Tips on riding down from Mexico to Panama
 

Hi All! I am new to this website, I have read many interesting threads already and thought I would give it a try.

I just finished my 6 years of university in Amsterdam, and am planning a little trip. I ride a motorcycle here in the Netherlands, but have limited experience with DIY motorcycle repairs. The original plan was to fly to Mexico City, buy a used motorcycle and ride down via Yucatan-Belize-Guatemala etc., to eventually finish in Colombia. There is no road between Panama and Colombia so I would either fly the bike or go by boat. However, my question is regarding the start of the journey. I have read different things about buying a used motorcycle in Mexico City, some good ones and some bad ones.

I am now starting to wonder if it would be better to fly to Houston instead, and buy a motorcycle there, as there seem to be a better supply of decent bikes. Is it a big hassle to get a used motorcycle registered on my name as a tourist in Texas? Or would it be easier to get the bike in Mexico City, and what should I pay attention to if I would choose this option?

My spanish is definitely not sufficient to engage in lengthy conversations about the specifications of the bikes etc, but hope to find someone willing to help me, maybe someone that works in my hostel or something.

If anyone has any experience or relevant knowledge, I would really appreciate your tips!

Kind regards,

Maarten

Hi Maarten, I have rode all the countries in Latin America except Brazil, the Guyanas, and Venezuela.

My advice to you is go to South America instead of Central America. I enjoyed South America much more because there is a lot less corruption. You want to look to buy a used motorcycle traveler's bike in Argentina or Chile. You can find the best deals in the world on motorcycles in these 2 countries because they are where most foreign travelers complete their trips at and choose to sell the bike cheap rather than pay $5k US in shipping to send it back to North America. There is kind of a gray market for these motorcycles. Send a pm to an experienced like myself if you want to know more about how to do the paperwork if you buy a bike in Chile or Argentina.

Here is the forum on this site that you want to use to buy your bike:


http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...r-sale-wanted/

Hi GatoGato,
i would be very much interested in the grey market for motorcycles and the paperwork involved in Argentina and Chile. Can you please PM me (i cannot yet)
regards Ben

Yeah, if you want to start at the bottom, Punta Arenas is a good place to get a bike from another traveler. In South America, Colombia has fairly cheap bikes and you can register them. In the US you can get a good used bike for $2000 that will make the trip.

As for 5k to ship a bike back to North America, Not quite, i shipped mine back for $1250.