Shipping bike UK to Argentina and back.
 

Hi folks. I am looking at shipping a bike from the the UK to Buenos Aires beginning of January 2020, and back from either BA or Valparaiso in Feb or March 2020. I have spoken to a well-known shipping company, who recommended flying the bike to BA, and sea freight back from Valparaiso. They said I could get the bike the same day I arrive in BA, which is what I want, as I want to maximize time in SA with the bike. However, the costs were pretty high, the whole thing amounting to around £3200.
Does anyone have any recommendations for other shipping companies, and/or recent experience of shipping a bike on this route?

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There is sea-freight into Montevideo from Europe which is cheaper I think.

You must always consider the port costs in South America which can be almost as high as the shipping.

All in all. There is no cheap way.

I got a quote from Motofreight from UK to Buenos Aires.

Around £1500 for the crating and shipping.
£500 for the Airport/Handling fees in Bsas.

That's each way.

Once in BsAs, many use Javier and Sandra (Dakar Motos) as agents to release their bike from the Airport. Not sure on their fees.

Shipping a bike both directions for a couple of months is going to be marginal no matter where, when or how. If you really like your own bike it might be worthwhile, but there's no way around the expense. In my rule-of-thumb-prone mind, three months riding is the minimum--otherwise, buy or rent locally, or think about the possibility of shipping into a country, then selling the bike at the end of your trip (although this presents a whole new set of potential issues).

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Thanks for that. I am probably going to airfreight the bike. As it seems I can only quote one post at the time, reasons are in the next post

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Thanks Mark. I am going to airfreight a bike both ways. I have looked at rental, and there's a couple of reasons why I don't want to rent. Firstly, I can only find KLR's and BMW's for rent, and would prefer a smaller bike. Secondly, I can buy a Royal Enfield Himalayan second hand, and ship it there and back for almost the same price as a rental, but, of course, I then still have a bike when I get home. Original plan was a CCM GP450, but the Himalayan is cheaper, can be welded easily if it breaks, and I really liked the one I took for a test ride. So that's now looking like the plan, to airfreight to Buenos Aires and back. The quotes I have had for sea freight, when you factor in local agents charges, seem much higher. Also, with airfreight, I can pick up the bike the same day I fly in.

I have a deal where I still get half pay from my company for the two months, so it's not as big a financial hit as it could be. Plus it's the only way to get in a really nice long ride somewhere beautiful and remote, and still have a job to come back to. I can only get enough time off in UK winter. I also have the first half of March as leave, so it actually gives me 2 1/2 months for the trip. I am hoping to do a trip to the Stan's, Mongolia and the Road of Bones sometime in the next few years, so will also already have a bike when I get round to that

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Yup. Sounds like you've thought it through and made the best decision considering your preferences and tolerance of uncertainties. Just don't be too quick to discount the input you get here--many of us have direct experience doing the sorts of things you're planning, and if someone suggests something you've considered and discarded there might be an applicable reason...or not.

I would never consider sea freight on the beginning end of a trip, especially when time-limited. I often rent at destinations, but have shipped in and out of several places when having my own bike seemed worthwhile. But I've no interest in ever owning an RE (so far), particularly on an extended trip. Your mileage obviously varies.

Your trip is still a ways off, so I hope you'll let us know how your plans evolve and how it actually goes.

Mark

Thanks Mark. I certainly wouldn't discount any advice received on here, the reason I originally posted was to get the thoughts of people experienced in travelling and shipping bikes. Now I have a plan, I am also hoping to get advice on routes to and from each end of Ruta 40. I will be starting in the north. My experience of long bike trips is mainly on Harley's, though rode dirt bikes a lot in my youth.
The choice of a RE Himalayan is based on cost, weight of the bike, seat height, the fact that I like the bike, and it's easy to work on. Personally I wouldn't ever buy a GS :) I will post details of the trip on here, really looking forward to it!

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Hey Jon,
have you seen our Promotion of motorbike transports to and from Valparaiso? this would fit to yr travel plans perfect and it is the most easy and economic way to South America.
https://www.intime-ham.com/en/motorc...alparaiso.html
Let me know if you Need anything additional


Cheers
Olaf

Hi,
I am in Argentina and just starting a trip and went through all the options you have considered.
Started with shipping my bike from UK - would cost around £4k for both ways, crazy waste of money.
Looked at buying an Enfield Himalayan in Chile, think its a good option. This outfit will sort all your insurance and paperwork for a very reasonable fee
www.suzisantiago.com
Eventually I saw a Yamaha XT660Z Tenere for sale on this website from a traveller returning home. You can legally change ownership at a solicitor (Poder) and off you go. Keep checking the classifieds- think its the best option.

Hi,
I am in Argentina and just starting a trip and went through all the options you have considered.
Started with shipping my bike from UK - would cost around £4k for both ways, crazy waste of money.
Looked at buying an Enfield Himalayan in Chile, think its a good option. This outfit will sort all your insurance and paperwork for a very reasonable fee
www.suzisantiago.com
Eventually I saw a Yamaha XT660Z Tenere for sale on this website from a traveller returning home. You can legally change ownership at a solicitor (Poder) and off you go. Keep checking the classifieds- think its the best option.

Thanks for that. I have just contacted them. At the moment I am looking at shipping a bike, but will see what they come back with.

I heard back from Suzisantiago, and it looks like shipping a bike is the best option for me. That way, I can have the bike farkled to my requirements, no delays, plus still have the bike for an Asian trip later on. Yes, it's going to cost a bit for shipping (£3200, nearly as much as the bike), but I only have 2 months, I am getting half pay during the trip, and I will have the bike set up how I want it. Still got to buy the bike, but I will have one within a couple of weeks: time off work is booked, permission from her who must be happy obtained, route planned and shopping list is close to being finalised. Luckily, as I commute to work by bike all year here in the UK, I have pretty much all the clothing and bike gear I need already. Due to our summer biker rally/camping habit, I also already have most of the camping gear I will need.

To say I am excited about the trip would be a serious understatement.

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So sent you an email for a quote bier