moving to Oxford in October!
Discussion
hey guys, this is my first post. I have an '86 944 and a '72 914/4 and am currently in the US. I recently found out that I got into the University of Oxford and will be staying there for at least one year. I'm really excited about all this and cant wait. I'm really going to miss my p-cars though. I was wondering if there was anyone on here in the area, and if there were any porsche events in the area? It would be really great if I could check out some euro porsches. also, I was wondering if someone knowledgable could help me out with my transportation needs. I was thinking of purchasing a 90's Ducati for transportation while in the UK. may even consider a BMW Funduro. I dont really know anything about taxes and registration there, or even about international licence requirements. i don't really need something too powerful or too expensive. how is the motorcycle market, specifically ducati, over there? if anyone could help me, it would be greatly appreciated! thanks.
Porsche:
If you are keen on Porsches and want to "keep-in-touch" with Porsche whilst staying in the UK I suggest joining the Porsche Club GB. It will cost you £60 for a year's membership (about a hundred bucks) but you will have access to club events, club meets and find out all about Porsche racing in the UK. The PCGB run track days all over the UK and, chances are, if you go along to one of these you will see a fine array of vehicles and may even be offered a ride around the track.
Oxford is very close to our GP racing circuit - Silverstone - which regularly features Porsche racing. This August there is a four day Porsche festival at another of our premier racing circuits - Brands Hatch in Kent - only two hours drive from Oxford.
As to motorcycle transport - I'm afraid I'm no expert. Others will be able to assist you better. Be aware that the exchange rate between the US dollar and the UK Pound Sterling is ruinous for Americans at the moment - a dollar eighty-five to the pound whereas it used to be nearer a dollar-fifty. This will make expensive items like cars appear VERY expensive to you.
Hope any of the above helps...
If you are keen on Porsches and want to "keep-in-touch" with Porsche whilst staying in the UK I suggest joining the Porsche Club GB. It will cost you £60 for a year's membership (about a hundred bucks) but you will have access to club events, club meets and find out all about Porsche racing in the UK. The PCGB run track days all over the UK and, chances are, if you go along to one of these you will see a fine array of vehicles and may even be offered a ride around the track.
Oxford is very close to our GP racing circuit - Silverstone - which regularly features Porsche racing. This August there is a four day Porsche festival at another of our premier racing circuits - Brands Hatch in Kent - only two hours drive from Oxford.
As to motorcycle transport - I'm afraid I'm no expert. Others will be able to assist you better. Be aware that the exchange rate between the US dollar and the UK Pound Sterling is ruinous for Americans at the moment - a dollar eighty-five to the pound whereas it used to be nearer a dollar-fifty. This will make expensive items like cars appear VERY expensive to you.
Hope any of the above helps...
I live about 15 miles from Oxford. The annual Porsche Club GB meet was at Eynsham Hall just outside Oxford last year - I think it's going to be held at Brands Hatch this year though.Hi Schnell944,
I live 10 miles from Oxford and have a BMW Funduro for sale right now. If you wish to email me off line we can discuss further.
Ducati in the UK, are neither cheap to run nor reliable. They really are a case of heart ruling head, hence why I have a Ducati 996 and the BMW.
The BMW used to take me to work in London every day and the Ducati was for speed kicks. I have recently moved closer to a railway station, so the train wins and my wife wants me to kill off the beemer.
I am pretty familiar with all the licencing laws for bikes and currently keep myself occupied at weekends doing stuff for a large local advanced motorcycle group who you might want to check out:
www.tvam.org.uk
Depending on your age and experience the access requirements do vary with bikes in the UK, but the BMW costs me £150 fully comprehensive insurance, £60 per year to tax and is a doddle to service in under an hour (the parts kit is £6, yes six pounds).
The Duke on the other hand is a again £60 to tax, but costs £1000 a year in dealer servicing, about £800 to insure and my chiropractor is kept pretty busy too. However I wouldn't touch another sports bike on the planet. There is something to be said for something designed on the back of a cigarette packet over a few bottles of Chianti, perfect to look at and ride, but reliability errr no.
The only other thing that stirs the same petrol related emotions in me is my 993 C4S.
Looking forward to having you come over, if I can help or advise further just shout.
Ian D
I live 10 miles from Oxford and have a BMW Funduro for sale right now. If you wish to email me off line we can discuss further.
Ducati in the UK, are neither cheap to run nor reliable. They really are a case of heart ruling head, hence why I have a Ducati 996 and the BMW.
The BMW used to take me to work in London every day and the Ducati was for speed kicks. I have recently moved closer to a railway station, so the train wins and my wife wants me to kill off the beemer.
I am pretty familiar with all the licencing laws for bikes and currently keep myself occupied at weekends doing stuff for a large local advanced motorcycle group who you might want to check out:
www.tvam.org.uk
Depending on your age and experience the access requirements do vary with bikes in the UK, but the BMW costs me £150 fully comprehensive insurance, £60 per year to tax and is a doddle to service in under an hour (the parts kit is £6, yes six pounds).
The Duke on the other hand is a again £60 to tax, but costs £1000 a year in dealer servicing, about £800 to insure and my chiropractor is kept pretty busy too. However I wouldn't touch another sports bike on the planet. There is something to be said for something designed on the back of a cigarette packet over a few bottles of Chianti, perfect to look at and ride, but reliability errr no.
The only other thing that stirs the same petrol related emotions in me is my 993 C4S.
Looking forward to having you come over, if I can help or advise further just shout.
Ian D
Welcome Ryan
When you get over here, do join the Porsche Club GB and
possibly think about going along to one of the regional monthly meetings.
Oxford is about equal distance for both the Thames Valley region or indeed the Cotswold region both are about 20-25 miles away, lots of events and motorsport stuff organised all the time!
When you get over here, do join the Porsche Club GB and
possibly think about going along to one of the regional monthly meetings.
Oxford is about equal distance for both the Thames Valley region or indeed the Cotswold region both are about 20-25 miles away, lots of events and motorsport stuff organised all the time!
awesome, thanks so much for the warm welcome guys! I will definately be keeping in touch and will surely join the Porsche Club. Before I make the trip over, I'll be autocrossing the 944 every chance I get, so I'll definately have some seperation anxiety when I get over. This will be my first time outside my home country except for a trip to Canada, which doesnt count for much, so I'm sure it will be quite an experience. I'm really just very honored to get the privilage to study at such a great University.
The bike issue is coming up because I really would love to travel on my own during breaks(to porsche events and beyond) and it would probaly provide some means of enjoyment during the semesters, too. I still have to sort out parking and such and see what I'm allowed to keep at Uni. I have no idea if I can keep something like a bike on the street or am allowed to park it in a designated area or something whilst being there. Either way, I cant wait!
The bike issue is coming up because I really would love to travel on my own during breaks(to porsche events and beyond) and it would probaly provide some means of enjoyment during the semesters, too. I still have to sort out parking and such and see what I'm allowed to keep at Uni. I have no idea if I can keep something like a bike on the street or am allowed to park it in a designated area or something whilst being there. Either way, I cant wait!
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