In colombia w/no biking experience, travel South America...

[ndahlhoff10]

Hey,
This is my first post here and wanted to get your guys opinions/expertise on some questions. I'm currently in Colombia and have been here for about three months and am planning on traveling around South America for a year or so. I was thinking it might be a lot of fun if I could get a motorcycle to give me a lot more flexibility with the trip. That said, the closest I've come to driving a motorcycle was a scooter I had in college. I don't have a International drivers license either. I've read a bit and it seems like in some countries it can be a major hassle to get through the borders as well, although I haven't read as many bad things about doing that in Colombia compared with other places. I also know nothing about which type of bike I would need, the costs involved, insurance requirements, where I could learn to ride, if the roads are safe, how to keep the bike from being stolen, and a ton of other things as well. Any opinions or advice for me, things to read, etc.

Thanks