Where the motorcycles and two-wheelers for sale come from
The two-wheelers on offer come mainly from German public auctions. Zoll-Auktion sells motorcycles and scooters from customs, federal state and municipal fleets, sometimes seized vehicles. Justiz-Auktion auctions two-wheelers seized by bailiffs and courts. VEBEG sells equipment from the federal administration and the US forces, often by sealed tender, with lots excluding VAT. Add to that liquidations of bankrupt companies and private auction houses. Conditions are described in German: "defekt", "ungeprüft", "ohne Papiere". Bidorado translates these terms and displays the all-in price.
Checkpoints before bidding on a two-wheeler
Read the German listing in full: condition, mileage, presence of keys, papers and registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II). Check whether the lot is "nur Abholung", with no test possible, and whether a viewing (Besichtigung) is organised before the sale. For an untested two-wheeler, budget for reconditioning costs: battery, tyres, brakes, fuel, corrosion. Check the HU/TÜV technical inspection and its validity. At private auction houses, buyer's fees and German VAT are added: Bidorado includes them in the displayed price. An EU professional with an intra-community VAT number can often buy VAT-free, subject to conditions.
Collection, transport and registration in your country
Two-wheelers are almost always to be collected on site, in Germany. Arrange a transporter or a relay address if the seller does not ship. To ride back, request export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen) or temporary plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen), valid under conditions. To register in your country: certificate of conformity and the registration procedure of your country. Keep proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung) if you buy VAT-free. Check that the frame number matches the papers before you leave. Many lots sell without a bid: Bidorado's Radar flags these sales that are little known outside Germany.