s vital that you make the right changes.
Every bike rider should take responsibility with regards to safety on the road as well as potential theft. Meanwhile, it’s equally crucial to switch the insurance coverage at the earliest stage possible. If a problem does occur, the financial worries of not having that safety net are the last thing you need.
When combined with the points above, you’ll be cruising the new lands with a bigger smile than you ever thought possible.