Hi guys,
I'm loving the website even though i'm hogging the computers in all the hostels i've been in so far.
Its my first post so go easy on me. Here's my problem:
I have just arrived in South America 6 weeks ago WITHOUT my bike.
I thought i could do the whole back-packing thing. My only concern was that i might miss my friends and family.
As shallow as it sounds i find that í'm missing motorcycle travel more!!!
I have a Kawaski zx636r at home(Ireland), which would not be suitable for this trip anywway.(I will be travelling for a year).
So i thought to myself why don't i sell my beloved at home and buy a latin lovely here and take her on a grand adventure around this continent.
Was thinking along the lines of a second hand Trans Alp 600. Limited budget here, maybe 2000-3000 Euros to spend on my dream machine. So......
1. Is it possible to buy a bike here and take off into the sunset?
2. Is it a better option to buy a bike at home and ship it(can't afford to fly it)
3. I believe that it is not necessary to have the dreaded carnet in S. America, is this actually true?
4. Thanks in advance for any help you can give this unique fool with a unique problem,
Any advice and/or criticism at my lack of forethought will be greatly appreciated,
Thanks again,
Gingergringo

That's not shallow - it's natural!

On your questions:-
1. don't know, haven't done it, but lots of information is in here, so read on within the relevant threads.
2. If you can't afford to fly the bike then you can't afford to ship it either (pity though). Again, read the stuff in here about those who have taken bikes into South America.
3. True.

That will do for now; get reading, if you can hold onto the computer terminal!!

Good luck,

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Dave

This looks like it is worth pursuing. Bikes in Argentina are expensive and if you can get into this one for the price advertised, you can ride it for a year and sell it for more than you paid.

KLR For Sale in Buenos Aires, $950 - ADVrider

Have you asked DakarMotos if they have any bikes for sale? Check there with Javier, ask about a trip to Ascuncion where the paperwork's less of a pain in the hole, and have a look here - 5 Transalps on the first page.

MercadoLibre Argentina - Autos, Motos y Otros - Motos - Donde comprar y vender de todo.

Suerte, Dan

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Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...

That is what I was going to suggest.
Seems like an easy deal...spread wings and fly kinda thing.

Thanks guys,
All the suggestions and leads are a great help. Its at least looking a little more possible than when i first thought about doing this. I suppose i'm doing back to front, upside down and the wrong way around but thats normal for me!!!!!!
And vorteks thanks for your suggestion. If you could do that for me it would be a great help.
Unfortunately i'm a new user and can't send a PM yet and cannot e-mail you back, but if you read this post that would be a great help,
Muchas gracias muchachos!!!
gingergringo

I asked Pete (Bastardos de Formosa) to contact his friend in Asuncion. Things go slowly with that damn hot weather, so be patient and i should be able to get you an answer in a few days.

Meanwhile you should check the bike for sale at 950 USD. This is a perfect bike for travelling and the guy has been working fairly much to renew it and get the paperwork done. At 950 USD, you wont find a better deal, unless the seller "inadvertedly borrowed" the bike he s selling

I saw this bike for sale last April and advised it to a finish girl backpacking like you and missing her bike. I think it was reconditioned in Dakar Moto workshop, which, for many, is a warranty of quality.

Actually if i didnt have my own bike here, i d rush to buy this one

Am in the process of trying to get a look at the bike!!! Would be perfect for my budget and travel needs.
Am a little suspect though, sounds a little too good to be true. Maybe i just have a cynical old head on my young shoulders. Also not sure about registering the bike. Think the best thing i can do is go to the HU meeting in Viedma and talk to the people that know!!!
gingergringo