Buying and keeping a bike in France

[jackronner]

My plan WAS to go to France, buy a used bike for yearly tours, and leave it at my French friend's house, whose address I can use for official documentation.  Any non-French riders out there who bought and registered a bike in France?  I know the have an inspection sticker, which wouldn't be a problem if bought from a dealer, but would I have to get it re-inspected upon a purchase from a private owner?  Any tricky bits or delays in the insurance or registration process?  I want to know how to budget my time.  I know about the high-visibility vest and triangle road-hazard requirements. Thanks in advance.