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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