Guide To Buying a Motorcycle in Germany
Are you considering getting a motorcycle in Germany? Then you will need to know several things, from where to purchase it, register, and what license you need. Besides, motorcycles aren’t cheap in Germany, so make sure to have enough budget.
You can buy a good used motorcycle in Germany starting from about 1,000 EUR, while new models start at 5,000 EUR. To ride a bike, it must be registered at the vehicle registration office first. You also need to get vehicle insurance for your motorcycle.
In this article, we go into all ins and outs of buying and owning a motorcycle in Germany. You will learn about current prices on new and used bikes, how the registration process works, and much more. Also read our article on the cheapest countries in Europe to buy a motorcycle.
Can a foreigner buy a motorcycle in Germany?
Everyone can buy a motorcycle in Germany, the nationality doesn’t make a difference. However, to use it in Germany, you must register the vehicle first, and for this, you will need a local address. Thus, to fully own and use any vehicle in Germany, you must have a residency here.
Residency is also required for taking out vehicle insurance and paying vehicle taxes.
With that said, you can buy a motorcycle in Germany for export without being a resident there. In that case, you will get export plates.
If you have a foreign driving license, you can still drive a motorcycle in Germany for up to 6 months which can later be extended to 12 months, assuming you aren’t planning to stay longer.
However, it might be challenging to find an insurance company that will accept someone with a foreign driving license (especially a non-EU one).
Where to buy a motorcycle in Germany
Similarly to cars, you have several options: to buy a new motorcycle from a dealership, a used one from a dealership, or from a private seller.
Purchasing a new motorcycle from a dealership is the least risky way but also the most expensive one. Besides, a loss of value is so significant that your bike will be twice cheaper in just a few years.
The main advantage of buying from a dealer is that they give you a warranty on the bike, which will cover the costs of repairs in the first year.
If you want to buy from a dealer, visit their shops like BMW, Honda, Suzuki, etc. They have a large selection of new and used bikes.
Best websites to find a motorcycle in Germany
If you decided to purchase a used motorcycle from a private seller, here are some of the most popular websites to buy a second-hand bike in Germany:
- mobile.de
- kleinanzeigen.ebay.de
- autoscout24.de; English version – autoscout24.com
- motorradkauf24.de
You can also find a new bike on those websites.
Best motorcycles for Germany
Which motorcycle is best for you depend on the license you have. It might restrict you to use only particular vehicles with small horsepower.
Some of the best bike brands you can find in Germany:
- Honda
- Yamaha
- BMW
- Suzuki
- Ducati
Bike types and horsepower:
- 50cc motorcycles have horsepower from 3 to 9 HP
- Racing 50cc motorcycles can have from 10 to 20 HP
- 100cc motorcycles – 7 to 12 HP
- 125cc motorcycles – 10 to 15 HP
- 300cc to 600cc motorcycles – 30 – 80 HP (single and 2-cylinder)
Registering a motorcycle in Germany
To register your motorcycle in Germany, you need to visit the vehicle registration office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle).
To register a motorcycle in Germany, you need to get an insurance first
Keep in mind that authorities only register vehicles if owners prove valid insurance. Thus, they require an electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number).
Depending on the provider, you can apply for the eVB by phone or online. With that said, not all motorcycles are required to have it. Mopeds up to 50cc are covered by moped insurance ( Mopedversicherung) and don’t need to be registered.
For motorcycles between 50cc and 125cc, you only need a “light motorcycle” insurance (Leichtkraftrad).
Here are the steps you need to take to get a bike registered in Germany:
- Get vehicle insurance; pick one here.
- Get approved by TÜV; they will issue a certificate that the bike is roadworthy – not necessary for new bikes.
- Get the Fahrzeugbrief (owner certificate) and Fahrzeugschein (circulation certificate) – They are the legal document showing ownership of a vehicle.
- Get a Certificate of Conformity for a new bike.
If you buy a used bike, the previous owner should hand you Fahrzeugbrief and Fahrzeugschein. If you buy a new vehicle, the dealer will issue these documents.
After completing these steps, you should visit a vehicle registration office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle). It’s your last stop. They will then issue you a new KfZ-Schein and a plate number.
The plate will be sold to you in the shop, which is usually directly outside of the Zulassungsstelle. Then the plate gets stamped with the HU/AU seal (TÜV), and you are done!
When visiting a vehicle registration office, you will need to bring the following documents:
- Valid ID card or passport
- Electronic confirmation of vehicle insurance (eVB number)
- Fahrzeugbrief (owner certificate)
- Fahrzeugschein (circulation certificate)
- SEPA number
- For new motorcycles: purchase contract and Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
- For used motorcycles: proof of TÜV
- For leased motorcycles: confirmation of leasing and permission to use a vehicle
Certificate of Conformity translates as Nachweis der EG-Typgenehmigung durch EG-Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung.
To register a new motorcycle, you need to submit evidence of ownership when registering it. This can be the purchase contract. Besides, a registration office requires proof of the roadworthiness of your bike.
You can demonstrate it by having a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), which you receive when purchasing a vehicle. This document states that a motorcycle complies with EU legal requirements.
If you are registering an older bike, you must present a TÜV certificate (technical inspection). These include HU (Hauptuntersuchung) and AU (Abgasuntersuchung) inspections.
