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USA to Argentina or Argentina to USA? USA to Argentina or Argentina to USA?
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
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Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 3 Feb 2009
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USA to Argentina or Argentina to USA?
My wife and I were originally planning on taking a trip from the states to Argentina. We are currently looking at purchasing bikes here and modifying them for the trip. However, after reviewing the bikes for sale on HUBB, it seems that there are a number of bikes for sale in Argentina that are already set for this type of trip. Finding bikes here that are already configured seem to be much more of a needle in the haystack.

So the long story short is that we're thinking about reversing the trip and flying to Argentina, buying bikes there and returning with them to the US.

Any thoughts or suggestions regarding this type of switch? Particular roadblocks that anyone can spot?

Thanks,
Todd
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  #2  
Old 4 Feb 2009
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Originally Posted by ToddM View Post
My wife and I were originally planning on taking a trip from the states to Argentina. We are currently looking at purchasing bikes here and modifying them for the trip. However, after reviewing the bikes for sale on HUBB, it seems that there are a number of bikes for sale in Argentina that are already set for this type of trip. Finding bikes here that are already configured seem to be much more of a needle in the haystack.

So the long story short is that we're thinking about reversing the trip and flying to Argentina, buying bikes there and returning with them to the US.

Any thoughts or suggestions regarding this type of switch? Particular roadblocks that anyone can spot?

Thanks,
Todd
I just bought a BMW R1150 GS to drive fron the USA to Florida with the plans to ship it home. I've read and read that it's very hard to buy a bike there and bring it back because of the taxes. I was recently working in Rosario, Argentina and was shocked at just how expensive they are there. The prices are at least 50 percent higher! Thats why I decided to buy a bike here in the US and ride it down rather than the reverse.

I don't know when you planning on your trip but I may consider selling my bike once I get there and since your a US resident it may be possible to exchange titles without paying the inport taxes.
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  #3  
Old 4 Feb 2009
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Regarding the taxes, it looks like importing a bike into the states is fairly straightforward. Some (fairly strict) EPA and DOT regulations to comply with, and then a 1.5% to 2.9% import duty. But I haven't done it personally, so I'm not sure if there are more complications (as there usually are).

My thinking is that if the bike is NOT registered in Argentina, then exporting it shouldn't be a huge hassle, assuming the bike comes with the proper paperwork and temporary import permit.

Exporting a Argentine registered bike seems to be a difficult scenario to work out.
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Old 4 Feb 2009
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I have always heard that it’s almost impossible to import a bike into the US that was not manufactured for the US. It would be great to find a US registered bike in Argentina. This is an interesting idea as I’m planning a trip too. I have a bike here already but was thinking of shipping the bike south. I know that can be a real problem as you can end up waiting weeks for the bike to get out of customs.



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  #5  
Old 5 Feb 2009
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Originally Posted by ToddM View Post
Regarding the taxes, it looks like importing a bike into the states is fairly straightforward. Some (fairly strict) EPA and DOT regulations to comply with, and then a 1.5% to 2.9% import duty. But I haven't done it personally, so I'm not sure if there are more complications (as there usually are).

My thinking is that if the bike is NOT registered in Argentina, then exporting it shouldn't be a huge hassle, assuming the bike comes with the proper paperwork and temporary import permit.

Exporting a Argentine registered bike seems to be a difficult scenario to work out.
Sounds like buying my bike once I arrive in Argentina would be a good arrangement for you since the bike is already licensed in Florida. The only problem would be getting the proper stamps on our passports.

The border crossing guards stamp your passport saying you brought in a bike and won't allow you to leave without the bike. But it seems that the proper Argentine customs personnel could figure out a way to do it. They are only concerned with someone bringing a bike into the country and selling it to a resident withiout paying the taxes.
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Old 6 Feb 2009
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US passport holders are buying and selling us bikes in Arg. all the time. Check on Criags list.
I choose to ship a bike to BsAs, ride to Ushuia and then return home with the bike.
Some folks ride to Ushuia and ship from there, which is good if there are enough people to share a container cost and have the time to wait for a ocean delivery.
Some folks ride to BsAs after hitting Ushuia and ship from there. Lots of options.
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Old 6 Feb 2009
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I choose to ship a bike to BsAs, ride to Ushuia and then return home with the bike.
I’ve thought of shipping to SA too and then ride back. I’ve read that it is easier to ship to Santiago Chile as the customs agents are easier to work with. Are you planning on shipping your bike from Alaska?
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Old 7 Feb 2009
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US passport holders are buying and selling us bikes in Arg. all the time. Check on Criags list.
I choose to ship a bike to BsAs, ride to Ushuia and then return home with the bike.
Some folks ride to Ushuia and ship from there, which is good if there are enough people to share a container cost and have the time to wait for a ocean delivery.
Some folks ride to BsAs after hitting Ushuia and ship from there. Lots of options.
Well... I'm leaving Florida March 1st on a 2002 R1150 GS in perfect condition with over $3000 in accesories (Jessies, engine guards, GPS, etc) and riding to Argentina with a planned arrival date of July. Anyone want to buy it to ride back?
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  #9  
Old 17 Feb 2009
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Any thoughts or suggestions regarding this type of switch? Particular roadblocks that anyone can spot?
One of the things I can think of is price. You will pay through the roof for a motorcycle in Argentina. Prices for vehicles there are much more expensive.
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  #10  
Old 17 Feb 2009
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[QUOTE=ToddM;226855]Regarding the taxes, it looks like importing a bike into the states is fairly straightforward. Some (fairly strict) EPA and DOT regulations to comply with, and then a 1.5% to 2.9% import duty. But I haven't done it personally, so I'm not sure if there are more complications (as there usually are).


Find Xfiltrate's thread here on the HUBB. He can help you.
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