What to do with bike after US/Ushuaia trip
 

I'm in the planning stages and would appreciate info from those that have been there.
The bike, a late model KLR 650.
The route, crossing into Mexico near Brownsville, traveling rather quickly through Mexico (as in 3 or 4 days). Then slowing down through Central America, particularly Costa Rica. Fly from Panama City to Bogota, then meander through SA to Ushuaia. Perhaps ride north to Buenos Aires for a bit.

There is a time frame. Approx 3 - 4 months. Then back to work.

Do most people ship their bike back, abandon it, or go to some country where they can get "some" money out of it? Riding it back really isn't an option for me given the time constraints.
From the research I've completed, shipping a bike from BA to say Chicago will run $1500 - $2000 by the time everything is said/done.

What do most people do?

ship back or sell a dream
 

Shop for cheaper ship rates. Take the bike a part (wheels and fortks en handlebars) and you will be able to fit in a 1m3 crate. The shipping shouldn't cost more than $700-900 Buenes Aires and Santiago (valparaiso) are the best ports.
The second option is sell the bike to someone from your home country? Make adds now?
Thrid option is make a deal with a biker who has time but no money who will drive the bike back for you.
Good luck

Looks like there are many options...


Locate someone who would like to fly down and ride it back. Secure a new title for him/her ahead of time, making the switch between borders...maybe Arg/Ura.

Sell the bike locally for whatever you can get, realizing potential future problems should you wish to visit again.

Sell legally in some country. Maybe Paraguay...?

Give it away.

Buy insurance and park it under a dump truck. :)

I believe you have 8 months for a bike in Argentina....

Hoopjohn,
I just returned from the same trip you plan to do. Touched down in my hometown at noon Christmas eve. E-mail me: hbrookz@msn.com, I may be able to give you a contact in South America.

Harold

when are you planning to go,
what equipment on bike ?
I am trying to sort out the same questions.
Maby ill either try to sell mine down there or buy a travellers bike down there.

[quote=Hoopjohn]I'm in the planning stages and would appreciate info from those that have been there.
The bike, a late model KLR 650.

I can keep it in my garage.
 

Sorry, my English is not very good.
I am from Junin , 250 Km west of Buenos Aires. I am a biker too (I went to Ushuaia on january 2006). If you put on sale your bike for someone ride it in South America I can keep it in my garage with low cost for you.
Write me if consider this option to raumadrid@speedy.com.ar
Best wishes
Raul Madrid[

same problem here, Im out in Argentina and I dont know what im going to do with the bike. Sell it ship it back or ride it back, it all seems like it would cost the same. I really dont want to go back through central america. Maybe I just hit up a port and swab the decks while we cruise back to the states!!

air ship lan cargo
 

We are in Chile with a f650 and suzuki dr650. Two weeks ago LanCargo quoted just $1380 for both bikes to Los Angeles.

I don´t want to hijack the thread but does anyone know the cost of daily storage at LAX until I get there to pick them up?

Hey Hoop John
 

My cycle is in Ushuaia, I am going down in 2-07 to 3-8-2007, klr650, why don,t you fly down and ride mine back. I could meet you in BA and give you a deal/? how about that, problem solved. pcm678 at hotmail dot com

Bike in Ushuaia
 

Hey Hoopjon:

My wife and I are planning on flying our BMW 1150 GSA to Lima and riding south to Ushuaia in Oct. We are planning on starting in Lima on Oct 23 and ending up in Ushuaia a little before Christmas. I could change my plans and start in Ushuaia and end in Lima if your bike would do the trick. Do you think the KLM 650 would hold up to two-up ridding for that long? I may consider flying down and buying your bike and ridding it back to Lima. Or, I could pick up your bike in Ushuaia and ride to Lima and then ship it back to you. Either way, we would need to deal with the registration issue becasue we will be crossing the boarder several times. Give me an email if you want to discuss. Again, we are planning to be down there around the end of Oct. 2007. What kind of luggage will you have on the bike?

Mike
mtbh2o@aol.com

Warning about selling/leaving a bike in S. America
 

I shipped my KLR650 back to Miami from Rio de Janeiro April 2003 for $800. Two other gringos with KLR's, at the same time, were paying the same agent $1,600.

I strongly recommend you and anyone else planning to rent, sell or store a bike in South America read info from a Website (see URL below) created specifically for the benefit of other riders in hopes they would not be victimized as was the creator, when he sold his Honda XR650L in Paraguay.

Be aware that sales of foreign bikes in Latin America are generally in violation of customs laws and avoid paying the high tarrif to legally transfer and register the bike. Most Latin American countries limit a tourist vehicle's temporary import permit to 90 days and some might allow extensions for a total of 180 days.

ngweb.com | Web | Directory | Web Directory | Search Engine

Good luck with your adventure. It's a great ride. Later, amigo. Punky's chauffeur, Lew

I have the same question as you for my trip at thy end of this year. Finally what did you do? I have a European bike. Can I sell it in Argentina?

