Hi all, just crossed the threshold from creeper to participant.

I'm currently in Antigua, Guatemala and am looking to purchase a cheap bike on which to cruise around Central America. I have until May to travel, at which point I might resell it down here, or ride back home to Colorado if I'm feeling particularly ambitious. I'm hoping to get some input on some options I'm considering, as I'm not very familiar with any of the options.

For about the same price ($1,300 give or take a couple hundred) I could get:

-New Honda CGL 125
-New Honda CB1 125 (might be known as the tuf?)
-New Avatar FR200 GY (Chinese enduro)
-New AHM RX 150 (Chinese enduro)
-Used 2005 Suzuki 200 DR (20,000 miles, bought from a motorcycle guide)
OR, for about $600 I could get a used Chinese 125 with 15k miles.

So, it's basically a choice between a tiny new Honda that's not great for rougher terrain, a new Chinese enduro, or a heavily used but well-maintained and proven enduro. Or a throw-away bike. I know some people will say 125cc is just too small, but the small engine wouldn't be a problem for me. I'll only be packing a backpack, and sticking to backroads when possible. I got all around Korea on a 50cc scooter and went from AZ to AK on an old Ninja 250, so going on an undersized bike is almost a hobby of mine.

Anyone have experience going long-distance on any of these little guys? Or with Guatemalan paperwork? Any input is greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

Steve

don't even think about a chinese bike, you are playing with your life.
the dr 200 from David is a pretty good deal.
or i have a ctx 200 here , only 2 moths old for Q28.000, its 38.000 new, so come and have a look.
also have a suzuki AX 100, very cheap, they are very reliable.

Taz

I have experience with that.
I travel on a XR125 all over the place. 125 is more than enough for going places. For your aplication, AND BUDGET, I can tell you that what I encounter often in good running shape is the Jialing 135 enduro. Tough little bikes and you will find parts for them all over Central America, from what I was told talking to riders.

The CGL TP as well as the YBR125 G are CONVERTED delivery bikes to D/P they are also in my opinion good bang for the buck. If you want to know more about people doing long trips on them look up www.desafioybr.com.ar (ybr), www.talesfromthe saddle.com (xr125) and Hondavstheworld. (CGL125). Not sure about the .com part etc, but the name are correct and you could google them.

The CTX that Motomundo sells is also a VERY good option. Being 200cc.
The Avatar is a NEW bike in the market and people that have bought them are relatively happy with them, but I dont know anyone traveling long distances on them.

Frenchie's DR200 is a good option if you end up riding back to the US, as you can find all kinds of parts and options for it in the states, where the 125cc's will just be novelties w/o service or parts available.

Anything you buy, for the kind of traveling you are doing will do perfectly fine. After all, 125 is the main mode of transport around this part of the world.

Thank you both for the input. I'd probably already have gone for a new Honda 125, but the 3 week wait to get the plates is a long time to wait...
I don't suppose there's anyway to grease that process with a few hundred Q's?

In one word NO. You could have negotiated it before paying...but now it's too late. Keep bugging your sales person...as they Honda process a bunch of plates at a time and yours may come back sooner, but sits at their office. It is not HONDA its SAT that takes its time.

you are wrong rich, its honda. Sat can be done in 1,5 hour, honda is the slow one.know people waiting for 2-3 months on their plates. No excuse, other companies take a month do do the new bikes, honda takes 2-3 months. they are by far the worse.

Taz

I do know if they still sell the Yammie YBR125G there, but it's a great bike for dirt roads and general travel.
Strong frame and subframe (based off a commercial platform so has a high carrying capacity), comfortable, 12l tank gives 400km range. The ones here come with 18" 50/50 knobby tires, and a rack that's surpringly useful.
Mine has done 15k fairly rough miles mostly 2-up and with a load, survived 3 crashes with minimal damage, and been very reliable.

Nothing wrong with many of the Chinese bikes either, as long as you know what you are getting. The bad ones I wouldn't touch with a barge pole, but the better ones are excellent value for money.