The Bike

My initial thoughts were to buy a motorbike in the Netherlands, with some help from my family.   There could be a problem with Registration (Licence) and Green Card Insurance.    I don't know yet.   

I hope to buy a Honda Africa Twin 750cc.   I have heard good reports about them. 

The other options were the Yamaha Tenere, or the Kawasaki KLR650.   They don't seem to have KLR's in the Netherlands, as I could only find one or two on the net.  Anyway, I already own a KLR, so maybe a I should try another bike.   

Maybe the Aprilia Pegaso or the Cagiva Elefant.   The GS BMW, any of them, would be a great ride too.

http://www.marktplaats.nl/  then click on Motoren in the Left Column.
http://www.mobile.de/   is the classifieds for Germany.
   

However, it may be better the rent a motorbike from a dealer.   Then the dealer will take care of any paperwork.   It would probably be a similar price if I consider buying, transfer and other costs, insurance, and maybe not being able to sell it easily.   At this stage, I plan to rent a Yamaha XT660Z.   I had planned to buy one in Australia.   Then I can ride the bike and see if it is the right motorbike for me.  

I like this.

My rented bike.  2012 Yamaha XT660Z Tenere

Jenny asked for some more details on the bike.   It’s a black Yamaha 660cc, Tenere.   Based on the Dakar Tenere.   A very high seat at 895mm, so you sit tall.   Same as the KLR.   The side panniers are from a KTM bike.   Big and roomy.   One has the lock upside down, so I seem to always get the key wrong.   More practice required by me!   The top box is an original Yamaha, and this key is also delicate.   The Mechanic at the Bike shop showed me how it works, and asked me to be gentle.   The best feature is they are waterproof.   So far, nothing has gotten wet in the two days of drizzle.   The bike rides very nicely with enough power and speed for the freeways.  (120kms).   I am very glad I hired it.