Germany Here I Come :(
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
From: Brandon, Fl.
Miesau (or Brachmulbach (sp?))also has a Dealership, which may be a better option than going to K-town. THings could be worse than Germany(think Korea....) Have fun, too bad you are choosing to leave your family behind.........good luck. Ramstein was a fun time for us.........
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 195
From: Harford Co., Maryland
Miesau (or Brachmulbach (sp?))also has a Dealership, which may be a better option than going to K-town. THings could be worse than Germany(think Korea....) Have fun, too bad you are choosing to leave your family behind.........good luck. Ramstein was a fun time for us.........
Banned
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
Man am I glad I never went to Germany. But I have heard great things and really no complaints about it. I was in Hawaii for quite sometime and that was too faraway from me. I cant stand being secluded and no where really to go.
Germany is a little different. You can at least travel. It will be a change but Ive had a lot of people go to Germany and like it and some say they would go back in a heartbeat.
Germany is a little different. You can at least travel. It will be a change but Ive had a lot of people go to Germany and like it and some say they would go back in a heartbeat.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 973
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
Baumholder was my first assignment back in 1975. You'll enjoy Germany, but bring your tools with you. Since you won't have a garage, I would recommend getting a Cycleshell. After I got divorced, I had to more into an apartment and this saved my bike through rain, snow and a major wind-storm...not cheap, well worth the money.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs
Bald1der,
I agree with all get some good tools and a service manual. They are a must have!! You can get tools in Germany but by the time, you add the cost in Euros, because of the conversation rate and the tax, it not worth it. Second, you should know that Germany and Europe is not too big on all the aftermarket stuff. So be careful what you to do to your bike. Such as loud pipes, ect.
I would suggest finding a good Harley Stealer that will ship to an APO address, and get your parts from them. Then have someone put them on. You have to be very aware of the Germany TUVE (inspection). That is their inspection of your bike to make sure the bike meets all their laws before they will give you a license to ride on the streets. This is a pain in the ***.
There are tons of Harley riders in Germany retired US personal, Dod Civ, and others that will probably help you wrench on your bike.
The language thing is not that bad. Most speak some English.
I will be heading to Germany later this year and will not be too far from you. I also have a German guy who has been only working on Harley for over thirty years, who you can trust, and he wont break your bank.
Hit me up on PM if you want to talk off line.
Bryan
I agree with all get some good tools and a service manual. They are a must have!! You can get tools in Germany but by the time, you add the cost in Euros, because of the conversation rate and the tax, it not worth it. Second, you should know that Germany and Europe is not too big on all the aftermarket stuff. So be careful what you to do to your bike. Such as loud pipes, ect.
I would suggest finding a good Harley Stealer that will ship to an APO address, and get your parts from them. Then have someone put them on. You have to be very aware of the Germany TUVE (inspection). That is their inspection of your bike to make sure the bike meets all their laws before they will give you a license to ride on the streets. This is a pain in the ***.
There are tons of Harley riders in Germany retired US personal, Dod Civ, and others that will probably help you wrench on your bike.
The language thing is not that bad. Most speak some English.
I will be heading to Germany later this year and will not be too far from you. I also have a German guy who has been only working on Harley for over thirty years, who you can trust, and he wont break your bank.
Hit me up on PM if you want to talk off line.
Bryan
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 2
Winter in Baumholder can be a bi#ch. lots of snow and ice. The roads are winding with a lot of ups and downs which will make for some good riding in summer months. You won't be far from Belgium, France and Holland. Take as much leave as you can get and travel as far as you can go. Europe has tons of Historic places to see, and the Beer is soooo gooood!
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Bavaria
Congrats on the move to Germany. I've lived there since 1991. I'll list some tuff and try to answer other ques. if you have them. Loudness test is no more than 95 dB (if they do it) I work in Illesheim and they don't. Baumholder has a Auto Craft Shop w/ a bike lift (90% chance). You need MSF course and will have to take a test(book). Stateside bike endorsement also a must. For parts I use LibertyHD in Akron, OH. 20% off and will ship to APO. Tire rack and others will do APO also(for your rubber) Most indys I've found will let you bring your own parts, oil, whatever and use a tax form (-19%). Selling your bike to a German is near impossible. Everything that is not stock Harley has to be listed on their registration. Any mods must also be listed and have been proven by the government to be legal/safe for that bike. All their aftermarket parts come with a TÜV cert that states they have been approved. Buying yours, for them, would cost an additional 3-5K to have all these tests done. Half helmet is passable for americans. It's a wonderful place to ride and see the sites.
Oh, also, I stay away from anything Air Force on the bike--they are worse than the Germans--full reflective vest, boots, etc. the whole AMA/MSF recommended outfit just to get on post and it's just not worth the headache. (no tshirts, tennis shoes, skid lid) Anything else you can think of let me know.
Oh, also, I stay away from anything Air Force on the bike--they are worse than the Germans--full reflective vest, boots, etc. the whole AMA/MSF recommended outfit just to get on post and it's just not worth the headache. (no tshirts, tennis shoes, skid lid) Anything else you can think of let me know.
Last edited by Titus Plumeritus; Nov 26, 2011 at 08:54 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 3
From: Central Texas
Germany is a awesome country! Was stationed at a AWACS base near Tevern. Talk about places to ride too!! You have all of Europe to ride thru!
Yes... do bring tools, manual and a cover for your bike tho. Riding thru the Alps cannot be put into words! You just have to experience it
Ride and have a great time !
Yes... do bring tools, manual and a cover for your bike tho. Riding thru the Alps cannot be put into words! You just have to experience it
Ride and have a great time !
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