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

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

Rent one and see how it goes. Don't pay more than a day in advance at first, because you might very well not like it.

Alternative: take a riding class. Sure couldn't hurt, could it? It worked for me in the USA, so why not for you in Colombia?

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Get a bike, stay where you are for another month and get used to it.

To NOT die on the road, a motorcycle should be an extension of yourself, not of your ego, but an integral part of your body. Dangerous to try to learn that out on the road....

A lot of people on the Hubb travel through Colombia (I will be there is a few weeks). Let people know where you are and most are happy to have a beer and talk bikes and biking.

It is a great way to see the Continent - but not to be taken too lightly. Get some practice nearer to home first is good advice.

cheers
Delbert

Thanks for the advice guys. I've been in Manizales for a few months, but will be heading to Medellin on August 6th and not sure how long I'll stay. I would definitely take anyone up on the offer to have a few drinks and talk. I'm also thinking even if I was okay with just my US license, I'd need to get a local or a new one as it expires in three months. I'm hoping I could take a riding class/get a license in Medellin, but not sure how realistic that is. Also, I've read a lot of different things regarding whether or not a IDP is necessary. Everything seems to say to get one before you arrive to Colombia, but it's a bit late for that now for me.

I know a place which advertises lessons in Cuzco, so out of curiosity I googled Colombia motorcycle driving lessons and came up with: Motorcycle Driving School Colombia - YouTube . The class looks very similar to the one I took once in the States.

If I were you I'd go online and figure out whether I could renew my license by mail (I do this in Washington State), then come up with a way to have it sent to you in Colombia. As a second option, photoshop it and laminate your new "license." Third best would be to ignore the date--this would work 95% of the time.

IDP is generally considered a waste of time and money except on very rare occasions. Of course, I always carry one, because rare occasions do (rarely) happen to me.

In Medellin you'll inevitably find Mike (Casablanca Hostel/Motolombia) and/or Albert (The Shamrock Irish Pub and Grill).

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Hi,

You take the words out of my mouth. About the money: traveling with a bike can be very cheap if you are going to use 125ccm bikes like moast of the locals do. Some people waste a lot of money on baying big bikes but for them no parts are available and you will allways look like money on legs.

Motorbike trip around Southamerica: Chile and Argentina part 1

Travel save, Tobi

If you want to come to Cartagena, I have some new KLR’650s that I rent and also I give lessons. You can come and learn and have a nice time in Cartagena too.