Forbiten by law but posible
 

You can´t sell it legaly because it is attached to your temporary importation.TAX FREE.
Now if you still think it isn´t the ship worth....then think of selling it very cheap as spare part lot.It is not posible for locals to register it!
If you find a third traveller who is willing to buy---cross to uruguay together,put the new temporary importation on his name on the reentering way.Then he could cross the border easily.
Wich bike is it?
KH

It ´s a BMW 1150GS from 2001

Store your bike in Buenos Aires: an idea worth considering
 

What to do with your bike after touring South America? Here is an idea you might consider.

Goetz and Karin, a couple from Berlin, Germany have a snow removal contract with the city of Berlin. They work in Berlin 6 to 8 months a year and tour South America 4 to 6 months every year.

Elisa and I purchased "cocheras" (parking spaces) in the very up scale safe and secure multilevel parking garage next to our flat in Recoleta (an upscale barrio of Buenos Aires). We store our bikes there and we store Goetz and Karin's BMWs 6 - 8 months a year while they are working in Berlin. They manage to get 8 month temporary motor vehicle import permits each year by returning to Buenos Aires, crossing into a neighboring country, touring and then crossing back into Argentina.

Our parking facility is very up scale, guarded 24/7, has video cameras on each level, and we live in the adjacent apartment building. They have been no instances of theft or vandalism, period. We also store Goetz and Karin's gear, panniers etc.

We charge $60.00 US/month per bike with discounts for two bikes or more. We have constructed "trolleys" so that the bikes in the front of the parking spaces can be rolled out and all bikes, even those parked deep into the parking space are available to the owner 24/7. You lock up your bike with your own locks, cables, chains etc. and take the keys with you. A cover for your bike is recommended, but not mandatory. We welcome monthly payments, and offer a discount for payments in advance.

We are expats, Elisa, Dr. Elisa Rosales, from Spain and I, Ed George, am a US citizen and returned US Peace Corps volunteer. We both are fluent in Spanish and English. I am a legal foreign resident of Argentina and Elisa is in the process of become a foreign resident of Argentina. We also own a ranch in Arizona. Please see my thread Buy/Tour/Sell in Argentina.

We purchase more parking spaces as needed. If you intend on returning to Buenos Aires and continuing your tour within the next eight months, you might consider storing your bike and gear with us. In extreme cases, I can renew your temporary import permit beyond the 8 month limit if you request me to do so before the permit expires. xfiltrate

Would you be able to store a vehicle? If so, how much???
Lorraine

Moto/Vehicle storage in Buenos Aires
 

Lorraine, what an exciting and interesting web site you have. Our own survival depends upon the survival of the plants and animals with which we share this planet. We applaud your efforts.

Yes, of course we can store your vehicle, the cost is dependent upon the need for one or two standard parking spaces, if we can also park a bike in the same space as your vehicle and the length of stay.

If we cannot store your vehicle for any reason, we will be more than pleased to help you find other safe and secure parking in Buenos Aires.

Parking spaces are at a premium in Buenos Aires and very, very few, if any, new multilevel garages are being built. A new hospital is almost complete near us, and we are being swamped with calls for vehicle parking. Please understand we are a business venture and have to maintain a certain income from each parking space we purchase so that our venture is profitable. Parking motorcycles, 4 to 6 to a parking space meets our investment goals.

Please advise type of vehicle, length of stay and I will quote you an exact cost per month. Thank you for considering us for your parking needs. xfiltrate and Elisa

Hi Elisa, Ed

Yes that seems a very good alternative. I could visit S-America a second time. That´s what I did in Mexico also (stored the bike in the US with friends). Will keep your offer in mind.
By the way, I received an email related to this topic that was not intented for me but for Lorraine

M

to M, re: storing bike in Buenos Aires
 

M, Thanks for the kind response. Mexico is changing rapidly. Each time I have riden Mexico I am amazed at the differences and yet how it remains the same as if it was 1968 again, (the year of the Olympics in Mexico City) and I was doing my very first trans America ride.

My only com with Lorraine regarding parking thus far, have been my postings on this thread. Can't help you with errant e-mail you received, unless it related to another topic. xfiltrate

Nice bike Michael
 

I wouldn´t sell this here,keep it. Stored here only if you intend to come here again before those 8 month time.Other ways it could end on burocratic nigthmare!
Dakarmotos(javier and Sandra) offer also parking and service space.They are our community headquarters here in BA. Drop by them and you will feel welcome.You could also find some friendly local and ask for storage.There are many choices here.
If you have second thougths abut comming back(when exactly) then ship it home.
CU
KH

..I already are sold my vstrom.. his future owner will wait until I arrived..
Because he's living in a small city close to paraguay border, bike's paper are unnecessary or at least could be very easy for this guy get a new set :thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1: Anyway.. I'm NOT recommend tried to sell your bike in Paraguay unless you're aware..
1) If you don't know the place you can be scam very easily!!!!!
2) If you're not a mercosur citizen you maybe can have problems next time you tried to go down there
3) If you're not are a spanish-speaking NOT EVEN TRIED to sell in the border or "triple frontera".. that's place have similar justice than old far west city during gold fever..
Prefer tried to park in dakar motor (san fernando, buenos aires) or rent a depot around country...
Just my 0.2 cents...

