Who's in Germany?
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Rincon, GA
Who's in Germany?
Looks like my beautiful wife has snagged an assignment to Germany. We were in the Netherlands in the mid 80's so we have knowledge of Europe, but I need to know about shipping the bikes. She rides an Electra Glide Standard. I ride an 08 Road Glide. I want to know if non stock pipes will pass the inspection and will we get tickets for our pipes. Also lighting, the Netherlands only allowed during the last trip a Headlight, no marker lights, and only 1 tail light. I have time to get them ready to travel but I need to know the laws. What an opportunity 3-5 years in Germany to ride.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
The pipes may or may not pass. I just left Germany 4 months ago. They were very strict about pipes in Kaiserslautern. However, several people would make the ride to Baumholder every year for their inspection because they were a lot more lenient. Of course, one option is to find someone with stock pipes just for the inspection.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 6
From: FT Bragg NC
Currently here in Germany, Baumholder to be exact. When I took my SG in for inspection, the guy asked me if I had the stock pipes. I informed him that I didn't and he told me that depending on where I ride I might get a ticket because of my exhaust. He passed me anyway. I've been here for 2 years and have been all over Germany, rode through France, and Austria. Haven't incurred any issues with my pipes. Happy to be heading back to the states in a few months!!!!!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,475
Likes: 3,001
From: Charleston, SC
I'm thinking about an assignment there as well.
So... how is the riding? I figure there is EPIC rides all over Europe yep, but how is the daily I'm just riding around town maybe heading to work in Germany?
People on cell phones, Moms in Minivans cutting you off, and all that just like here in the states?
lp
So... how is the riding? I figure there is EPIC rides all over Europe yep, but how is the daily I'm just riding around town maybe heading to work in Germany?
People on cell phones, Moms in Minivans cutting you off, and all that just like here in the states?
lp
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Throughout Europe the US aftermarket has a healthy export going on! We are buying much of the same stuff as you, including SE and other brands of mufflers, exhausts, etc. Germany has autobahns with no speed restrictions, so you will finally be able to find how fast it'll go, with a clear conscience!
Lighting regulations vary across countries, so be guided by members with direct experience. Visitors passing through will be fine, however as a resident your vehicles will have to meet local requirements. Having family in the US forces I would expect you should have access to information relating to an overseas posting? Or the US Government can advise.
Lighting regulations vary across countries, so be guided by members with direct experience. Visitors passing through will be fine, however as a resident your vehicles will have to meet local requirements. Having family in the US forces I would expect you should have access to information relating to an overseas posting? Or the US Government can advise.
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 362
Likes: 13
From: Okinawa, Japan
is she taking a US DoD job?....If so no problem as the bikes get inspected and registered on base/post.....if you have loud pipes just don't be an idiot in small villages and you will be okay...keep off the throttle in a small town and don't "Blip" your exhaust every two seconds and you will be fine, if not you will be fined!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,044
Likes: 145
From: Lawrenceville,GA/Rome,Italy
You shouldn't have a problem with German DMV,here in Italy if an imported (US spec) bike/car cannot pass inspection they register the vehicle in Germany first and with the German papers no inspection is necessary to register.I guess they're more lenient.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 14
From: Canadian in Germany
Currently in Germany. Us Canucks don't use German plates so I don't need a TUV, but I can almost guarantee you won't pass one with aftermarket pipes. In saying that, I don't get hassled with my Hooker at all, but like I said I run Canada plates here.
And yes, the riding is amazing. People are extremely good. Lane splitting is legal. And not really any minivans. Lol. Coming into that left lane on the Autobahn can be interesting to say the least with BMWs doing 250 Kph. Lol.
Oh and here it is 15 Jan and I am still riding
And yes, the riding is amazing. People are extremely good. Lane splitting is legal. And not really any minivans. Lol. Coming into that left lane on the Autobahn can be interesting to say the least with BMWs doing 250 Kph. Lol.
Oh and here it is 15 Jan and I am still riding
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Rincon, GA
Update! Thanks guys for all the value info. Yes she is DOD and just transfering. We left Camp New Amsterdam the Netherlands in 1987. I miss how the drivers do what they are supposed to or be fined. Here it is a constant weave to get thur traffic. I rode a Goldwing in Holland and she took her lessons there. Furka Pass in Switzerland will be a must redo. Memories!!
I got a Germany info pack from TMO today but it only said lights must work. It said exhaust for vehicles and motorcycles must not exceed 95 decibels. My question on lighting is we put a kuryakyn panacea tail light and turn signals on hers this Christmas. Will they pass the inspection?
I got a Germany info pack from TMO today but it only said lights must work. It said exhaust for vehicles and motorcycles must not exceed 95 decibels. My question on lighting is we put a kuryakyn panacea tail light and turn signals on hers this Christmas. Will they pass the inspection?
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 4
From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
Update! Thanks guys for all the value info. Yes she is DOD and just transfering. We left Camp New Amsterdam the Netherlands in 1987. I miss how the drivers do what they are supposed to or be fined. Here it is a constant weave to get thur traffic. I rode a Goldwing in Holland and she took her lessons there. Furka Pass in Switzerland will be a must redo. Memories!!
I got a Germany info pack from TMO today but it only said lights must work. It said exhaust for vehicles and motorcycles must not exceed 95 decibels. My question on lighting is we put a kuryakyn panacea tail light and turn signals on hers this Christmas. Will they pass the inspection?
I got a Germany info pack from TMO today but it only said lights must work. It said exhaust for vehicles and motorcycles must not exceed 95 decibels. My question on lighting is we put a kuryakyn panacea tail light and turn signals on hers this Christmas. Will they pass the inspection?
- You must be seen and not blind/disturb people ahead of you.
- Your headlight reflector settings are the same as in the US since we use the same side of the road.
A few Asian bikes are set up like Xmas trees and I've never heard of any restriction.
When you only speak English, local troopers are very very friendly
Concerning Switzerland:
- Bikes with dual headlights are wired to use only one bulb for low beam. I was told this is to avoid confusion with automobiles.
My 2010 Electra Glide has the acceptance protocol sticker that rates it at 86dB. In the past bikes were accepted at 90dB.