Bike repair chile or peru
 

Hello,
I've posted a question a while ago about doing some major mechanical repair in South America, but I never gotten any replies. I will try to be a bit more specific this time, hopefully that helps...
I will have to pick up my Honda Transalp XL650V at Valparaiso, Chile soon and it needs quite some work(cylinder overhaul, new clutch, bearings,...).
I can either do it in Chile or Peru. My questions:

1. Is labour much more expensive in Chile than in Peru? Any idea about the hourly rate?

2. Are mechanics in Chile more capable than their Peruvian colleagues?

3. I've heard Chile has high import taxes on parts, is this the same in Peru? Or are they easier over there?

4. Would you advise for Chile or Peru?

Thanks in advance
Kevin and Kitty
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1) Yes, I'd say labour rates are higher in Chile than Peru. But you will probably have more access to parts in Chile. There are a lot of bike/repair shops in Santiago on Lima/10 de Julio.

2) Mechanics are the same the world over, some good and some bad. You only find the good ones by accident or word of mouth.

3) Parts are generally more expensive in Chile (IMO) and that may be due to import taxes. I am not sure about Peru

4) As the bike is in need of repair, and in Chile, then get it fixed in Chile. There is no point in limping to Peru and then finding out you have a long wait for parts.

As you have an idea of the parts that are required, then why not buy them and take them with you as your personal luggage ?

Kevin, we are in Huanuco, central Peru and can help. Will PM you.

Toby

Hi BruceP
Thanks for the info. My bike still drives fine, Just some mileage (12000k) and would like to start fresh before I drive to Patagonia. I am currently driving around the world with my bike. He is arriving as we speak (hopefully) here in Valparaiso, Chile. I just came from the Pacific so I'm not leaving from home, to bring parts with me.
I'm on a budget, so waiting for parts and the repairs would be much cheaper in Peru. I am now in Chile and it's actually an expensive place I found. People here tell me Peru was much cheaper... Then there's the lower labor costs and lower import taxes. I mean, it all adds up.
And I agree with the mechanics. It's just that in Asia, mechanics from cheaper countries tend to be a bit more careless than the mechanics in Thailand and Malaysia. I do read good things though about mechanics all over South America. It's my first time in S. America anyway.

I'll keep you posted on this thread.
cheers
Kevin

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Kevin,

you can try a friend of mine, Mauricio, he has a one man rapair shop in Chile and he is very good and doesnt charge as much as the normal workshop. He did some repair on my cars and bikes in Germany for 2 months a couple of years ago so I know that he is good. Since you are from Belgium you might best talk to him in french, his is fluent, otherwise, I think his english is also not too bad.

I give you his contact details if you are interested.

saludos,

Groschi