Garrobito
 

Voy a excribir en espanol y inglais. Espanol abajo...

Garrobito, amigo, Javier of Dakar motos has helped foreign motorcyclists for many years and I also encourage everyone to visit Javier at his shop in San Fernando. All my indicators tell me he is a good man and I have heard nothing to the contrary.

I am taking issue with you. Up near the Paraguay border enforcement is weak. But, it does not help Javier or me to advertise that "papers are unnecessary." I am not aware of any town in Argentina where papers are "unnecessary.

We are trying to sell the idea that it is not necessary to ship your bike back home if you are returning to Argentina to continue touring within 8 months of your departure. Argentine temporary vehicle import permits can be requested for 8 months.

Argentina has laws requiring motorcycles to be properly registered.

Javier es un buen hombre. A mi, nadia dijo nada mal sobre Javier. El es un gran ayudante a motocyclistas internacionales. Ojala que todo el mundo va a visitar Javier en San Fernando.

Tengo una problema contigo. Cerca de Paraguay la policia no tienne ganas a pedir papeles de nadia, pero no ayuda a Javier o mi decir que papales "are unnecessary" Eso no es la verdad. No existe un pueblo en Argentina donde no tienne que tener papales para su moto.

Nosotros estamos tratando de vender la idea a estacion su moto en Argentina si va a regressar dentro de ocho meses de su llegada. Es muy possible consiguir importacion de moto temporario para ocho meses.

Argntina tienne leys que dicen que todas las motos tienne que tener papales. gracias...xfiltrate

Hi!
Maybe you're misunderstand me... :nono:You always need papers to transit, in Paraguay, Argentina or Angola.. always need your registration card, visa and passport..:thumbup1:
I explained in THIS CASE for his POLITICAL positions this guy, :stormy:who bough my vstrom, CAN GET easily papers (read "nacionalizar") the bike.
I want to be very clear in this point... I just ear good things about dakar motor; that place and posta del viajero in azul is the best places to stop and say hi down there.
Yes, I think the same.. if you think back and use the bike again, left in san fernando.. it's a great idea specially because shipping is really expensive...:eek3:

DAKARMOTOS IS IN VICENTE LOPEZ not San Fernando
 

He is located near the Panamericana highway.Florida , partido de Vicente Lopez.Just close to Capital Federal.
Read on many posts that.In case you get lost!
KH

X….
Sorry but I’m not trying to sell any idea.

I don’t want to be impolite but please talk only for your self…

Thanks.

Not impolite at all... thank you
 

javkap, received your message, thank you. Might I ask your opinion of the "papers are unnecessary" aspect of that blog? Is it your opinion that papers are indeed unnecessary?

The "We" was confusing. I should have said Elisa and I "are trying to sell the idea that it is not necessary to ship your bike back home if you are returning to Argentina ...etc"

I do apologize for any confusion created by my use of the word "WE."

javkap, while I really enjoy, my perception of the dynamic tension that continually increases between us. This energy, from my point of view only, might be better be expended toward any goals that we might share.

Our Goal: To abide by all considerations provided by the Ministry of Tourism of Argentina, and all other Argentine governmental agencies, and within this context, increase the number of foreign moto tourists in Argentina by providing parking/storage, accommodations and by providing accurate, up to date information that is requested and required by foreign moto tourists visiting Argentina.

Our Objectives:

1.We are providing safe and secure storage for motorcycles and gear of foreign moto tourists in Buenos Aires

2. We are documenting and taking the mystery out of the process for a foreign tourist to legally buying new or used bikes/motor vehicles in Argentina.

3.We are creating, testing, documenting and taking the mystery out of the process for a foreign tourist who has legally purchased a new or used bike/motor vehicle, legally registered it in Argentina, and then being legally able to cross into other countries of South America and to legally return to Argentina and legally sell or store the bike/motor vehicle in Argentina.

4.We are creating, testing and documenting and taking the mystery out of the process for a foreign moto tourist to sell his/her foreign registered bike to a fellow foreign tourist, so that the fellow foreign tourist can legally leave Argentina with the bike/motor vehicle and tour other South American countries.

5. We are providing comfortable accommodations and safe and secure bike parking for foreign moto tourists in Buenos Aires.

6. We are leading expeditions of scientists into Las Pampas to investigate thousands of reports of UFO (OVNI) sightings and cattle mutilations.

7. To write, and produce Argentine tangos with lyrics in English.

8. We are attempting to establish friendships with you and others.

9.Manufacture, market and sell my patented invention the "boludometro."

Please note none of the numbered "we" above have anything to do with you, except possibly #8, and I cannot, will not and do not want to speak for you on this topic, but I would like your considered opinion.

Message received and thank you. xfiltrate