Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree8Likes
  • 1 Post By LD Hack
  • 1 Post By shu...
  • 4 Post By maomao
  • 2 Post By tohellnback

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Feb 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 28
Buy or rent a bike in Ecuador?

Hello, my fellow riders! I am planning on a 2-week bike trip in Ecuador. I'll probably spend most of the time on paved roads and just a small amount on off roads. In regards to saving budget, would you suggest me to buy or rent a bike?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Feb 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 314
For a 2 week ride there is no doubt in my mind: rent.

It will be cheaper than buying a bike. Plus you would spend most of your 2 weeks in country trying to find and buy a bike and then trying to sell it.

I have found that for any trip under 30 days, it is much better to fly in and rent.
At 30 days the money starts to even out, but you will still spend a lot of your time buying and selling.

..............shu
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Feb 2022
HappyWanderer01's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Peachland
Posts: 2
Bike rental in Quito, Equador

I recommend www.ecuadorbikerental.com. I rented a bike for a month and the company was awesome. Super friendly and helpful.

I rented the Kawasaki 650DL, best bike for the trip. They have Beemers too.

David E. Garces
Gerente General
www.ecuadorbikerental.com
Mob:+593 98 497 1806
dgarces@sleipnir.co
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Feb 2022
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts: 121
Quote:
Originally Posted by maomao View Post
Hello, my fellow riders! I am planning on a 2-week bike trip in Ecuador. I'll probably spend most of the time on paved roads and just a small amount on off roads. In regards to saving budget, would you suggest me to buy or rent a bike?
Rent, for sure.

I'd trust these guys for a rental. Had a less than stellar experience with their competitors, mentioned above.

Ecuador is a fantastic place to experience on 2 wheels... enjoy!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Feb 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South of the border (MN)
Posts: 170
Quote:
Originally Posted by maomao View Post
...I'll probably spend most of the time on paved roads and just a small amount on off roads.
Agree, rent. Rent nothing bigger than 650cc. I spent time in Ecuador on a 250cc moto, and it give me freedom to explore some of the mountain villages, jungle places, tougher access. 250cc was fine overall including blacktop, actually preferable to me. Made lane splitting in towns easy, easier to find secure parking, nimble, and more.

Besides China motos, Honda is common in South America, Yamaha a little less so, BMW uncommon. XRE300 very common and good choice, XT250 a good choice, also BMW G310 a good option from my bias.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Feb 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by shu... View Post
For a 2 week ride there is no doubt in my mind: rent.

It will be cheaper than buying a bike. Plus you would spend most of your 2 weeks in country trying to find and buy a bike and then trying to sell it.

I have found that for any trip under 30 days, it is much better to fly in and rent.
At 30 days the money starts to even out, but you will still spend a lot of your time buying and selling.

..............shu
Appreciate the knowledge! I totally agree. Think I'll fly down there and rent a bike for this trip. Have you ridden in Ecuador? I'm planning on visiting most of the country, including the andes highlands, parts of amazon and the coast. Do you have any recommendations for off roads? I probably wanna ride mostly on paved roads and a couple days on off roads should be fun!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Feb 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 314
I was there for a month in 2015.



I rented from Freedom in Quito. Actually I rented 2 different bikes and was satisfied with both.

A DR650 for 2 weeks of solo dirt riding...








and a G650GS for 2 weeks of 2 -up pavement riding with my wife....


Great country for a moto trip. Court, at Freedom, willingly spent a couple of hours with me, suggesting roads and routes and critiquing my plans.

.....................shu
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Feb 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by shu... View Post
I was there for a month in 2015.



I rented from Freedom in Quito. Actually I rented 2 different bikes and was satisfied with both.

A DR650 for 2 weeks of solo dirt riding...








and a G650GS for 2 weeks of 2 -up pavement riding with my wife....


Great country for a moto trip. Court, at Freedom, willingly spent a couple of hours with me, suggesting roads and routes and critiquing my plans.