Motorcycle prices in Germany
You can buy a motorcycle for as cheap as 800 EUR and as expensive as 75,000 EUR (Ducati Desmosedici RR). See current prices for new and used models here.
Generally, you have two options: buy a new or a used one. A new motorcycle can be pretty expensive and averages between 5,000 EUR to 15,000 EUR. But you will get a warranty when buying a new vehicle which covers all repairs in the first few years.
In Germany, solid, used bikes can be found already at 1,000 EUR and new ones at 6,000 EUR.
New motorcycles
New motorcycles aren’t that cheap in Germany. Some of the most inexpensive models include:
- Kawasaki Z 400 – 5,600 EUR
- KTM 390 Duke – 5,450 EUR
- Royal Enfield 650 – 6,500 EUR
- Suzuki SV 650 – 6,890 EUR
- KTM 125 Duke 2021 – 5,350 EUR
Used motorcycles
You can get an incredible deal when choosing a used motorcycle over a new model. Honda, Kawasaki, or Suzuki in good conditions are available already at 1,500 EUR.
Other affordable models on the second-hand market:
- Suzuki SV 650
- Suzuki SV 650S
- Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer
- Honda CBR 600 F
- Kawasaki ZR-7
- Kawasaki ZR-7 S
- Suzuki XF 650 Freewind
Getting financing for a motorcycle in Germany
You don’t necessarily need to have the whole amount to buy a motorcycle in Germany. Both used and new motorcycles can be financed similarly to financing a car. You can shop for your motorcycle loan online or in person at the home bank.
When purchasing it via the dealership, you can agree on financing directly there, or prior to that at your home bank.
Besides, you can take out a personal loan which can be used for any purpose, including buying a motorcycle. If you want to purchase one from a private seller, you can only get a personal loan as a financing option.
For a special vehicle loan from a bank, you must have an official purchase contract.
Before applying for a loan, you need to decide on a budget, choose your motorcycle, and pick several loan providers, so you have a higher chance.
Check out best loans in Germany in this article.
About the vehicle financing in Germany:
- The bigger the down payment, the shorter the loan term, and the less interest you pay
- Make sure you can afford monthly payments
- Banks will check your credit score (SCHUFA)
- Loans through a dealership might cost you more
- Shop around
Use these loan calculators, they estimate your monthly installments, interest rates and pick the best providers. Smava and Tarifcheck are the largest of such.
How much does it cost to own a motorcycle in Germany?
Some bikes will require you to have around 10,000 EUR to get started, but you can go a cheaper route when buying a second-hand motorcycle and choosing an affordable insurance cover.
The average cost of having a motorcycle in Germany is between 500 EUR – 1,000 EUR per year, assuming you already have a license to drive it.
1. Vehicle insurance
In Germany, you need insurance for almost any vehicle, including a motorcycle, whether new or used. The insurance costs vary greatly. Similar to a car, it depends on your age, the vehicle model, and years of driving experience without an accident.
As a beginner or a foreigner without a driving history in Germany, you will pay the highest price – up to 600 EUR per year. Average prices on insurance motorcycle:
- 50 EUR for liability cover (third party)
- 80 EUR for Teilkasko (partially comprehensive coverage)
- 300 EUR for Vollkasko (comprehensive coverage)
Many coverages will include a deductible of 150 EUR.
Experienced drivers can get a better deal. A comprehensive coverage will cost you at least 100 EUR per year plus a 300 EUR deductible. To get this low price, you must have a private parking spot and a closed garage.
Find your insurance on Tarifcheck.de.
2. Motorcycle driving license
If you don’t have a license yet, you will need to get one. It’s not cheap in Germany. Expect to pay between 1,250 EUR and 1,550 EUR, but 2,000 EUR is more realistic.
3. Maintenance and service
The motorcycle’s maintenance includes occasional visits to the service for maintenance and wear & tear repairs. One hour of service work costs between 60 EUR and 140 EUR. If you have a new bike, you will save money on maintenance.
4. Vehicle tax
The vehicle tax for motorcycles is about 50 EUR per year; the exact amount depends on the engine capacity. However, you don’t pay any taxes on the following vehicles:
- Bikes up to 50 cc
- Bikes up to 125 cc
5. TÜV or inspections
- Motorcycles up to 50 cc are free from inspections
- Motorcycles from 50 cc must be controlled every two years. The cost is 60 EUR.
Other running costs of having a motorcycle in Germany:
- Fuel – 2,3 EUR/liter; average consumption is 3,5-7 liter per 100km;
- Tires – need to change every 3,000 – 15,000 km depending on the type. Tires can cost between 50 EUR and 500 EUR.
Motorcycle license in Germany
To drive a motorbike in Germany, you need a special driving license. It can also be a foreign one, yet, you can only use it for up to 6 months with a possible extension of up to one year.
German motorcycle driving licenses and bikes you can drive:
- Category AM – mopeds, motorcycles up to 4kw – 50cc
- Category A1 – small motorcycles up to 11kw – 125cc
- Category A2 – motorcycles up to 35kw (47HP) – from 300cc to 600cc
- Category A – all motorcycles
For instance, an A2 license limits you to 47 hp, but until that point, you can choose almost any bike you want.
