Where, in Europe, is....

[JustTheTip]

...the least expensive place to buy bikes? I heard that dukes are really cheap if you buy in Italy (and what better excuse to pick one up from the factory?), and I know that DK motorcycles have sourced bikes from France before.

[mtbr]

Last time I checked,about a year ago, New Ducati prices were much the same across the EEC, Dealers in France and Spain were generaly less willing to discount, or throw odds and ends into the deal. Also French bikes used to be limited to 100hp. Don't know if this is still true, (it was normally very easy to find the missing power.)

Second hand prices tend to be vary more, especially for sports bikes (which are more popular in the UK than the rest of Europe.) IMHO you would probably do better with an established parallel importer in this country.
M.

[speed8]

mtbr said:

Also French bikes used to be limited to 100hp. Don't know if this is still true, (it was normally very easy to find the missing power.)

I'm fairly certain it's still true or at least was up to last year.

[desmo]

French bikes are all limited to 100 hp, however many are destricted by the owners. The bad news is that the french gouvernment have introduced or are introducing very soon, a law that means you can go to prison for de-restricting your bike! the dealer that does the work can also get a prison sentence. This is a serious problem if they decide to start enforcing it. i.e. even a non standard can could make you a criminal. Apparently some areas may be investing in dyno's to check suspect bikes! Obviously politicians never ride bikes so we always get shafted!