Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Purchasing a US bike in Panama Purchasing a US bike in Panama
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Apr 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Nomad
Posts: 9
Purchasing a US bike in Panama
I'm interested in a CA plated bike (conveniently, I'm also a CA resident) that is located in Panama City. What is the proper process (or maybe 'sufficient' is a better word) to get the bike and I out of the country without issue? I don't mind getting creative with Photoshop, but it's my understanding that the seller would need to check the bike out of the country and then I would check it back in...?

Following the transaction I will head north before looping back down and crossing the Gap. Searches didn't return the answer. Thanks for any help you can offer
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Apr 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,969
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jacob_Wisdom View Post
it's my understanding that the seller would need to check the bike out of the country and then I would check it back in...
Right. So what's your question? Head for the C.R. border with the seller and your photoshopped documents, then do what needs to be done. Make sure the price is properly discounted to allow for the risks you're taking.

One alternative: re-register it in person in your home state, California. Airfare is not so expensive, considering.

Another possibility: Last I knew there was no one to ensure that you cancel your TVIP when leaving Panama by boat (i.e., towards Colombia). As long as you don't plan to return--an important consideration--you could easily do a TVIP into Colombia under your own name. That doesn't allow you to ride north (west, actually), before heading for Colombia.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Apr 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Nomad
Posts: 9
Good answer, thanks. Here's a question: I plan on selling the bike after riding South America. I know I can get around with forged paperwork, but when the time comes to sell I have a feeling many people wouldn't be keen on such a situation...not to mention the plates will be expired by then. I don't want to fly back to CA. Can I get a statement notarized that says I give someone else (for instance my brother) permission to act as my proxy in registering the bike in person at the DMV? Previously when registering a bike in CA there has never been any type of inspection, thus I don't believe the bike needs to be present.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Apr 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 70
Short answer "be very careful"!
If luck is on your side you can get away with anything, I helped a guy in Panama who did this, bought a bike very cheap & ended up paying another $2500 for problems that occured afterwards.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Apr 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,969
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jacob_Wisdom View Post
Can I get a statement notarized that says I give someone else (for instance my brother) permission to act as my proxy in registering the bike in person at the DMV?
Not to be rude, but you're from California. Why are you asking here, when you can ask directly at the appropriate office in California (or have your brother ask)?

If all else fails, the state of California has a good website with many answers on a variety of subjects. I've looked for registration-related information there in the past. Try it.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Apr 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 70
don't forget if you fix the title you still have to take possesion of the bike in no mans land as the TIP & insurance are not in your name & you have no TIP stamp in your passport.
Only the person named on the TIP can ride the bike. Do not try fixing TIP s, it doesn't work, if you get stopped the bike goes straight to the compound. Panama is one of the few places that stamps the vehivle in your passport. (Honduras is another).
If the vendor does not cancel the stamp he may not be allowed to leave, just depends how awake the immigration guy is!!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Apr 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 70
my advice is fly to the US & buy a clean bike in your name
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Apr 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 2
Anyone can go to the California DMV and change the title into your name, provided they have the original title signed by the previous owner. I have done this for a friend. You will need an address in CA to have the title mailed to you.

Once you have the title there are side roads at Paso Canoas that allow you to get the bike out of Panama and into C.R. without going through the Aduana on the Panama side. You will need to go to Panamanian immigration, but you can park your bike and just walk up to the window. Then ride the back streets into C.R., go to the C.R. Aduana and do the C.R. import paperwork. C.R. Aduana does not check if the bike has been checked out of Panama. From there, you can ride north.

I'm not sure what will happen if you try to re-enter Panama with the bike. They may be able to see from the VIN that the bike was previously imported and not cleared. But you can claim ignorance and blame the previous owner for not clearing the old TIP.

The previous owner can leave via airplane. At the airport there is no immigration check on departing passengers.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying Used Bike in Santiago Chile lachy South America 187 5 Dec 2023 14:53
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
Information wanted from experienced bikers in South America joentje100 South America 35 1 Jan 2010 04:00
Transfering Title In Buenos Aires kwelfl South America 7 28 Dec 2008 16:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 22:20.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top