Hello fellow HUBBers!

If you are planning to begin your trip from southern Mexico down through to South America (ending in Chile) then you have the opportunity at a free travel bike. I am offering free use of this bike, if interested read on...

I am in situation with limited time and money (who isn't?!). Long story short I bought this motorcycle (Lil' Red) in Santiago, Chile brand new from a dealership for $5500 and travelled with 2 friends up to Mexico. I had hoped to drive to Alaska, but didn't do my research and found out I am unable to enter Canada with it. I am a Canadian citizen and border services Canada won't let me in with it. When I finally got to Mexico and realized this funds were low and I had to return to Canada for medical school interviews. I parked it in a secure garage and flew home hoping to figure away of importing into Canada while back home (I got attached to this bike)! Unfortunately it was made very clear the only way this bike was coming to Canada was if I waited another 13 years, for the bike to be 15 years old (Canadian import laws ruin me)!

I would love to spend more time in South America, specifically southern Chile and Argentina. Therefore if someone is open to drive this motorcycle to Santiago, Chile and return it to my ownership once there, I will "sell" them the motorcycle for $0, expecting them to "sell" it back for the same price. I have friends there to receive the bike upon its return and the logistics of the trip are rather simple. The largest and most expensive obstacle for the potential buyer is crossing the Darian Gap from Panama to Columbia, which is easily arranged and cost me $500 in the opposite direction.

Right now it is costing me $30/month in storage and I cannot legally sell it in Mexico to a citizen, but can to a non-citizen using the border sale technique. If I were to sell it where it is I would be lucky to get half what I paid. The most expensive part of my trip was the initial investment into the bike, why not remove the $30/month cost to myself and give someone the chance at a very cheap traveling motorcycle trip!

The bike itself is in great condition. It has ~25,000km and runs great, as expected from a brand new Honda. I just had it serviced and both the tires are good on tread. The only minor issue is with the bike is that the chain likely needs to be replaced (~$100). Does not have panniers or saddlebags (I just strapped my backpack and tent on). Comes with basic tools, 10L jerrycan, tirespoons, and a modular helmet. It is a good beginner travel bike that maxes out ~125KM/HR. A picture of Lil' Red is attached below!

If this whole arrangement seems too difficult, I am willing to straight out sell the bike for $2000 CAD. The whole process will be very simple due to the bikes location "between" countries. Mexico's 25KM free zone saved me on this one.

If you have any questions just post below! Hopefully we can get Lil' Red back on the road again soon.

Ryan Fyfe-Brown

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Hi Ryan!

I'm a Norwegian student who is going to America this July. My plan was to drive from USA to Chile, using about 7 months. July might be in a long time, but at least now you know I'm interested. The arrangement where I borrow the bike from you, delivering it in Santiago suits me just fine.
You'll probably have to consider waiting that long, but either ways I hoped perhaps you could help me with some questions I have. Firstly, how do I do it with insurance when I'm a Norwegian guy, "buying"/borrowing a Chilean bike in Mexico? Secondly, I've understood border crossing might be difficult sometimes, how will that work? Will the bike be registered in my name, or will I have some kind of paper giving me a authorization? Thirdly, are there any American countries, except for Canada, I won't get into with this bike?

Feel free to contact me on e-mail, nordiccorn@gmail.com if you prefer that.

Regards,
Sigurd

Hi Sigurd,

For a more detailed idea of what would happen with the transfer check out this thread in another part of the HUBB:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...n-mexico-75084

As outlined there, you will be the owner of the bike outright. The border crossings in Central America tend to be the most troublesome, but even then if you keep your paper undamaged and insist it is not a photo copy you will be fine. South American borders comparatively are a breeze. With this bike under your name all American countries are going allow you to enter. I can't get into Canada because I am Canadian, but a Norwegian would have no trouble (although I must say Canada would be quite the detour hahaha).

Insurance will be annoying, but definitely possible. You could buy insurance in Norway maybe... I am not too sure. Or you could battle your way through the insurance agencies of Chile (How is your Spanish?). My recommendation is to buy it online. Even then many countries force you to buy international insurance when you enter so you don't need any other coverage. BUT other don't and may give you a hard time if you don't. Overall insurance will be a pain but it is definitely possible to get it because the bike is in your name. There will be another thread on the HUBB about this. I can do some reading later when I have a chance.

Other than that, I'd love to skype to explain all the details of the process and give you any advice about the trip!

July is not too long either, I am very patient. One thing we will have to discuss is covering the parking fee, which is $30/month in Mexico now.

sounds interesting... Where in Mexico is the bike located?

What timeframe you have considered for the rider of your bike to take it from Mexico to Chile?

I am in Mexico nowadays preparing myself for a ride like that, but my bike isn´t well suited for the ride. It´s a 200 cc old Bajaj, and I am considering some other bike.

Let´s talk!

Where is the bike now? I live in Yuma, AZ and have no problem storing it here at my home if it is close enough. My guess is that you don't have plans to come back here anytime soon, but if you can get it across the border, and are close enough, you are more than welcome to store it for free. Just throwing it out there for you...