Starting in about a month, I am planning on undertaking the southern leg of the Panamerican Highway. I plan on flying into Cartagena and buying a motorcycle once I arrive. Afterwards, I wanted to slowly make my way down south for about three months, finishing in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Now, as you guys might imagine, it's a little tricky to find reliable information on how to go about this. However, having done some research, I am still quite confused as to what the best course of action would be.

Some sources say that it requires a certain visa/Colombian ID (despite the fact that, as a European citizen, I can receive a tourist visa on arrival). Others, however, say that buying a new bike shouldn't be any issue; they say that the dealer will take care of the paperwork and allow you to insure your bike. In short, I have no clue who to believe and how to proceed.

I know that the SOAT (Insurance) is attached to the bike, not to one person, and that it's not particularly difficult to transfer the title to your name. However, I did hear something about applying for a RUNT (Registro Único Nacional de Tránsito), but I couldn't exactly find out what it entails and how to go about it.

In short, I'm kind of at a loss. What would you guys (and galls) recommend I do to get a motorcycle? If I buy a new one at a dealer, will I be able to take possession of it without any problem? Or, if I want to buy a second-hand one, what do I need to do to ensure that it all goes off without any problems?

I would really appreciate any and all help and info you guys can give me. Like I said, I'm at a bit of a loss at the moment.

Huge thanks in advance

http://www.wemotobike.com/2016/12/07...e-in-colombia/

I might also add:

1. Register with RUNT in Transito.

2. If you don't speak good spanish stay with dealers. They'll have all the paperwork ready.

3. If you'll decide to buy privately, Transito will also advise you what paperwork you need.
- usually it's just 'Formulario' and 'Contracto de compraventa' + copies of ID documents, Revision tecnomecanica (doesn't apply if under 2 years), SOAT, proofs of taxes paid (yearly tax, usually to be paid until end if April / May(
- check if all the yearly taxes have been paid. For under 125cc there's no tax.
- check if there's any road offences on previous owner / vehicle (SUNIT)
- let the previous owner do all the ownership transfer payments. That's what Colombians usually do.
- remember you'll have to go to Transito in a place, bike is registered in. For example​ if it's Transito Bogotá, you'll have to go to Bogotá to get your 'priopedad' card. You might avoid it, if there's a 'Certificado de tradición' from this Transito among paperwork.



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I think it's easier to buy from another traveller. By coincidence
I've got a DR650SE for sale here in Colombia. It's Canadian plated and I'm Dutch. Never had issues with borders during my 8 month trip in South America.

Let me know if you're interested


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Did you go on this trip yet? I am trying to plan a trip for next year. I plan to fly into Medellin buy a couple of motos and drive to Yurimaguas, Peru and float down the amazon to Iquitos.
I have several Colombian friends here in Virginia and they tell me it's easy for gringos to buy a moto. The dealer will set you up with all you need. I speak Spanish and I called several dealers down there and asked them all the same questions just to see what kind of answer they would give me and they all say no problem. They would take care of all the paperwork.

I have a motorcycle rental company in Colombia. I'm from Canada and have bought motorcycles but only new ones. The dealers do the paperwork for you and like "szejluke" said all you need to do is get your RUNT. A few papers to sign, picture and finger print. The dealer will get your insurance "Soat" for you too. The dealer even drops the motorcycles off at my Hostel ready to go.

You need to be careful about buying a foreign motorcycle in Colombia.

Cheers

So easy in Peru! We do all of it for you! You arrive and sign a paper and ride away immediately with all paperwork, license plate, and insurance you need! No better way to save your valuable Epic Ride time!

Sorry for kind of hijacking the thread but I'm selling a Tornado in Medellin in case that you are interested...

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...do-xr250-92242

Buying it was easy, just had to get a RUNT and the dealer did the rest.

I'll take care of the paperwork for the sale. Taxes and insurance are paid since the bike is quasi new and no fines (yet , but I'll show you the website were you can check them yourself).

Cheers

Do I need a visa for getting a RUNT?
I am from germany, so getting on arrival is no problem for me, but somewhere I read, that I can't get a RUNT enter colombia a visa.
anybody knows? Just asking myself to start in Chili or Colombia

I know Peru is perhaps in the middle of your planned trip, but the paperwork is SO EASY here when you have a knowledgeable person! Also, since it is almost impossible to sell for value in another country as it is illegal, returning to Peru is no so far away!

PM me if you'd consider Peru.

As an American I only needed my passport. Info on where i am currently buying a bike from the dealership in Colombia is here, i believe i am done and only waiting for paperwork, if that is the case it is easy and took sn hour or so for everything, but several days for the bike.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...colombia-78239