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Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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Old 1 Oct 2011
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Eumundi, AUS
Posts: 81
Quote:
Originally Posted by chef jules View Post
My plan is to buy a bike in US , ride Route 66 east to west and sell bike before returning to UK. Is that practical or should I consider hiring. Dont want "organized tour" I want to do it my way. Any thoughts ?

Perfectly doable!

We did something similar last year.

Have since sold one bike and have an F650GS still for sale south of San Francisco. (San Francisco Motorcycle if you're interested)

Some comments:
  • The paperwork in California is pretty easy
  • Although expect delays in getting 'official' govt papers and numberplates due to the state only having part time workers
  • Crossing the Canadian border without a numberplate wasn't an issue as Customs have a big database including your VIN numbers etc.
  • Insurance is cheap (we used Progressive and highly recommend)
  • There is sales tax if you buy from a dealer
  • There a lot of friendly ex-pats (like Martin) who lend you their addresses and garages (thanks guys)
  • Craigslist is OK but as their filtering system is so complex many bikes never make it onto their lists (can't use normal words, must have local cell phone, need to repeatedly reconfirm via SMS etc. etc. )
  • Ebay is not bad but as its expensive few bikes are there
  • Strangely there is no main bike sales website in the US like there is here in OZ so some searching is required
  • Personally I've been disappointed with the bike sales sites and have tried my hand at self promotion. (Did I mention I have a bike for sale at http://sanfranciscomotorcycle.com )
Have fun!!
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