Hi

First of all, sorry to start again a new thread from topics that might already be in this forum, but I wanted to give some background information before going into the questions.

I’m planning a trip for six months to Americas starting from September 2016 including North and from there to South America. The initial plan has been to ride trough South-America on a motorbike. I’ve been in South-America twice before. First I drove from Sao Paolo to Montevideo and back in 2012 and last year we rode from Osorno Chile to Ushuaia Argentina with four motorbikes (BMW F800GS).
The initial route in the upcoming trip would be from Columbia-Ecuador-Peru-Bolivia-Paraguay-Argentina and Buenos Aires would be our final stop. We have about two months reserved for this route and it can still be modified. I’m riding together with my girl friend meaning there will be some extra weight on the bike.

The challenge is the following: Where can we get the motorbike and what options there are?

1. Rent: There a only a few rental shops that I found which rent bikes that you can leave to a different country and it is really expensive (150-200$ a day plus pickup/drop off).

2. Buy from Columbia, Ecuador or Peru and continue from there? For some reason the bikes that are sold in those countries are really crappy, old and expensive. I’ve tried to look them from some web pages but haven’t exactly found anything but some old Japanese offroad bikes.

3. Buy the bike from US (San Fransisco) and transport it to South-America? Yes, the bikes a cheap in the US. You can get a 2010-2013 BMW F1200GS Adventure with just a few mileage for somewhere between 7000-12000$. It would be possible to ship the bike to Finland where I live from the end destination and sell it even with some profit (considering that it’s still in one peace). There are some but’s never the less. Should I ship it or thy air cargo from San Fransisco and what are the costs? Do I need to build a cargo grate for the bike for both of the transport options and how can I do that as a tourist? Do I need to register the bike and can I even do that if I’m in on a holiday in the US? Where should I transport the bike, Columbia, Ecuador? What other costs would there be?

As you can see I've really tried to think all the options available because this would be a dream come true and would really make our trip even more memorable. But the challenge with the bike is something I would need some help with and would really appreciate some tips and guides from more experienced travellers. I've read many of the threads in this forum, but still haven't found an answer to most of my questions. Anything related to buying the bike from these places mentioned above, transporting it, tariffs, rentals etc. would be helpful.


Thank you in advance
-Mika

For a heck of a lot less money, but the good chance of NOT recovering your investment, there is a purpose-built Chinese 250cc adventure bike available from a very reputable company in Southern California (they ship nationwide). Plus, from what I understand, a 1200 is quite large for anything south of the US border. You can pick up the bikes at the company's headquarters. Here is their site CSC MOTORCYCLES - RX3 Cyclone 250cc Adventure Touring Motorcycle, TT250 Enduro Motorcycle, Apparel, Helmets, Gloves, Boots, Accessories They are very good at communication. Read through their blog, as they just completed a group ride from their headquarters to Cabo San Lucas, and back. They have been getting very good reviews from actual owners on this site. Zongshen RX3 - ChinaRiders Forums

Plus, they have been distributed more and more by importers/distributors throughout Central and South America. CSC's Joe Berk can probably give you a list of companies down there if you had a need for specific parts.

Hola Mika,

six months to ride from the US to BsAs is not a lot of time, but sure it can be done ... and the bike will give you the freedom you want.

As you said, buying in the US would be the best (because of the price and because you can get it registered in your name). Crossing all this borders, you want to have the bike in your name to make things easier. In the US you can buy all parts you need for the trip. Of course you will need a bike that carries both of you and all the stuff, but you will be able to find what you need in the US. Take a week or two to buy and register it in your name. Do your homework before you fly to the US, make sure you know what you want and where you can register it.

There is no road between Panama and Colombia. So plan a week to get yourself and the bike from Panama City to Bogota by air. And plan to spend for this around 2000 USD.

Riding from Bogota to BsAs in two month is quick, too quick if you ask me, but than in BsAs you have to plan to sell the bike or ship it to Europe. Plan at least one week for this, selling could be quicker (depending on your price). Shipping will cost you for the bike only around 2000 USD, lets say to Frankfurt.

So, you see the bike will give you a lot of freedom but also some obligations and costs.

I would suggest you buy something used for not more than 4000 to 5000 USD in the US, than sell it in BsAs for 2500 to 3000 USD. The newer and more expensive the bike is, the harder is it to sell it here in South America. With all the regulations in Europe it will not be easy to import it to Finland.

If you come to Bolivia, I invite you for a or two.

Ohh, welcome to the HUBB, good to see Finnish travelers here.

Kipis
mika

Hola Mika, que tal? That was good information. I am no stranger to international adventure touring, and I visited SA a long time ago. I plan to come again next year and ride Columbia to Ushuaia over 4months.

I am thinking to buy a bike now in the US, ride it a little, and then ship it to Columbia (i want to ride there but so expensive on the Stahlratte from Panama to Columbia!). My first question is what is easiest to sell in Santiago or parts of Chile? I know you are in Bolivia, but maybe you have advice.

I will spend maximum 4500usd, but prefer less. I don't love japanese bikes like DR650 or KLR.

I am looking at a BMW 650x challenge which I used to own. It has a very reliable rotax engine and is super light! Also it's only 3000usd, but already has 26000miles. OR the same engine is in a Husqvarna Terra 650, and almost new with 3000miles, but 4500usd. What will sell better?? Maybe the bike that costs the next owner less to buy even tho higher mileage?

This is my dilemma as I do not want to ship from SA, just leave for another person. Tourists have more money to buy, but not sure about Chileanos?

Thanks in advance

p.s. i will definitely come to Bolivia!

Hi octopusenvy,

of the two bikes you mentioned, I would get the BMW ... because it is cheaper and I know it, and on your way down you will find some Bmw dealers to get parts. Mileage is not that important down here, the price is.

Most Chilenos will not be interested in buying your bike, because they cant get papers for it ... except if you sell it in a Zona Franca, but most Chilenos dont live in this free trade zones. Your best option is to sell it to a tourist, you will find lots of info here on the Hubb how to do it.

Contact me, when you are near or in Bolivia, so we can have a together.

Suerte
mika

Hi mika

I’m spending a month in San Fransisco so I need to find, buy and register the bike in my name during that time. Do you know how should I plan it if I want to register the bike in my name in the US since I’m not a US citizen (I’m from Europe)? What are the actions/steps and how much time should I reserve for the process?

I also need to find a dealer who could help me in the shipping/aircargo process to S-A or handle the whole thing. Uhhh, a lot of stuff still to figure out

Thank you for the help!
-Mika

My riding partner rented a bike in Cali Columbia from Motolombia (a tour company), he said the bike was properly maintained. They rent name brand bikes and will also sell bikes. It would save a lot of headache of shipping. Check out their web page to see if it might be an option.

MOTOLOMBIA – Motorcycle Adventure Tours & Rentals in South America