US Citizen in LDR wanting to ride enduro in Negros

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Derek

Derek

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Howdy! I'm not an expat... yet. I am now engaged to a Filipina in Sipalay, Negros Occidental. I am interesting in buying a new bike that I found at a dealership in BGC to use when I am in the Philippines. Before it is suggested that I buy a used bike for ease of legalities let me explain that I have scanned the FaceBook Marketplace threads for months to see what is available and I don't see much of the types I am looking for on the used market there. 

 

So, can a US citizen register a new motorbike in the PH?

 

Or.. can a US business register a new motorbike in the PH? I do own my own business (LLC). 

 

Thanks & regards!

Derek

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Mike J

Mike J

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Welcome to the forum Derek.  Below is the URL from the LTO (Land Transportation Office) which gives instruction on how to register motorcycle.  After reading it I don't think there would be an issue.  Buying new is definitely the way to go in my opinion.  The dealer will do all the paperwork when buying a new bike.  The dealer may, emphasis on may, want to see a Philippine driver license, but it fairly easy to convert your US license to a Philippine license.  Post us a picture if/when when you buy a bike.  :thumbsup: 

https://ltoportal.ph/lto-motorcycle-registration/

 

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GeoffH

GeoffH

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Welcome to the forum Derek, according to the link above a documentary requirement for transferring ownership of a second hand motorcycle is a Taxpayer Identification Number and you wouldn't have one.

OTOH new motorcycle registration doesn't list that requirement so I'm also recommending buying new.

I'd also suggest staying with Yamaha or Honda for the widest dealer networks and easiest parts supply.

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hk blues

hk blues

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12 hours ago, Derek said:

Before it is suggested that I buy a used bike for ease of legalities 

That would surprise me if true. 

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Gator

Gator

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On 8/19/2024 at 11:48 AM, Derek said:

So, can a US citizen register a new motorbike in the PH

Simple answer: yes. I’ve purchased 2 new and one used bike. New purchase from a dealer was by far the simplest and easiest. In both instances I only needed to show my ACR card and passport. Neither dealer (Honda and Bristol) asked for a drivers license. The used bike was a hassle at the LTO. Due to my ignorance I did not get 3 of the sellers signature on the bill of sale (called a deed of sale in the Phils) nor did I get it notarized.  

Just out of curiosity, what bike(s) are you looking to buy? 

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Derek

Derek

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Mike J - Thank you for the warm welcome and the link. I will go through that carefully. I will look into the Philippines DL too.

 

GeoffH - Thank you for the recommendations. I just got back from riding a Yamaha 250 Serow around Negros. The bike served me well over there. The only compliant I have is its too small, which is going to be true for most of what's available there. I'm 6'1" so I felt like my knees where in my elbows. My hips hurt after riding it from Bacolod to Sipalay, and the size is the only thing I can attribute that to.

 

hk blues - You are probably correct. Someone had told me that a used bike came with tags and was easier to deal with. When I started looking online I would see information that contradicted what people were telling me. For example, someone told me I could register two-stroke dirt bikes and make them street legal there, but when I looked online I would find info suggesting the opposite. So I decided to join a forum like this and ask the guys that have done it and actually know.

 

Gator - Based on what's available in the PH I am eyeballing a KTM 350 EXCF. I am very familiar with that model (my profile photo is a 2023 500 EXC-F), its a very light, dirt capable bike. This bike is not very common in the PH but I found a dealer that has several that they got stuck with when a deal from Dubai fell through (as they explained it to me). This bike in the US is $13K, as soon as I looked at it the sales rep was telling me I could have one for 500,000PHP (about $8.9K). If that's the starting price I think I can haggle a bit and get a really good deal on a bike I am used to.

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GeoffH

GeoffH

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KTM are regarded as a premium brand here (even the entry level 200 models).

You will find dealers in many 1st class cities but don't expect too much access out in the provinces.

I would suggest taking it very easy riding here, medical access (and ambulances) are often very slow to arrive.

Try riding in a group maybe?

 

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Snowy79

Snowy79

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One concern I would have with a new motorcycle is getting it registered in your name. When I bought mine the paperwork gave me one week to get it home and to receive my new documents, technically after one week with no documentation it is illegal to ride on the public road. It took me a good three months to get my new registration documents but fortunately the island I'm on weren't bothered. 

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Mike J

Mike J

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17 hours ago, Snowy79 said:

One concern I would have with a new motorcycle is getting it registered in your name. When I bought mine the paperwork gave me one week to get it home and to receive my new documents, technically after one week with no documentation it is illegal to ride on the public road. It took me a good three months to get my new registration documents but fortunately the island I'm on weren't bothered. 

I hope some day there is a class action law suit brought when someone gets a ticket for no documents because the LTO either cannot/will not get them out according to the the mandate given them.   This is nothing but a damn money grab. :1927_:

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Rooster

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On 8/21/2024 at 3:21 AM, Derek said:

Gator - Based on what's available in the PH I am eyeballing a KTM 350 EXCF. I am very familiar with that model (my profile photo is a 2023 500 EXC-F), its a very light, dirt capable bike. This bike is not very common in the PH but I found a dealer that has several that they got stuck with when a deal from Dubai fell through (as they explained it to me). This bike in the US is $13K, as soon as I looked at it the sales rep was telling me I could have one for 500,000PHP (about $8.9K). If that's the starting price I think I can haggle a bit and get a really good deal on a bike I am used to.

Something to consider is the KTM 350 will be fine for Negros but it won't be permitted on any expressway network on Luzon where 400cc minimum, although the Duke 390 is permitted.

I'm not promoting Enfield, but other Enduro options such as the Himalayan 450 for p359k are available in The Philippines for your taller height.  https://www.royalenfield.com/ph/en/motorcycles/new-himalayan/

 

 

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