Bikes in Chile suitable for crossing the Andes
 

Come the end of October me and a friend hope to be in Chile (Santiago) buying bikes to travel down toward Tierra del Fuego.

Does anyone have any advice on bikes that will be available and suitable? While it would be nice to get a big bike as suggested on other threads it seems that most bikes that will available will be quite small (and, of course, our budget is inevitably limited!).

I guess my questions are 1) Will a small bike (200cc?) take us over the Andes and 2) if not, will something bigger be available in Santiago?

Thanks in advance!

Matt

I haven't heard of anyone making the trip on a 200. I'm currently scouring Santiago now for a bike to make the same voyage and think I've decided up a 400cc Honda Falcon NX4 . I've seen a few threads on HUBB of people who have gone to the South with it and give the thumbs up. There's also quite a few KLR 650s around if you wanted something larger. Either way, you can expect to pay a pretty penny more than in the States unless you opt for a Chinese bike.

Here's a guy selling his falcon with some helpful info on the bike; http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...nx-400-a-51344)

santiago to TDF
 

Matt
You can do it on a 200. it depends on you. crossing the ands is no big deal. the Chilians and Argentinians do it in old #%@& cars. you will have to cross few km offroad but most passings are good starting end of October. and so is the Carreterra.
you can go light. two bags with stuff and extra 5 liter gasolin can. no need for camping gear (Hostels are very cheap) replace the narrow seat. and look for a way to strengthen the shocks.
The problem will be at Ruta 40 (South of the town Perito Moreno.)the winds will knock you down if you are too light. the way to deal with that is start your day ride, early and finish a strech no late than 12:00.
Or get a Chinees bike. which I know nothing about

BTW Bikes in Chile are VERY expensive:)

Ride safe
Y.

Thanks guys - much appreciated!

M

Need Help in Santiago?
 

I live in Santiago, if you need some help drop me a letter.

I think the best way to know about used bikes prices is:

Ventas de Motos

(sadly in spanish)

good luck

The smallest bike that I know that crossed the Andes was a group of Honda Passion 100, and they was very happy doing the pass. Really is not a big deal.

The Chilean andes are regularly crossed on bikes ranging from Harleys to Chinese 150cc's.

In order of cost:
Used chinese 150 or 200cc (not recommended, unless it is very new and well maintained)

New Chinese 150 to 250cc ($1500 to $2500). These are good bikes, if you take care of them.

Used Honda 125 to 250cc ($2000 to $4000)

Used Honda Falcon 400cc ($5000), nice bikes

New Honda Falcon ($7500)

Used KLR or XT ($8500)

Used TransAlp or Africa twin ($10,000 +)