Bike purchase in the States

[mattpembo]

Hi all,

Three mates and myself (all from New Zealand) are heading to Los Angeles in mid-June. The basic plan is to buy motorbikes somewhere in California and head South (with the ultimate aim of making it to Cape Horn). We are tossing up between shipping bikes to the States or buying over there. Three of us only have learner motorbike licence's, while one has his full

I have two questions, responses to either one would be most appreciated!

1) Buying bikes in the States
a) Can we purchase as a foreigner? (my understanding is that we can but require a registered address?)
b) If we only have learners licence's will we be constrained in the size of the bike we can buy/ride legally in the States? (In NZ you can only ride a 250cc on your learners but no constraints with buying)
c) What Insurance company would you reccomend? (I have had progressives reccomended - we are only looking at spending a few days maximum in the States - ie heading South to Mexico asap)

2) Any recommended motorcycle dealerships in California?

We are wanting to buy four second hand DR650's.... The thought of trying to sort this out once we get to LA is quite overwhelming! Any contacts would be appreciated so we can make inquiries in advance!

Thanks

Matt