Ask VMW: Need information on bringing my motorcycle overseas

Someone recently asked quite a few questions about bringing their motorcycles overseas.  Since I know very little about motorcycles over here, I thought I would ask an expert....a soldier who not only rides street and dirt bikes but who is also a motorcycle instructor on post.  Read on to find out more about it.

I've cut and pasted the answers below.  Remember that these are Belgium specific, but I do remember that Germany has similar rules for our military folks overseas.

1.  First and foremost am I authorized to register two motorcycles as well as the family van and a hoopty?
A.  You are authorized to register both motorcycles as well as your van and hoopty as long as you have proof of insurance for all vehicles you are registering to license for street use.  Your van or hoopty which...ever gets the worst gas mileage will be tax free then you will pay taxes annually on the other vehicles that you register for street use.

2.  The motorcycles (both) will be shipped as part of my household goods, shouldn't be a problem with the weight since we learned our lesson from our first tour and will sell a lot of stuff for the move.
A.  You are correct; motorcycles are considered part of your household goods.  The movers should build crates for your motorcycles to be shipped in.

3.  I will have to show my motorcycle license and riders course completion at vehicle registration, but I am not sure if additional motorcycle only testing will be required.
A.  If you have a motorcycle endorsement on your valid driver’s license from the US, then a motorcycle endorsement will be on your Belgium license once you have passed the written Belgium Drivers license test.

4.  I will have to register both bikes and pay registration fees.
A.  There is no registration fee for bikes or cars, only the annual tax on licensed street driven vehicles.  You only have to register bikes that are going to be licensed for street use.  If you have a bike or bikes that will be used for competition, racing, or off road use ONLY, they don't need to be registered.

5.  I will have to pay roadtax on a 1 liter and a 1.3 liter bike, not sure how much that will be.
A.  Road use tax only needs to be paid on motorcycles that are registered and licensed.  The taxes are not extreme, around 100 Euros for a 1.4 liter bike.

6.  I am not sure if I will have to get the bikes inspected, this might be an issue for my track bike as it is very modified.
A.  Your van and hoopty will need to be inspected but there are no motorcycle inspections.

7.  Since one of my bikes is semi used for track purposes can I claim it as an off road vehicle and not register it at all?
A.  Only motorcycles that are going to be used for street use need to be registered and licensed.  If the motorcycle is ONLY going to be used for off road track use it does not need to be registered.

8.  I understand space in Belgium households is a premium.  Do most homes in Belgium have garages and will they fit two motorcycles?
A.  There are plenty of homes with garages.  Finding a garage for your van and hoopty may be a problem.  Finding a garage for two bikes will not be a problem.

9.  Does your husband or any friends ride?
A.  Yes.  There are many motorcycle riders in SHAPE.  There are street riders, motocross riders, and competition road racers.  I do not know of any drag racing tracks, but there is a small track (I've seen quads on it) along the canal between Obourg and Nimy.