How much time should I allow to sell a bike in panama?

[Khakipantsromance]

Hello everyone,

Long time reader, first time poster.

Looking at a trip next feb/march/April, starting in Guatemala, buying bikes, ending in panama.

All other considerations being equal;

We will likely sell the bikes in Panama City. From what I understand, the process is

1. Find a buyer
2. Go to a notary
3. Take vehicle to storage
4. Cancel passport stamp.

A couple questions I can't seem to find answers to...

1. Finding a buyer. Is this a difficult process, does it take long? We don't mind getting unders for the bikes if we save more time.are there dealers that will take them? In short, how long would it take us to sell the bikes?

2. Is the process easier if I sell to travellers heading north? Does this remove some of the steps involved with selling in Panama City? (Import tax and storage, et ? )

Thanks in advance

[mollydog]

There is a lot of info here and you have the time to research it. I haven't seen a lot of travelers selling a bike off in Panama, most sell in Ecuador or Colombia.

NOTE: I'm sure you're aware of current "unrest" in Nicaragua?
Roads blocked, lots of chaos. Hopefully will be resolved before your trip.

So, you want to buy a bike in Guatemala then re-sell in Panama?

Anytime you've got a "Foreign" bike it can be a bit complicated to sell legally in another country. Easier if someone just hands you cash and aren't worried about paperwork.

Might be easier to ride your bike North, sell back to the dealer you bought it from in Guatemala? Will cost you a couple days traversing Cent. America borders. But could take WEEKS to do the deal in Panama. Not sure.

On HUBB I see TONS of KLR's for sale in Colombia and Ecuador here on HUBB every month.

A few things to deal with: TVIP problems, insurance issues and more. These KLR's seem to NOT sell very quickly or easily, my guess is many leave the bike behind or give away. Especially Euros who have to be back at work and have no choice but to walk away.

Many try to sell in Colombia to avoid spending the $1400 (more or less) transporting bike and yourself from Colombia to Panama by Air.