Motorbike licence
 

Hello, I was just wondering if anyone could tell me how strict the authorities are on asking for/checking motorbike licences?

I am a UK citizen, where I have been riding a 125cc for a while under my car driving licence, but do not have a motorbike licence. Do you think I would be able to get away driving around Chile/Argentina/Bolivia with my car licence (that actually says 'Category A' on it, which means car in UK but bikes in SA I think), or are they quite strict on it?

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

myself and 2 other friends just purchased, registered and insured 3 bikes in Santiago. Never once did we show a license, we only showed passports during the process. I dont think it is an issue, although it would depend on who you dealt with at each stage of the process.

Thank you
 

mate thanks for that. im busy loading my notepadup with useful spanish phrases to use when going to get the RUT.. the little steps are what ive been looking for! Claire

The bike
 

Hey just outta curiousity, how you getting on wiht the125 ? i was gonna go for an xr250 for the dirt/ flexibilty but they are pretty crappy on the highway (and expensive at 5.500AUDfor a new one).. the CG is cheap as!

Clare,

Don't write off the XR250 yet - it's a solid performer and extremely tough off-road. It's not the best on big roads but I did stretches of the R5 with it and lots of highway in Argentina, it pulls fine at sea level but I'd recommend a windscreen! You'll be pushing that 125 up in Bolivia and the CGL, whilst a great little bike, it's not going to cut it for proper off-road stuff. It was pricey but overall I've been really happy with it and the only issue I've had with it was an eroded relay from the salt from salar Uyuni. Just keep the airfilter spotless and rejet over 3k and she'll go anywhere!

uncertainties
 

RTW

aye i think all up the XR would be better however im concerned about having so much money wrapped up in something that could be stolen pretty easily, then where would i be?

still weighing up hey - the xl200 is n option weighing in at 3600AUD, thats 2000 AUD cheaper than the XR250.....

i kinda wanna buy one new so ive got the dealer warranty/ general back up OR buy from another travellor who i can actually converse with (in english!)

:innocent::innocent:

The XL200 is the farmer bike right? I thought it was called the AG200 or something or maybe that's the Yamaha version. That looks like it could be a good option, plus it already comes with luggage rack and bark busters. It's much lower too - the Suzuki DR200 would be a good option - have you considered that?

Yes mate its a consideration. Il check one out this week now I have my RUT.. do you have any thoughts on it??

Deeve... a big thank you in order for the step by step idiots guide. RUT obtained super easy. It took 25m. Id prepped for a long day but I got there just as the doors oped mid week and lucky for me there was a specific RUT desk and the fella spoke better english than I did!