Anyone know anything about what you need to ride and buy a bike in Brazil?

Do they care if you have a motorbike license or can you ride bikes with a normal driving license.

What are the steps for buying a bike out there, and how does insurance work.
Any tips would be great
Ollie

Ollie:
I'll be in San Paulo in Jan. I have not found a bike yet.
Only Harleys at $175 per day. I'll let you know if I find anything
Gene

Well I entered brazil in March 2008 at the Iguazu falls border with Argentina..

They thought i was just crossing over to see the falls so they just waved me through with a quick passport stamp.. Americans and Canadians will need a Visa BEFORE you cross the border. Us Europeans just sail through. If you need a visa you will need to find the Embassy before you cross or a Visa is required.. Very simple process to get it as far as I know.

Now, there was some argument about what bike papers you need in Brazil. Some Canadians I was with got temporary imports for the bikes but me and my US companions didnt. We travelled the length of Brazil and were never once stopped by police or asked for papers of any sort. Even when taking the Amazon ferry.. By all means get one but you wont have problems without. Even at the border with Venezuela, I just got a smile and a stamp.. They didnt even ask about the bikes (although i didnt volunteer any info).

I think you need insurance but just a fancy looking Document in English will do.. We couldnt find anywhere in Brazil who would even sell us moto insurance. No one ever checked and thats the impression I got from other travellers.

Too many bike travellers skip Brasil but for me it was a real highlight.. The coast is just FABULOUS and the riding through the forest and moutains is mind blowing. The people are fantastically friendly and Sau Paulo and Rio de janiero are no more dangerous than London or Newyork ... I LOVE BRAZIL.....

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Thanks for the info, very useful!

Good luck on the rest of your trips.
Ollie