Hello experts,

I am planning now a trip from Panama City north to the USA. Can you briefly summarize whether I can cross all borders WHEN I'm in PANAMA, and:

a.) i buy a new motorbike with Panama plate (as a tourist posible ?, can I buy a new motorbike in Panama? how long does it take until I "get going"..is the registration complicated or takes a long time ?)

OR

b.) i buy a used motorcycle in Panama from another tourist (with e.g. US or Canadian or MEX license plate, etc.). Is that legal (purchase from tourist to tourist) What do I have to consider so that I can cross all borders and there are no surprises and "it´s going through" everywhere

Regards
Frank

Hi Frank -

I am selling my bike which is now in Panama so I know the process if you were to buy a bike from a foreigner. It’s not that difficult. The process takes roughly 1 week (but should plan for potentially up to 2 weeks). And you and the seller would do a Bill of Sale and Power of Attorney which needs to be apóstoled by the Panama government. Then you are able to cross borders with your name on the bike. The paperwork can be done by the guys at Overland Embassy, a well known shipping company that ships across the Darien for a fee of about $270. Then Overland Embassy has a guy in the US who can register the bike with VT plates and ship the plates to you on the road. He also charges a fee that is maybe roughly similar to Overland Embassy.

My bike is a 2012 BMW g650gs fully kitted with adventure gear, touratech panniers, adv mirrors, foot pegs, bash plate, etc… and most of the regular servicing like back tire, chain and sprocket, brakes have all been refreshed recently.

Price is $5,300 obo. Miles is 52k. And we would need to do it within the next 2 weeks or so bc the TIP on the bike now will expire.

You should see my ad below for more information and always happy to talk on the phone and send more info if you’re interest.

Thanks!
-Tammy