Thanks for all of the info. I never imagined that it would be so complicated to buy a bike in the US. I will look into the option of buying one in Australia and sending it across. Unfortunately bikes are not as cheap here as in the US plus then I have shipping costs to add.

I could also start in South America and buy there as I have Uruguayan citizenship?

Shipping from Aust is out of the equation. It will cost around $3k one way plus the hassle.:thumbdown:

Looks like I will risk being able to buy in California. I want to leave in the next few weeks. I have moved and everything is in storage so I am just about ready to start.:scooter:

Piece of cake. Go for it.

FREE SPIRIT, Mollydog is right. Have you contacted any dealers yet in California if you wanted a new bike? (I had posted some sample links from a few dealers in the L.A. area regarding Suzuki) Email them, and if the restrictions are not in place as they are in Ohio, one could sell a bike to you.

Also don't forget that both San Francisco and Los Angeles are areas with quite a few motorcycle dealers. Don't take the advice of one dealer in either area as gospel. There are enough of them such that one may be able to bend the rules a bit if needed to help you out. And don't forget that the prices of new bikes are negotiable here. Shop around for the best deal, you often get great deals with last year's models and its getting towards the end of the season in many parts of the US.

In San Francisco, Mission Motorcycles in Daly City is a good place to start, I would personally avoid Golden Gate Cycles in the City. Some others on this thread may have some other dealer recommendations.

If you come to San Francisco, you should also be able to find a good late model used motorcycle as well, especially on Craigslist. But don't forget that finding any used vehicle takes a bit of time. Buying new, you will be able to purchase and ride away the same day.

The Montana option could be good too. Montana is a spectacular place to ride a bike, at least in the summer. You still have some time to ride up there, but not much!

Keep us posted on what you end up doing. Good luck!

Wow you are right about prices in Uruguay. In fact all of South America is expensive. A new DL 650 Vstrom in Chile is advertised around $13K US!

So to California it is. I have emailed 1 dealer and I am waiting for their response. Today I will contact a couple more.

I am wanting to get sw motech bash plate, crash bars, acerbis hand guards, centre stand and hard panniers. Is it best to negotiate and get these from the dealer at the one time or to buy them later? It would be great if I could have it all fitted out ready to go but I suspect it may be best to buy standard and fit out later?

Off to book my flight now!!!:biggrin:

Thanks everyone for all of your help. :thumbup1: I love this site!:scooter:

I now have a flight in to Los Angeles on the 26th Sept. Now I'm getting excited!!:D :D

I'm in California and can offer you a couch and a CA mailbox. It never occured to me to check with the CA DMV about a foreigner buying a bike, but I doubt it's an issue in this state. We've got a foreigner as governor.

FREE SPIRIT,

If your route takes you slightly east to cross into Mexico at Calexico/Mexicali or Yuma, look me up.

Simon

Thanks for the kind offer Dave:thumbup1:

I will keep it in mind if I head up towards SF although I am flying into LA and I think that I will head down to Mexico as soon as possible. I would like to see if I can make that meeting in Creel. :biggrin:

Cheers
Maurice

Will do. :thumbup1:

Thanks for all of your great feedback.

Cheers
Maurice

I need a little help
 

I have made it to Los Angeles and have made all my enquiries to buy a bike. It is ok for a foreigner to buy a bike.

The only problem is that I need an address in California for the permanent registration papers to be sent. This is where I need help.

Is there anyone from CA that is willing to let me use their address. When the papers arrive I would need you to email me so that I can give you the address to send the papers to me. I will be happy to send the money for the post.

Cheers
Maurice

You're fine to use mine. I'm in Sacramento.

All fixed up now
 

All is ok now thanks to Dave. :thumbup1:

I have bought my bike and now I am getting it ready for the trip.:clap:

Cheers
Maurice

Montana deals....
 

I was glad to see Bill ryders reply on this! Montana does have quite the deal as far as taxes and fees goes.

NO sales taxes and as to the title and plate there is a one time $85 fee for a lifetime plate (as long as you own the bike, if you sell it the new owner has to pay another $85). It doesn't matter how expensive the bike is at all!

Not to mention that you could cruise around Montana! And we'd be glad to tour guide you a bit!

Bill is a good friends to riders (and a motorcyccle mechanic!) and I think you could ask him if you have any further questions.

Rudy in Helena