.....................shu
Hi Shu! I sent you direct msgs
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Feb 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 276
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arthskov View Post
I would recommend you to Rent Royal Enfield Himalayan. Because this is a great time to try these bikes.

IMO I would take SWM six days over Himalayan any day.
https://overlandmag.com/features/swm...ys-440-review/

Last edited by Grant Johnson; 4 Oct 2022 at 01:51. Reason: removed spam link from quoted post
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 3 Oct 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 28
Just came back from my 2 week solo trip… it was really an amazing experience.
Attached Thumbnails
Buy or rent a bike in Ecuador?-36317d6e-b05b-492b-aa6b-7576920c6eb2.jpg  

Buy or rent a bike in Ecuador?-c799f1ad-842a-4ced-a4db-93af208fc4c5.jpg  

Buy or rent a bike in Ecuador?-ba3d0ede-cc35-41ae-9170-8e426b0467c4.jpg  

Buy or rent a bike in Ecuador?-cecfd9ca-7673-4f56-b5b7-a3d0f85e1076.jpg  

Buy or rent a bike in Ecuador?-bba13b1e-5296-4cf4-9430-76d18b70bec0.jpg  

Buy or rent a bike in Ecuador?-5f7c18d0-267e-45c9-88c3-4361b1bc82ab.jpg  

Buy or rent a bike in Ecuador?-575a851b-eb5c-420c-84ab-0c85020085f0.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 3 Oct 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 314
Glad you had a good trip. Thanks for posting pics.

................shu
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 21 Oct 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: UK
Posts: 23
Quote:
Originally Posted by maomao View Post
Just came back from my 2 week solo trip… it was really an amazing experience.
Hey, great photos! Can I ask who you rented from in the end? Did you just rent and do your own thing or did you go for one of their self-guided packages?

I'm planning a trip for next June and would be grateful for any info./advice

Cheers
Ron
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 28 Nov 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Neiva Colombia
Posts: 235
ecuador

If you want to do budget travel with a moto in Ecuador this is not the place to do it, everything is expensive here . It depends on what country you are coming from If you are USA you have US dollars and it is cheaper than USA, But if you are from Canada ,Australia ,New Zealand you are going to pay Dearly, The Exchange rates do not make it a bargain.
I can't figure it out I live in Colombia and it is a way better place 3 times cheaper than Ecuador and more to do and see it is a country that is enormous compared to Equador.
What you pay for a piece of shit 200 cc Chinese bike here is the price of a decent Royal enfield 450 Himalaya in Colombia. I hate to Say It but Ecuador is not a attractive place because of the Cost, the currency is US dollars ,Colombia is pesos and at 5000 pesos to a US dollar you have a lot of buying power and you will have a good time with out draining your bank account
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 7 Mar 2023
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts: 121
Quote:
Originally Posted by buckdoesntstophere View Post
Hey, great photos! Can I ask who you rented from in the end? Did you just rent and do your own thing or did you go for one of their self-guided packages?

I'm planning a trip for next June and would be grateful for any info./advice

Cheers
Ron
From the bike graphics in the photos, looks like he rented from Freedom.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 26 Mar 2023
Peter Bodtke's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Maplewood NJ USA
Posts: 588
I rented from https://freedombikerental.com/ a few years ago. Two ex-pats from the US have an outstanding service. Their team keeps the bikes well maintained and they offer a range of rental options: group tour packages, self-guided with an itinerary and hotel reservations, or a DYI tour and bike rental.
__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ask a motorcycle thief bodii88 Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 37 9 Oct 2020 12:25
Should/can I buy bike with overstayed permit in Colombia. Rubin86 South America 9 30 Dec 2015 00:57
General question on where to buy a bike expat42451 Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 2 17 Nov 2014 07:06
looking for a bike in NZ to rent or buy december-january MES Australia / New Zealand 3 10 Nov 2014 09:44

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:28.