Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Questions on buying a bike in northern south america(Columbia,Venezuela,Ecuador) Questions on buying a bike in northern south america(Columbia,Venezuela,Ecuador)
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Oct 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: san salvador
Posts: 5
Questions on buying a bike in northern south america(Columbia,Venezuela,Ecuador)
How you doing

Does anyone know about buying a bike in northern south America(Columbia,Venezuela,Ecuador).
I am finishing up a year volunteering in El Salvador and am planing on touring through south America by motorcycle before heading home to the states.
I am thinking that I could cut out some of the hassle of shipping a bike from Central America if I buy a bike in one of the northern South American countries and then head south from there. Would this work? and if so what country (Columbia,Venezuela,Ecuador) would be the easiest to do it in?

I have read the info about the proses in Argentina and it does not sound very simple. I would of coarse want to leave the country with my bike.

Or would it be more logical to have my brother bring a bike down from the states and do it that way. thanks for your time, I would love any advice Guanaco
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Shropshire, Blighty
Posts: 346
You can buy a bike easily enough in Colombia, but be warned they are really expensive. You are probably looking at returning to Colombia in order to sell it again.

Probably the best bet is to buy a European or North American traveller's bike, for example:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...colombia-38065

You will be saving the seller significant shipping costs and will therefore get a good deal and some equipment if not clothing into the bargain. You will then need to sort out between yourselves the registration of the bike in it's country of origin. In the meantime you could travel with the existing doumentation and a notarised transfer contract.

When you get to your destination, sell to another traveller or, if possible, the open/black market
__________________
How much does a man live, after all?
Does he live a thousand days, or one only?
For a week, or several centuries?
How long does a man spend dying?
What does it mean to say “forever”? - Pablo Neruda
Last edited by Stretcher Monkey; 6 Oct 2008 at 04:36.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Oct 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: san salvador
Posts: 5
Thanks for the advice. I read that air shipment is around 700$US by air from Panama to Bogota would you have an idea what it would run for a bike and my self by boat.

Also how is the ride from Bogota to Ecuador? safety?

I will not be in Colombia before Jan. 2009 so hopefully other travelers will be selling bikes closer to the time
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Shropshire, Blighty
Posts: 346
Guanaco,

I may have misled you about buying a bike on a tourist visa. I have another type of visa and therefore Colombian ID. I will check though, there isn't much black and white about anything in Colombia!

It seems people have been finding passage to Colombia from Colon for as little as $150, but you get what you pay for, and you will pay $700 for passage on the "Stahlratte", but as many people here will testify, it is well worth the extra for the experience, and sure beats flying. I have also had a reasonable experience on the "Melody". Search here or PM me if you can't find anything.

Bogota to Ipiales is very secure at the moment, as are the major routes throughout Colombia. There is much more risk from the combination of large, badly maintained trucks and these beautiful twisty roads.
__________________
How much does a man live, after all?
Does he live a thousand days, or one only?
For a week, or several centuries?
How long does a man spend dying?
What does it mean to say “forever”? - Pablo Neruda
Last edited by Stretcher Monkey; 7 Oct 2008 at 17:50.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Oct 2008
JimD's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Western NC USA
Posts: 62
FYI
buying a new moto in colombia (Poorbuthappy in Colombia!)
Price on a 150cc pizza bike seems around $2200.00 USD
__________________
Jim
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Shropshire, Blighty
Posts: 346
Quote:
Originally Posted by Possum View Post
FYI
buying a new moto in colombia (Poorbuthappy in Colombia!)
Price on a 150cc pizza bike seems around $2200.00 USD
Hey Possum or is it JimD?

That Alma del Norte guy seems to talk a lot of sense!
__________________
How much does a man live, after all?
Does he live a thousand days, or one only?
For a week, or several centuries?
How long does a man spend dying?
What does it mean to say “forever”? - Pablo Neruda
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Oct 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: san salvador
Posts: 5
thanks for the continued input.

Ron sent me an offer of a bike available in Ecuador but a cant reply directly because I'm new on the HUBB.
To Ron: yes I might be interested. what are the spics on the bike your price and so on. And what country is the bike reg. in I am a US citizen.

I checked out prices in Bogota and am now reconsidering. Maybe I'll have my brother ride me down something from the states. in the end it looks like I could get a far better bike to SA for around the same price of buying one there. But I would still have the import hassle there. how bad is it in Colombia? thanks for your time guanaco
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Shropshire, Blighty
Posts: 346
Is Mr. Ron still trying to flog that thing? - tranquilo es un chiste, Mr. Ron! ;-)

Temporary importation is straightforward, same time as you get on your tourist visa, normally 60 days.
__________________
How much does a man live, after all?
Does he live a thousand days, or one only?
For a week, or several centuries?
How long does a man spend dying?
What does it mean to say “forever”? - Pablo Neruda
Last edited by Stretcher Monkey; 7 Oct 2008 at 18:59.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 61
I´m still trying to flog my BMW R850GS with Jesse panniers in Quito aswell.
British registered. See the for sale section, if i´m not being too cheeky.

i thought i was having trouble, but Ron, your beemer has been here longer than i have.
Very nicely set up though i have to say. did you make the boxes your self? or are they off teh shelf?

as you may have guessed i know Riccardo.

cheers
mike
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 13
Guanaco, don't know if I'm a little late into this discussion, but anyway, I bought a bike in Colombia in May, and yes, they are ridiculously expensive, not to mention the amount of paperwork. I was lucky to have a Colombian friend mad into bikes to help me out with all the paperwork, otherwise it may not have been possible for me (bad gringo spanish)!
I know a few bikers that took their bikes by yacht from Colombia to Panama and vice versa on a standard tourist boat, $500 US for themselves, an extra $200 for the bike, with a tour of the San Blas Islands thrown in, seems like a fine way to get around the Darian Gap.
Hope it helps if your still stuck!
To Mother77, is that the infamous Ricardo Rocco, has helped me out enormously on my trip so far, he's a good man.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Buying KLR Tyres: Ecuador, Colombia or Venezuela? JamesCo South America 9 9 Jan 2013 01:17
Buying bike in South America? wyattroscoe Trip Paperwork 4 7 Nov 2010 19:26
buying a bike in South America - pls advise konrad1974 South America 4 6 Nov 2010 19:38
Buying a Bike in South America Becky South America 18 18 Jul 2007 18:48
buying a bike in Mexico-central or south america niels Trip Paperwork 0 6 Aug 2005 16:50

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 06:09.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top