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30 Nov 2011
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Iowa
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Many Questions on S. America trip
I am going to search for the forum for these answers but appreciate all that reply. I am going to Ecuador with a friend this winter for surfing/diving and am considering adding a riding trip to the trip. I have ridden since I was 6, dirt bikes and sport bikes. So has he.
Looking at buying a dirt bike (in ecuador) and riding to either Brazil or just Peru. The riding trip will be to some peoples standards "ghetto", we are both in our early 20's and taking our riding trips with no more than a backpack and sleep in ditches, woods or under car ports rather than hotels. Here's my list of Q's
- How much can I expect to pay for a bike, just want reliable, don't care if its cosmetically hideous.
- Best dirt bike for the job? What cc?
- How distant are petrol/fuel stations? Carry emergency can?
- Do I need motorcycle insurance there, like how its required in USA?
- How difficult is it crossing borders? Bribes expensive?
Feel free to ad tips and advice
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30 Nov 2011
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve McQueen
I am going to search for the forum for these answers but appreciate all that reply. I am going to Ecuador with a friend this winter for surfing/diving and am considering adding a riding trip to the trip. I have ridden since I was 6, dirt bikes and sport bikes. So has he.
Looking at buying a dirt bike (in ecuador) and riding to either Brazil or just Peru. The riding trip will be to some peoples standards "ghetto", we are both in our early 20's and taking our riding trips with no more than a backpack and sleep in ditches, woods or under car ports rather than hotels. Here's my list of Q's
- How much can I expect to pay for a bike, just want reliable, don't care if its cosmetically hideous.
- Best dirt bike for the job? What cc?
- How distant are petrol/fuel stations? Carry emergency can?
- Do I need motorcycle insurance there, like how its required in USA?
- How difficult is it crossing borders? Bribes expensive?
Feel free to ad tips and advice
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That first question is a bit like 'How long is a piece of string' My mate bought her bike in Equador for about $2000-$3000 USD. A Honda 250 dirt bike. Took a while with paperwork though and she spoke fluent Spanish.
I think $1000 US will get you something that will 'DO' but obviously, the more you pay the newer, more reliable, better equipped it will be. Look at buying a bike of some US travellers in South America. Look on this forum in the the bikes for sale section.
Petrol/fuel is pretty much everywhere these days. You want to have 200 mile range as a guide. You can always stash a jerry can on the back if you have a long stretch.
Insurance is usually acquired on the borders. You will only really get 3rd party cover for your bike as anything better will cost a fortune and not worth it. You MUST MUST MUST get personal health insurance and make sure it covers you for the size of your bike (most limit you to 125cc).
Borders are an adventure and an experience but WAY WAY easier than you may think while sitting back at home. Just be patient and maybe pay a FEW dollars to ease the process by users 'fixers'. They are pretty simple if you keep your calm and don't expect it to be organised and smooth.
Have fun, Ted
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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30 Nov 2011
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Andrews
Posts: 662
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Oh to be young again, don´t you just hate them. However, one very important point that Ted missed and of which I unfortunatly have personal experience. You must get 3rd party/liability insurance with legal support. Latin America works the old Spanish system with regard to what actions are taking if you are involved in a mishap with another rider/driver/pedestrian and basically it is this, if who did what to whom cannot be resolved by all parties on the spot then all vehicles are impounded and the riders/drivers/pedestrians taken into custody, however, if you have legal assistance and 3rd party ins. the lawyer should be able to get you out before you get in if you see what I mean so you can await trial in the comfort of your own bivi/ditch. Older HU members will almost certainly remember having to get a "Bail Bond" for Spain, well this is just the same but the food is not so good. Additionally, being a young(b@st@rd) and a gringo to boot on a tiddler could make you a bit of a target for hard up coppers. Anyway, I hope that you really enjoy the trip, just remember, Ride safe.
__________________
Mike
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Mike is riding the twisty road in the sky
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30 Nov 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by maja
Oh to be young again, don´t you just hate them.......Additionally, being a young(b@st@rd)
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Sensing hostility? Maybe I'm mis-reading you though, so I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume your just saying it just sucks to be young because you don't have the experience of a veteran.
Thank you Maja, for the Liability tips. And many thanks to Ted for answering all my questions!
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30 Nov 2011
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve McQueen
Sensing hostility? Maybe I'm mis-reading you though, so I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume your just saying it just sucks to be young because you don't have the experience of a veteran.
Thank you Maja, for the Liability tips. And many thanks to Ted for answering all my questions!
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I doubt he's being hostile... Just a bit of sarcastic humour. 
I think he just wishes he was in his early twenties again... Like all of us 
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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30 Nov 2011
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Andrews
Posts: 662
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Can´t remember that far back Ted, thirty would do as for me it´s mostly a blur before that. As to being young sucking, not after you´re weaned. Another tip, if you end up in a bar with Brits, Antipodians and even the occasional fellow citizen, hi Mark, look up "satire", "sarcasm" and "irony" before reacting. But still, ride safe.
__________________
Mike
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Mike is riding the twisty road in the sky
Last edited by maja; 30 Nov 2011 at 23:44.
Reason: missed a bit
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1 Dec 2011
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I appreciate sarcasm, irony and dry humor, the majority of my humor falls into that category. Thanks for clarifying  ride safe.
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1 Dec 2011
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Super Moderator
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Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
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I, on the other hand, neither use nor recognize satire, sarcasm or irony. I speak as a fellow citizen, though not from Iowa.
My advice would be: if you find yourself in a bar with Mister Maja, hang tight to your wallet and disabuse yourself of any notion you might harbor about heading home early.
Or should that be "harbour?"
Mark
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1 Dec 2011
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Vicious south americans
Over the past years, and in my 70s, I have ridden from Mexico to Ushuaia and back north to New York on a Honda 125. I encountered neither corrupt police nor corrupt border officials. To the contrary, all were kind and helpful. I never felt even remotely threatened.
Ride within the law, show respect and courtesy and you will encounter wonderful; people and receive great hospitality.
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1 Dec 2011
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St Louis, MO
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Quote:
Originally Posted by simongandolfi
Ride within the law, show respect and courtesy and you will encounter wonderful; people and receive great hospitality.
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That's it in a nutshell!
If you follow the above advice, you'll do fine.
I would recommend medical evacuation insurance. It's kinda like carrying a condom, I'd much rather have it and not need it ....than need it and not have it.
daryl
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8 Dec 2011
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Simon's the Man!
Myself, I totally agree with Simon. I have lived and ridden in South America for 30 years and only the Argentinian Border Police are ornery, and only after they lose a match in the Copa America or World Cup championship! 
Aside from that one instance, I have NEVER had a problem. It helps to be fluent in Spanish and passable in Portuguese, and to be friendly and patient! Attitude and trouble always finds attitude and trouble!
Cheers, Toby 
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9 Dec 2011
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dlh62c
I would recommend medical evacuation insurance. It's kinda like carrying a condom, I'd much rather have it and not need it ....than need it and not have it.
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there's no way having a condom and not needing it can be better then needing a condom and not having one...
when you think of it...
p.s : sorry for the disgression
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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...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
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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!
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!
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.
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.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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