Nefesh BNefesh

The following information was posted by Oleh Sammy Ominsky (NBN 2005) to the NBN Yahoo list on Dec 22, 2005:

> As an Oleh Chadash are tax breaks offered for the purchase of new or
> used motorbikes?

Benefits on a new motorcycle are the same as on a new car. Essentially, take 25% off the price the dealer quotes. You'll have the same restrictions as a new car, too. You have to keep it 5 years or pay the taxes when you sell it. It's going to be much harder to sell a motorcycle passport-to-passport than a car.

I decided to buy a used bike first, then in a year or so I'll sell it and buy a new bike. The Oleh rights on a vehicle are good for three years.

As a side note, I'm very happy with my used Kawasaki KLE500. It's not so hot on the highway relative to my last bike (Honda V65 Sabre 1100cc), but it's perfect for getting around the city, and a LOT of fun off-road. I may just buy a new one when it's time.

Sam Ominsky
Netanya 2005

Sam's Update -- January, 2009:

I still have the same Kawasaki KLE500 and love it!  The insurance is outrageously expensive, though, and may be a deterrent for anyone hoping to save money by riding a bike instead of a car.  I am 42, with 25 years of riding experience, and no accidents, and pay over 5000 NIS/year just for mandatory insurance (Chovah).

By the way, as a new Oleh I was able to get a license for a big bike, because I had one in my country of origin.  The clerk in Misrad Harishui simply asked me if I wanted to take the big bike test, I said yes, and she stamped it as OK.