Motoring as a tourist in Oz

cantdecide

As I'm planning a trip that would initially be based around motorbike touring, I could do with some remedial help on the nitty gritty how things work.


I'm a little confused as to the requirements and terminology and would appreciate some help with this... errrr.. short list

For the record, the plan I'm working to at the moment is to arrive in Perth on a holiday visa, find a used bike, ride to Brisbane, sell the bike and fly on to NZ on a WHV.

License:
-However, I'm wondering whether I'll need to obtain some kind of international license, as a tourist?

Becoming the registered owner
-What is the term that refers to the permanent regstered owner of the bike?
-What is required to become the registered owner of a bike normally?
-Is it done locally or is it a centralised mail thing?
-Is there a delay in changing ownership? (I'm worried about proving ownership to law enforcement, later). You only need a name and address here- I'm worried I need a TFN or something like that as I'll be on a tourist visa.
-Do you think I could use a "C/O" address of a friend to become the registered owner?
-Are there charges for changing ownership?
-Could it be difficult for me to transfer ownership on later?

Rego;
-Is Registration not the same as Rego?
-Am I wrong in thinking rego is simply like motor tax with basic insurance included?
-What does Rego cost? Is it a standard figure or is it different figure for different vehicles?
-If I buy a bike without rego, do I really have to do a swindle to rego it again because I'm a foreigner?

Insurance;
-I understand there is a basic level of insurance cover provided by the state?
-I think a lot of people put their own insurance on a vehicle for peace of mind?
-Is there a discount for having proof of no claims?
-Can it be difficult to get comprehensive insurance for particular individuals or is it like a standard-ish figure?
-Can you get comprehensive insurance for shorter periods of time or is it annual, only?
-Is it difficult to obtain insurance quotes quickly?
-Is it an option to drive without privately purchased insurance as an ill-advised last resort?

The bike itself;
-Service history- should all bikes have proof of mileage or servicing?
-Are there a lot of 'clocked' bikes? How diligent should I be- will I need to get every bike I look at professionally inspected?
-What is the culture on haggling? If someone is asking $6000, will they be expecting me to start offering them $4500 or do people generally ask roughly what they want?

cantdecide

Anyone have any help or guidance on any of the above???

ellaq

I will try and help with some of the answers.

Rego is the same as registration. You can pay it yearly or 6-monthly. When purchasing a vehicle you should at least view the document to prove the ownership of the vehicle and that the rego has been paid.

You have to pay stamp duty on the purchase of vehicles. I am in WA where it is worked out at a percentage of the market value. Not too sure about the other states. You should check out the state licensing websites.

Also not too sure about using a c/o address.

Rego in WA includes third-party insurance. It would be advisable to get extra insurance if you are travelling australia. You wouldn't want to have a serious accident out there. There are a number of motorcycle insurance companies. You can get insurance on the day over the phone. Not sure about a shorter term. We use Shannons which also specialises in bikes.

Would advise you not to purchase a bike without rego as getting it over the pits might be difficult and expensive.

Also not too sure about Australian changing the clock on their vehicles. Haven't seen this since we have been here and we have purchased a lot of cars and bikes over the years. My current car has over 270000 clicks on it, the engine was rebuilt a few years ago. I don't expect to have any problems selling it either, plenty going around with well over 300000.

With regards to haggling every seller is different. No harm in asking less.

Plenty of japanese travel australia on motorbikes. Sometimes you will see them selling their bike and gear in hostels when they are finished.

Pugins

Can't answer alot of these but got car insurance without needing to provide proof of no claims. Had brought letter from Ireland from previous insurer but Aus insurer just noted years driving with no claims and didn't request written proof.